NEW
ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS
MA098
Semester __________________Section _____________
Instructor _________________Phone _______________
(Adjuncts enter 201-200-3201)
Office Hours __________________ Office_________(Adjuncts
indicate availability)
E-Mail Address________________________ (Especially
helpful for adjuncts)
Textbook: Algebra for College Custom Text.,
Pearson/Prentice Hall., 2004
I. Description
Contents: This course is an introduction to algebra,
which concentrates on graphic representation, problem solving, and the use and
manipulation of polynomials and other algebraic expressions to model and
interpret real-life situations. The central themes are the applications of
linear and quadratic relationships.
Credits: Algebra for College is a 4 (non-college)
credit course.
Placement: Placement into this course is determined by
the results of Academic Advisement Placement Testing, by the results of the
Math Department Confirming Exam, or by a customized test with the Math Chair.
The last two options are at the discretion of the Math Chair.
Withdrawal
Policy: Withdrawal from this course requires special
permission from the Assistant Dean of Arts & Sciences.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ma
095 (Basic College Math), or equivalent.
II.
Goals
1.
To
improve the students’ ability to simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions.
2.
To
increase the students’ ability to solve and graph linear equations and inequalities.
3.
To
reinforce students’ knowledge of polynomials, roots and graphs.
4.
To
increase students’ knowledge of operations on polynomials.
5.
To
introduce methods of solving and graphing quadratic equations.
6.
To
increase the students’ ability to apply algebraic skills to reading problems.
7.
To
prepare students for Intermediate Algebra or Fundamentals of Math.
III. Content
Linear Equations and Inequalities with Applications
Exponents and Polynomials with Applications
Polynomials and Factoring with Application
Graphing and Functions
Systems of Linear Equations in two
variables with applications
Radicals
Quadratic Equations with Applications
III. Evaluation
1. There are two ways to pass this
course. The first way is by having a total score of >= 42 on the module
tests. There will be three of these at approximately equal intervals. Each test
will have 20 problems worth one point each. Partial credit will not be given.
Calculators may be used. All work must be shown. A student does not have to get
14 on each test. The score is cumulative. Each module test covers primarily the
material since the previous test. The second way for a student to pass the
course is by taking a final exam. Each of 25 problems is worth one point and a
score >= 15 is required to pass. Students who did not pass by the module
method could not get grade higher than B by taking the final exam. Partial
credit will not be given for answers. Calculators may be used. You may pass the course either way. Those
who pass by the module method do not have to attend class after that point and
they do not have to take the final. Students who fail by the module method will
still be allowed to take the final; and if they pass the final they pass the
course.
Review sheets for the final
will be distributed to you, but do not
rely totally on them. You are responsible for learning all the course
material, as indicated on the syllabus and the pacing schedule.
2. The grades in this course
are R, F, C, C+, B-, B, B+, A-, A or W.
Students who pass (Whose total score is
>= 42 on the module tests)are given grades from C to A depending on
their scores.
If the total score on the
three module exams is
0
- 41 The student must take final
exam
42 – 44 C
45 – 46 C+
47 – 49 B-
50 – 52 B
53 – 55 B+
56 – 58 A-
59 – 60 A+
For students who did not
pass by the module method and took the final
0 - 14 R
or F
15 – 17 C
18 – 19 C+
20 – 22 B-
23 – 25 B
Note: Students who did not pass by
the module method could not get grade higher than B by taking the final.
The R is used for students
taking the course for the first time who did not pass. The F must be given to any students who repeated
the course and did not pass. The grade of W can be given only by the registrar
for an approved withdrawal. Such approval must come from the Assoc. Dean of
Arts and Sciences.
3. The module tests will be
given on the following dates in this class: ______________
4. Students who receive a grade
of R, as described above, will be required to repeat the course the next
semester, or pass MA099 (Alg Express). MA099 requires
permission of the AF Coordinator or Dept. Chair. Students who receive a grade of F, as
described above, may be dismissed from the university. Appeals of dismissal may
result in a request to the Math. Chair and your instructor for a recommendation
on a third try. A positive recommendation will only be given if you attended
and participated fully during your previous tries.
IV. Attendance:
Any student who is absent
for 6 class hours without an acceptable documented reason will receive
automatically a grade of R or F.
V. Tutoring
Free tutoring is available
for this course. Complete information is available at H-506.
Form O2 Revised
Sept. 2007