Math 1111

College Algebra

Georgia Highlands College

Course Syllabus

Xiuming Quan

 Spring, 2009

Course Description:

Mathematics 1111: College Algebra            3-0-3.                          MATH 1111

This course is a functional approach to algebra that incorporates the use of appropriate technology. Emphasis will be placed on the study of functions and their graphs, inequalities, and linear, quadratic, piece-wise defined, rational, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions. Appropriate applications will be included.

Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement scores/MATH 0099

Instructor:    Xiuming Quan            

E-mail: xquan@highlands.com  fccs1100@gmail.com

Textbook:     TEXTBOOK

Precalculus, 3rd edition

Blitzer

Pearson/Prentice Hall

TI-83 or equivalent graphing calculator is required.

Course Content: Selected sections from chapters 1-3.

Grading Policies: 

Four exams and a comprehensive final exam will be given during the semester. Each exam will count 100 points, while the comprehensive final exam will count 200 points.  

Students’ averages for the semester will be based on a total of 700 points (400 points from the exams, 200 points from the final exam, and 100 points from Home work). The usual grading scale (90%—100% is an A, 80%—89% is a B, etc.) will apply. If a student simply quits attending class without officially withdrawing, the student will receive a grade of F$ in the class.

Calculators: Use of calculators is allowed on all tests.  Each student taking this course needs access to a TI-83 or equivalent graphing/scientific calculator.  Students will use their calculator while participating in class, taking exams, and completing homework exercises.  Please note that sharing calculators during graded assignments is not permitted.

Academic Policies: If a student simply quits attending class without officially withdrawing, the student will receive a grade of F in the class. The last day for officially withdrawing from class without grade penalty is mid-semester. Withdrawals after mid-semester are subject to approval by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and will be issued only in cases of extreme emergency or hardship.

Please refer to the Floyd College catalog or web site for general academic information.

The mid-semester date for Spring 2009 is March 6,2009.

Student Learning

 Team Goal—Mathematics: The student will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply mathematical thought and methods.

 Related Team Outcomes

·          Students will be able to demonstrate algebraic skills in solving equations.

·          Students will be able to graph an abstract function.

·          Students will be able to graph a real-life function.

·          Students will be able to model concrete problems and arrive at solutions.

·          Students will be able to graph relationships other than functions.

·          Students will be able to demonstrate algebraic skills in solving inequalities.

·          Students will be able to use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding

·         Students will be able to interpret a real-life function.

 Attendance: Students are expected to attend each and every scheduled class session.  Since lectures begin promptly at the scheduled time, students are encouraged to avoid arriving late to class. Participation is partially measured through attendance. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class session.

 Make-up tests: No make-up tests will be given in this class.  If a student misses a test then they will receive a grade of zero on that test.  At the end of the semester all students have the option of replacing one test grade with their grade on the final exam.  Students that know in advance they will be absent on a test day may make arrangements with the instructor to take the test at a time prior to the time the class takes the test.

The take-home project grades will not be replaced under any circumstances.  Therefore, any uncompleted take-home projects will count as a zero in the calculation of students' averages.

Time Limits on Exams:

Students are expected to complete the in-class exams in a timely fashion.  It is imperative that students prepare adequately in advance of the exams in order to work quickly and efficiently during the tests.  Students will have 1 hour 15 minutes to complete the in-class exams and 2 hours to complete the final exam. 

Cheating:  Cheating (or even the appearance of cheating) will not be tolerated in this class. Any student that the instructor suspects of cheating will be removed from the testing area. The issue will be referred to the appropriate Floyd College committee for investigation.

ADA: Students seeking reasonable accommodations under ADA should contact the Floyd College ADA coordinator (Rome campus) for information and guidance.

Sheryl Ballenger, Director of the Access Center –Disability Support

800-332-2406 or (706) 802-5003 voice or (706) 802-5123 v/tdd

This message applies only to students receiving financial aid:  Federal regulations state that if a student did not attend classes and received failing grades, then the grades were not earned and financial aid needs to be reduced accordingly.  Please be advised that any student receiving a 0.00 GPA will be required to prove that the 0.00 GPA was earned by attending classes or completing requirements for each class.  Students who have earned at least one passing grade for the semester will not be affected by this regulation.  If a student has properly withdrawn from all classes, the student’s financial aid should be adjusted from the time they signed the withdrawal form.

This is a tentative schedule and the instructor reserves the right to alter it as and when necessary

Topics for College Algebra

Math 1111

Georgia Highlands College

2009

TEXTBOOK

Precalculus, 3rd edition

Blitzer

Pearson/Prentice Hall

TI-83 or equivalent graphing calculator is required.

Twenty-one sections are included above. This format should allow for three

review days, four exam days, and two days for final exam review, if the

optional section is covered.