MAT 121-3625 Introductory Algebra                        Spring 2008

Instructor:  Denise Sweeney

Location:  CM 463 - SCC Main Campus / MW 7:30 a.m. ? 9:10 a.m.

Telephone:  (480) 731-8866 ext:  14908

Email:  denise.sweeney@sccmail.maricopa.edu

Textbook:  Mathematics in Action:  Algebraic, Graphical, and Trigonometric Problem Solving (Third Edition) by The Consortium for Foundation Mathematics, Pearson Addison ? Wesley Publishers

Course Description:  Quadratic, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions and equations; graphs of quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; equations quadratic in form; operations on rational expressions, radical expressions, and complex numbers; rational exponents; applications.

Official Course Competencies:

1. Use function notation.
2. Solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and the
3. quadratic formula.
4. Solve equations quadratic in form.
5. Solve rational and radical equations.
6. Perform operations on complex numbers.
7. Perform operations on radical and rational expressions.
8. Simplify radical and rational expressions.
9. Simplify expressions involving rational exponents.
10. Graph quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
11. Identify the domain of quadratic, rational, radical, exponential, and
12. logarithmic functions.
13. Rewrite logarithmic expressions using the properties of logarithms.
14. Evaluate formulas involving exponential or logarithmic expressions.
15. Model and solve real- world problems using quadratic, rational, radical,
16. exponential, and logarithmic equations.

Prerequisites:  Grade ?C? or better in MAT090, MAT091, MAT092, MAT093, or equivalent, or satisfactory score on District Placement exam.

Important Note:  This is a 4 credit class.  It is a faster paced class than the 5 credit MAT120 course, but slower than 3 credit MAT122 course.

Calculators:  A graphing calculator is required.  I will be using a Texas Instrument calculator in class and your textbook also devotes instruction to this brand of calculator; therefore, a TI-83 or TI-84 series is highly recommended.

Renting a calculator is possible through Student Life (north end of the Student Center building ? Room 185).  Demand is high, so rush over there after class!

Materials:  You will need loose-leaf paper for class work and homework.  A three-ring binder is suggested for this class ? your textbook should come this way from the bookstore.  I would organize the binder by chapters that we cover in this course ? keeping all handouts, homework, quizzes and tests in each section of its corresponding chapter.  This organization will definitely help you at the end of the semester when you are studying for the final.

Attendance / Withdrawal:  Regular class attendance is very important.  Excessive absenteeism (i.e., more than 3 classes) may result in withdrawal of your enrollment in the class.  In case of absence, it is YOUR responsibility to contact me and get missed assignment and other information that you miss.  If you need to withdrawal, it is your responsibility to follow the policies and deadlines specified in the General Catalog and Student Handbook.

Cheating and Other Definitions of Academic Misconduct is found in your student handbook.  Sanction 4 (Course Failure) will be imposed if you have committed Academic Misconduct.  Simply, if you represent someone else?s work as your own ? whether in part or whole ? you will fail this class.

Students with Disabilities:  Please contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services in the Student Center Building.

Assigning of Grades:  Your grade is not a reflection of you as a person.  Also, your grade is not a measurement of your effort.  Like it or not, we all have different abilities and some people will have to work harder than others in this course ? your grade is simply an evaluation of your performance in this class.  This means that you are being assigned a letter grade based on your demonstration of subject comprehension through your application and completion of the items that are evaluated in this course. 

Grading:  You will accumulate points on work that you hand in for a grade.  These are the categories in which you can earn points:

                   Tests:                               65%

                   Homework & Quizzes:      15%

                   Final Exam:                      20%

          Final semester grades are assigned as follows:

                   Percentage of Total Points           Semester Grade

                             90 ? 100                                    A

                             80 ? 89                                     B

                             70 ? 79                                     C

                             60 ? 69                                     D

                             0 ? 59                                       F

Tests:  The topic and testing schedule is attached.  Any changes to this schedule will be announced in class ? it is YOUR responsibility to be aware of changes.  There will be 5 tests.  Each test will be weighted equally.  The lowest of the five tests will be dropped and not included in your final semester grade.  No make-up tests are given.  A missed test receives a score of zero.

Homework & Quizzes:  You can expect homework collected or a quiz every class.  If homework is collected for a grade, I will assign points based on accuracy of work and answer.  If it is a quiz day, you will either have the aid of using your homework or a partner ? I will let you know that day.  If you miss class, you will receive a zero for the day (unless, you turned in your homework before your absence and it happens to be a homework collection day instead of a quiz day).  Homework and Quizzes will always occur at the beginning of class ? be on time and have your work completed ? otherwise, you will receive a ?0?.

Semester Exam:  The schedule does not allow for make up exams, so please be certain to be here!

Tutoring and Media Resources:  The SCC Math / Science Center offers FREE tutoring, videos, and computer tutorial software.  The Math / Science Center is located in CM 441A.  Please visit the tutoring center for hours of operation.  Also, bring your course schedule and id card with you to gain access into the tutoring schedule.  You should always plan to get help before it is too late.  Please plan on several days before your test; not as a last resort on the day of the test.

To establish a positive learning environment for this class:

As an instructor, I am expected to be professional, courteous, respectful, and empathetic to students ? and to

·        Begin and end class on time ?

·        Be prepared for each class session ?

·        Provide academic feedback and grade assignments in a timely manner ?

·        Be available for individual consultation before & after class ?

·        Clarify assignments and inform students of any adjustments to the class schedule

As a student, you are expected to be reflective, courteous, respectful, and empathetic to classmates, instructor, and other College staff assisting you in your learning ? and to

·        Be in class and be on time ?

·        Be prepared for class sessions ?

·        Participate in class activities ?

·        Follow instructions and complete assignments ?

·        Keep up with and turn in assignments by the due dates ?

·        Put forth your best effort ?

·        Ask questions when you don?t understand ?

·        Maintain knowledge of your grade and attendance ?

·        Contact instructor right away about concerns or situations that interfere with your success in the class ?

·        Comply with policies found in College catalog and student handbook.

Finally, I am here for you!!!  I love teaching and absolutely couldn?t imagine another career field ? I am excited to be teaching this course and to be your teacher.  Please bring your questions or concerns to class.  My goal is to help YOU, help yourself, to be successful in this mathematics course!

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