Textbook: : Algebra & Trigonometry by M. Sullivan 9^th edition packaged with MyMathLab access code  or MyMathlab Access Code alone ( Mymathlab program contains an electronic version of the textbook). Keep in mind  though that if you plan to take Trigonometry, you will most likely need the  textbook.

Course Description:  The focus of this course is on functions and their properties. In particular, properties and graphs of linear, quadratic, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions are discussed. Ways of solving systems of equations are introduced at the end of the semester.

Course Objectives: After finishing the course students should have a good understanding of the concept of a function, its domain and range. They should be able to graph basic functions and be familiar with their properties. They should be able to perform operations on functions, form composition and find the inverse of some one-to-one functions. They should know and be able to apply properties of logarithms. They should be able to solve exponential and logarithmic equations, and systems of equations.

Material to be covered:                                     

·         Chapter R:  Sections: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8

·         Chapter 1:   Sections: 1,2,4, 5,6

·         Chapter 2:  Sections: 1- 4

·         Chapter 3:   Sections: 1-6 and the departmental handout ”More on Functions”

·         Chapter 4:  Sections: 3, 4, 5

·         Chapter 5:               Sections: 2, 3, 4

·         Chapter 6:  Sections: 1- 8

·         Chapter 12:             Sections: 1, 6

·          All online assignments are available at http://pearsonmylabandmastering.com/

·         All online assignments have a due date. You can start any online assignment at any time, but you must finish by the due date. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances, so please plan accordingly.  

·         Online problems are algorithmic iterations of the textbook exercises.

·         Homework assignments can be attempted an infinite number of times but must be completed by the assigned due date.

·         The online quizzes can be taken only in the lab. The last day to take a quiz is Tuesday (see the schedule). To take a quiz you will have to complete associated homework assignment with a score of 80% or more. If you do not score at least 80% on the homework, you will not be able to take the associated quiz and therefore you will receive a 0% on that quiz. You can take each quiz up to 3 times and only the highest score will be recorded. You will not be allowed to use notes or the textbook during a quiz. 

·         Do not wait until the last moment to complete those assignments since you will not know what problems (technical or not) you might encounter along the way. Keep in mind that the lab will be open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and there might be times when the lab will be full and you will not be allowed to enter.

·         At the end of the semester the homework with the lowest grade and the quiz with the lowest grade will be dropped.

Lab Etiquette  

·         To access the lab, you must have your Panther ID card. It will be used to track your lab attendance.

·       While in the lab, you are expected to be actively working on your College Algebra assignments. Accessing sites other than MyMathLab, using cellphones, iPods, personal laptops, as well as sleeping, eating and drinking is not allowed in the lab. All cell phones must be turned off and put away. If you violate any of these rules you will be asked to leave the lab and you will receive 0 for lab attendance for that time period, even if all required hours have been completed. Please note that the presence of a cell phone on the desk is a violation of the rules.

·         Please remember that the lab will be open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm. It might happen that you will have to wait before you are allowed to enter. Please plan accordingly, do not wait until 7:30 pm on Tuesday to take a quiz. The excuse “The lab was closed/closing” will not be accepted under any circumstances.   Please bring your math notebook if you plan to work on your homework. Take notes for future reference. If you plan to take a quiz, you will not be permitted to use notes  nor take out any scrap paper from the lab. 

Make-up Policy: There will be no make-up tests. If you miss a test due to illness or other emergency and provide documentation supporting your claim, your final exam will count in place of the missed test. There will be no make-ups for online assignments. Personal travel plans are not a valid reason for missing a test.

Grading policy:  Your grade will be calculated as follows:

Your final grade will be assigned according to the following scale.            

A:   93 – 100                  B +:  86 – 88                C+:  75 – 78                 D +:  60 - 64    

          A-:  89 – 92                   B:     83 – 85                C:    70 – 74                 D:     55 - 59        

Incomplete Grade Policy: The incomplete grade is given to a student who has substantially completed most of the course work, but is unable to finish an exam or other work because of circumstances beyond the student's control.  An IN grade cannot be given if it is necessary for the student to repeat the course.  An incomplete grade must be made up within two semesters. There is no extension of the two semester deadline. The student must not register again for the course to make up the incomplete. Every incomplete grade must be approved by the Mathematics Department.

Academic Misconduct: Includes (but is not limited to) giving or receiving assistance on a test, quiz, or homework assignment for which such assistance is not permitted, falsifying a document to obtain an excusal from a test, and using unauthorized notes on a test or quiz, and using a calculator other than TI-30XA.  A more complete definition of Academic Misconduct is given in the Student Handbook.  Penalties for Academic Misconduct range from an F in the course to expulsion from the University.

Classroom Etiquette:  To create and preserve a classroom atmosphere that optimizes teaching and learning, students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that does not disrupt teaching or learning. You are expected to come prepared to the class, be on time and remain in the classroom for the duration of the lecture. Talking, eating, sleeping, checking e-mail, using a phone, reading a newspaper, preparing for another class, packing up early is disruptive to others around you and to the instructor. Though classroom participation is always welcomed, questions and comments must be relevant to the topic at hand. If you have a question or comment, raise your hand to be recognized. Electronic devices such as cell phones, iPods, and computers must be turned off during class (and stored away from your desk area). Student conduct which disrupts the learning process shall not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class.

Daily Class Schedule