MAT 003-14 (41250) Beginning Algebra (3 unit)

Spring 2009

Room, and time: SBS E-220, 1-2:15PM

Instructor:                                 Dr. Sally Moite
Office:                                NSM E116
Office hours:                                TTH 9-9:45AM, 2:30-3:15PM (Please come by for five minutes during the first three weeks of class.)
Phone:                                (310) 243-2064 (during office hours)
Email:                                smoite@csudh.edu
Web Page:                                http://www.csudh.edu/math/smoite
Online Tutorial and Homework http://www.mhhe.com/csudh/Algebra Course Code CCA-9C-733

Computer Support (800) 331-5094 or www.mhhe.com/support

Computer Lab WH D-160, CSUDH Help Desk 310-243-2500

The Entry Level Math (ELM) requirement

Most MAT 03 students take the course to satisfy part of the ELM requirement. Students may satisfy the ELM requirement by earning CR grades in our math sequence MAT 03 and MAT 09. There are other ways to satisfy the ELM requirement. For example, one may satisfy the ELM requirement by earning a score of 50 or above on the ELM exam, or a score of 550 or higher on the math SAT. You may repeat the ELM exam as many times as necessary to earn a passing score. Please consult the University Advisement Center http:www.csudh.edu/uac/ or the Testing Office http://www.csudh.edu/testing/ for details.

Preparation for Courses in Math and Science Majors

Preparation math courses MAT 03 & MAT 09 are not enough to prepare students for the more demanding courses like MAT 153 College Algebra and Trigonometry or MAT 191 Calculus I that are required in math and science majors. MAT 03 & 09 are designed only to prepare students for general education math courses MAT 105 and MAT 131 and general education science courses. Students with rusty math skills who are planning to major in science or math should take a full course in Intermediate Algebra at a local community college.

Course Description

Preliminary Concepts such as arithmetic with signed numbers and fractions, linear equations and inequalities, applications, graphs of linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations, exponents, polynomials, scientific notation, rational exponents and radicals, complex numbers, factoring, rational expressions, complex fractions, word problems, and applications.

MAT 03 meets for three hours of lecture per week for sixteen weeks. It is a pre-collegiate course. It is graded on a CR/NC basis and does not count toward the Bachelor's degree.

Prerequisites

MAT 03 has no prerequisites and is intended for students who scored less than 42 on the current ELM exam.

Required Text

Custom website MathZone Home Work Manager, ALEKS Assessment, and Messersmith Beginning & Intermediate Algebra  eFlash book ISBN 0077299647 (students can print chapter by chapter).

·         Optional: Messersmith Beginning & Intermediate Algebra   ISBN 0078061547

o        Includes required Custom Website Authorization code (do not purchase both the text and the Custom Website MathZone card above – purchase either this text at the bookstore or the card, not both).

o        The actual textbook is not required, but is available at the bookstore.

o        Copies of the textbook are on reserve in the library.

Objectives

After completing MAT 03 the student should be able to

Expected outcomes

Students must be able to demonstrate through written assignments, exams, and discussions, that they have achieved the objectives of MAT 03.

Method of Evaluating Outcomes

Evaluations are based on homework, class participation, quizzes, and scheduled examinations covering students' understanding of the topics covered in MAT 03. MAT 03 is a CR/NC class.

Grading Policy:

10% of grade =

“You Try” Homework

10% of grade

Online Homework

10% of grade =

Quizzes

70% of grade =

2 Midterms (20% each)

1 Final (30%)

Extra Credit 5%

Class participation

 

 

 

Exams

Midterms and the final exam are cumulative common exams written and graded by the math department. Quizzes, homework, or other tests may be common or written and graded by the individual instructors. To receive credit for the course, a minimum score of 70% is required. Midterm dates are listed on the calendar at the end of this syllabus. Final exams are given according to the CSUDH final exam schedule. There are no makeup exams.

Homework and Class Participation

Homework: “You try” problem homework is due the class day after the section is listed in the schedule and will be checked off in class. Online homework is through MathZone. Dates and times of completion are listed for each assignment. Take homework seriously! It is the main vehicle for learning in math classes.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend every scheduled class. It is the student’s responsibility to keep informed of any announcements, syllabus adjustments, or policy changes. Students who miss the first week of classes will be dropped.

Behavior: The most important rule for this class is RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS. Therefore, no disruptive behavior will be permitted during class time; this includes but is not limited to coming to class late, leaving early, use of cell phones or other communication devices (such as the ringing of phones or alarms) and listening to music. All cell phones, IPODs, and other communication devices must be turned off and remain out of sight.

Participation: Student participation is expected such as contributing to group and class discussions. Research has shown that such activities promote learning.

Policy on Due Dates and Make-Up Work

Assignments are due at the start of the class. There are no exceptions; no late or make-up work will be accepted. It is the student’s responsibility to have homework done by the start of class on the due date. Since some homework is online that means the date and time of completion must be before the start of class. “You Try” homework is due by the start of class and must be delivered in person. There are no makeup tests except in an extreme emergency, but then proof of the emergency must be provided when requesting a makeup and you must contact the instructor directly, or by email as soon as possible; do not wait until the next class to ask about a makeup test since the test may be discussed during that class time.

Academic Integrity

The mathematics department does not tolerate cheating. Students who have questions or concerns about academic integrity should ask their professors or the counselors in the Student Development Office, or refer to the University Catalog for more information. (Look in the index under "academic integrity".)

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Cal State Dominguez Hills adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with temporary and permanent disabilities. If you have a disability that may adversely affect your work in this class, I encourage you to register with Disabled Student Services (DSS) and to talk with me about how I can best help you. All disclosures of disabilities will be kept strictly confidential. Please note: no accommodation may be made until you register with the DSS in WH B250. For information call (310) 243-3660 or to use telecommunications Device for the Deaf, call (310) 243-2028.

Creating Conditions for Successful Learning

Research shows success in math class depends very much on two factors: the amount of time spent working on the material, and the student’s beliefs about mathematics and what it means to understand and do mathematics. With this in mind, here are some suggestions:

 

In addition, you need to have:

Classroom Norms

As we will spend a lot of time working in partnerships, in groups, and in class discussions, here are some rules to help you navigate what may be an unfamiliar experience in a math class.

 

These rules are meant to benefit the entire class, and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and to learn.

 

Practice Problems can be found in four locations. The first is “You Try” problems, the second is online, the third is at the end of each section, and the fourth is either at the end of the mid-chapter review or the chapter review. It is highly recommended that you first view the online tutorials associated with each chapter before completing the online homework exercises. The advantage of doing online exercises for homework is that you will be provided with instant feedback and hints on how to properly complete the exercise. The student is responsible for strengthening their understanding of each topic. It is suggested that if a student does poorly on a class quiz, then the student should study the online tutorials – exercise videos and eProfessor for that topic. If needed arrange for tutoring at the CLASS Center.

 

C.L.A.S.S. – Free tutorial services to all CSUDH students

CLASS has free tutoring available; drop by their offices for information on how to take advantage of their free services. Also, CLASS will be offering a variety of workshops to help students enrich and improve their various academic skills. All CLASS workshops are free and participation is easy. Students may stop by the noted locations at the scheduled starting times. Below are two of the prescheduled workshops that could be of benefit, there are more workshops scheduled as the semester progresses. If you have questions, please stop by the CLASS office at SCC Building 11, Phone: 310-243-3827

 

Some books about learning mathematics

For students: How to be a great math student by Oxreider and Roy

For teachers (and students): What’s math got to do to it? by Jo Boaler

For parents (and students): The equation for excellence: How to make your child excel at math by Arvin Vohra

 

Furlough Days Because of the budget crisis, I will not teach or have office hours on three days during the term, and the class will not meet on those days. You will need to study and master the material for those days independently and do the homework. (Because you need to learn to be an independent learner, this may not be such a bad thing.) Skim and then read the book chapter and do the homework. Be sure at the beginning of the term that you find some other students to work with, so you can review this material together. Do not miss other days of class so you are ready for the material you must learn on your own. Furlough days will be Th Oct 8, Th Oct 16 and Tu Nov 24.

Revision history: Prepared by J. Wilkins 8/26/2009 Revised 7/7/01, 7/25/06 (G. Jennings), and revised 08/28/08 by D. Post with portions gleaned from syllabi of both M. Jones and S. Yoshinobu. Adapted by S. Moite

Classmate Information:                 Name: _______________________________ email: _________________________

Name: _______________________________ email: _________________________

Name: _______________________________ email: _________________________

Name: _______________________________ email: _________________________