Central Alabama Community College
Math 112 Tu Th - Precalculus Algebra
Course Syllabus - Spring, 2011
3 Semester Hours
Instructor: K. W. Nicholson
Office Phone: (256) 215-4336 (almost never there, try 4343)
Home Phone: (256) 839-6728
Email: nnicholson@cacc.edu
Webpage: http:// caccphysics.cacc.cc.al.us
Date Submitted: January 5, 2011
Course Prerequisites: All core mathematics courses in Alabama must have a minimum prerequisite high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an appropriate mathematics score. An alternative to this is that the student should successfully pass with a C or higher in Intermediate College Algebra (popularly known as Math 100).
I. Course Description:
This course emphasizes the algebra of functions - including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The course also covers systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic inequalities, and the binomial theorem. Additional topics may include matrices, Cramer's Rule, and mathematical induction.
II. Aims and Objectives:
As a result of completing this course, the student should be able to:
1. Solve linear equations and systems of linear equations.
2. Solve linear inequalities and absolute value equations and
inequalities.
3. Solve quadratic equations and inequalities.
4. Graph linear and circular functions.
5. Determine the inverse of a function.
6. Solve and graph polynomial functions.
7. Find the real zeros of a function.
8. Graph exponential functions and solve exponential equations.
9. Graph logarithmic functions and solve logarithmic equations.
III. Content and Organization:
(See pacing chart - attached)
IV. Textbook and Supplementary Materials:
Pre-Calculus: Fifth Edition by Mark Dugopolski.
A graphing calculator is not required for this class. However, you are allowed to bring whatever you can afford to buy and know how to use.
V. Required Assignments:
Hand
in Written Assignments
These will
be in class quizzes on Thursdays.
Midterm Exam
Given on the date specified on the pacing chart. If a student misses the midterm exam, the midterm will be assigned the same grade as the final exam.
Online Quizzes
With exception of the first, each homework assignment has 10 multiple choice questions. You may retake each homework assignment twice to improve your grade. The highest of the two grades will be used to compute your homework average. It is recommended that you work each problem on notebook paper and keep this paper as an aid in studying for a test.
There are two ways to approach submitting the answers to each question. The student may submit each answer as the problem is worked or may wait until all ten problems have been worked and submit the entire quiz at once. It is recommended that the student submit after each problem is worked. It is important to remember that if a student does not submit the problems individually and leaves the computer, the answers will be lost. Other than the deadline, there are no time limits on the quizzes. If you wish to exit a quiz before you finish, you must click "save without submitting".
All problems are multiple choice with four solutions.
Note: The purpose of deadlines on Homework is to insure that you do homework several times a week, instead of the night before an exam. Hence, DO IT ON TIME OR ZERO IT, NO EXCEPTIONS! All online homework assignments due 120 hours after moment assigned (that's 5 teeny tiny days).
Online Exams
Four
online exams, a midterm exam, and a final exam will be given in this
class. The lowest of the four online exam grades will be dropped at the
end of the semester. If a student is unable to take an online exam, the
student will be assigned a grade of 0 for that exam, and that will be
the grade that is dropped. A student will have only one chance to take
each exam. There is a time limit on the online exams. Once you enter
the exam, the clock starts, and will continue even if you exit the
exam. You must submit the exam to receive any credit for the exam! When
you submit the exam, you will see your score, but you will not be able
to see the results until the exam has officially closed. Deadlines are
firm and will not be extended due to personal internet problems.
If a student is unable to take the midterm or the final exam, it is
required that he or she call or email the instructor with a legitimate
excuse on or before the test date. If a student misses a scheduled exam
without notifying the instructor, he or she will be assigned a grade of
0. It is stated in the college catalog that there is no requirement
that the instructor provide the opportunity for a makeup. If a student
misses an exam and has informed the instructor prior to the exam, the
instructor will designate the time of the makeup for each exam. The
makeup exam will NOT be the same test as originally given.
VI. Evaluation Procedures:
4 online chapter tests 200 points 25%
26 Quizzes and 10 - 12 In Class Quizzes 200 points 25%
100 points 12.5%
1 200 point mid term Exam 200 points 25%
1 200-point comprehensive exam 200 points 25%
________________________
800 points 100%
Note: No make-up tests will be given. The lowest grade of the four chapter tests will be replaced by _ the final exam grade, (if it is higher). If a student is absent on a test day, that test grade will be automatically replaced by _ the final exam grade. If a second test is missed, a zero will be assigned.
VII. Other Important Information:
1. Grading system: 90 - 100 % = A, 80 - 89% = B, 70 - 79% = C, 60 69% = D, 0 - 59% = F.
2. Attendance will be recorded for each class but is not required. Regular attendance is essential for success in mathematics classes. The instructor cannot administratively withdraw students from a class for any reason. A student who stops attending class and does not complete an official withdrawal will receive a grade of F in the course. Classes will begin and end on time. You must remain for the duration of a class unless you have permission to leave. Cell phones and headphones are not allowed.
VIII. Office Hours:
(See below the pacing chart below.)
IX. Important! If you have a disability that may prevent you from meeting the course requirements, contact the instructor before the end of the first week of classes to file a student disability request and to discuss a reasonable plan. Course requirements will not be waived but accommodations may be made to assist you in meeting the requirements, provided you are timely in working with the instructor to develop a reasonable accommodation plan.
X. Statement of Harassment/Discrimination: The College and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to an individual's race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.