Math Department Sample Syllabus: MAT 003 Beginning Algebra (3 units).

(Revised July 2012.) This is a proposed sample syllabus only. It has not yet been approved by the math department. Please ask your instructor for the official syllabus for this course.

Room, and time:
Instructor:
Office:
Office hours:
Phone:
Email:
Web Page:
Online Tutorial and Homework http://www.mhhe.com/csudh/Algebra Course Code

The Entry Level Math (ELM) requirement

Most MAT 003 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 003 and MAT 009.

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 for Math and Science Majors

MAT 003 & MAT 009 are not enough to prepare students for the more demanding courses like MAT 153 Pre-Calculus or MAT 191 Calculus I that are required in math and science majors. MAT 003 and 009 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 College Algebra at a local community college.

Proposed Course Description

(For the official course description please see the University Catalog. We are working to have the official course description changed to make it fit more closely to what is currently being taught in MAT 003.)

Exponents, linear functions and graphs of lines, systems of linear equations, polynomials, factoring.

MAT 003 meets for three hours of lecture per week for fifteen weeks. It is graded on a CR/NC basis. MAT 003 does not count toward the Bachelor's degree, but it does help students progress toward satisfying the ELM requirement.

Prerequisites

MAT 003 has no prerequisites. It is intended for students who scored less than 42 on the current ELM exam.

Required Text

The text and other materials are on a custom website with Connect Home Work Manager, ALEKS Assessment, and Messersmith Beginning & Intermediate Algebra eFlash book, ISBN 98-0-07-338437-5. (Students can print chapter by chapter).

A paper copy of the textbook is not required, but it is available at the bookstore.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing MAT 003 students will be able to:

Perform arithmetic with signed numbers and fractions.
Translate sentences into equations with variables.
Use the distributive law to transform expressions.
Solve simple linear equations and inequalities.
Model realistic problems with simple linear equations.
Graph linear equations and inequalities.
Calculate slopes of lines and understand what they mean.
Find an equation for the line given two points on the line, or one point and a slope.
Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials
Use and understand integer exponents (including negative exponents).
Factor by grouping or patterns and factor trinomials.
Solve quadratic equations by factoring.

Method of Evaluating Outcomes and Grading Policy

Evaluations are based on homework, class participation, quizzes, and scheduled examinations covering students' understanding of the topics covered in MAT 003.

Grading Policy:

MAT 003 is a CR/NC class.

10% of grade	= Homework
5% of grade	= Class participation
15% of grade	= Quizzes
70% of grade	= 2 Midterms (20% each) + 1 Final (30%)

Exams and Exam Dates

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: Homework is online through Connect. Dates and times of completion are listed for each assignment. Take homework seriously! It is the main vehicle for learning in math classes. Instructors may assign additional homework or alternative homework.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend every scheduled class. It is the student's responsibility to initial the attendance roster at every meeting and to keep informed of any announcements, syllabus adjustments, or policy changes. Students who miss the first week of classes will be dropped. Points will be deducted for arriving late or leaving early.

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.

5 Minute Meeting: All students are required to meet with their instructor for a 5-minute meeting within the first three weeks of the semester.

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 delivered to the instructor by the start of class on the due date. Since most homework is online that means the date and time of completion must be before the start of class. If other homework is assigned, it is due by the start of class and can be delivered either in person, by email, or by having a classmate bring it to class. 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, by email, or voice mail 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.

Withdraw/Drop Information

In fall semester 2012 the last day to drop without record of enrollment is Thursday September 13. Even though the last day to drop a course with a "Withdraw" on the student's record is Thursday November 15, the Mathematics Department will not grant a withdraw to any student under any circumstances unless he/she is withdrawing from the University.

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:

Be in class, every class, and be on time.
Be prepared to participate in group work and discussions every day so that class time is not wasted, and
Spend at least 1 hour every day, not including class time, working on homework assignments, and studying.
Realize that mathematics is not just a set of procedures, and that mathematical concepts involve a lot of thinking and reasoning. Consequently, being able to execute procedures accurately is only one part of doing well in this class.
Realize that success in mathematics is less about "ability" and more about willingness to think and to work hard to make sense of things.

In addition, you need to have:

your assignments with you and ready to turn in on the day they are due
the phone numbers and emails of at least 2 classmates (preferably "study buddies") who will work with you in partnership to collect any handouts and inform you of important information should you miss a class.

Write names of study buddies here:

Name: _______________________________ email: _________________________

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.

Never call out an answer until the person leading the classroom has given permission. Raise your hand.
This is a safe environment. That means that you should feel free to ask a question or offer an opinion or an answer, and no one will make fun of you for what you say.
If you are working with classmates, work with them. Do not wait and hope that others will do your work for you, and do not move on to other assignments while your classmates are struggling to understand the current one.
Be considerate of others. In addition to the ways to be considerate listed above, do not dominate group or class discussions. Remember that everyone needs an opportunity to share his/her ideas.
Do not expect me to validate your answers or those of anyone else. You are responsible for making sense of answers and solution methods, and you should always look for ways to verify your work.
Cell phones should be off or set to "vibrate". Do not place a call during class, and do not answer a phone call without first leaving the room.

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 three locations. The first is online, the second is at the end of each section, and the third 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.

TORO Learning Center (TLC)

The Toro Learning Center is CSUDH's tutoring center. Stop by our new center at our new location in LIB C532, the north side of the University Library. The center offers free tutoring sessions for currently enrolled CSUDH students. A valid CSUDH student ID card is required to access services and to schedule a 25 minute tutoring session. Same day appointments can be made when available, but scheduling earlier is strongly recommended. Peer tutors are available for on campus sessions to help students enhance and enrich their long term academic skills. Please contact us at (310) 243-3827 or stop by the center in LIB C532. Feel free to visit our website for more information, our hours of operation, and our tutoring policy: Toro Learning Center http://www.csudh.edu/studentaffairs/tlc/ .

Sample Calendars

MAT 003 Sample Calendar for Monday, Wednesday Classes, Fall Semester 2012

* These exercises are excellent preparation for the exams. They are in our textbook Messersmith, S. (2009) Beginning and Intermediate Algebra 3rd edition.

Week	Day	Date	Section	Exercises
1	M	8/27	Section 2.1: Basic Rules of Exponents Section 2.1(a) The Product Rule and Power Rules Section 2.1(b) Combining the Rules	Section 2.1(a): 4, 24, 34, 36, 58, 66, 78, 88 Section 2.1(b): 6, 16, 26
	W	8/29	Section 2.2: Integer Exponents Section 2.2(a) Real-Number Bases Section 2.2(b) Variable Bases Section 2.3: The Quotient Rule Putting It All Together	Section 2.2(a): 6, 8, 14, 24, 32, 36 Section 2.2(b): 10, 14, 18, 28 Section 2.3: 14, 16, 20, 38
2	M	9/3	Labor Day Holiday. NO CLASS
	W	9/5	Section 3.1: Solving Linear Equations Part I	Section 3.1: 22, 36, 58, 80
3	M	9/10	Section 3.2: Solving Linear Equations Part II	Section 3.2: 6, 8, 12, 22, 72
	W	9/12	Section 3.3: Applications of Linear Equations	Section 3.3: 18, 30, 34, 38
4	M	9/17	Section 3.4: Applications Involving Percentages	Section 3.4: 12, 22, 50, 54
	W	9/19	Section 3.6: Applications of Linear Equations to Proportions, Money Problems, and \(d = rt\)	Section 3.6: 30, 38, 78, 86, 88
5	M	9/24	Practice Test for Midterm I
	W	9/26	Midterm I
6	M	10/1	Section 4.1: Introduction to Linear Equations in Two Variables Section 4.2: Graphing by Plotting Points and Finding Intercepts	Section 4.1: 28, 38, 58, 62 Section 4.2: 6, 16, 22, 36
	W	10/3	Midterm 1 Review in Office	Schedule an appointment
7	M	10/8	Section 4.3: The Slope of a Line Section 4.4: The Slope-Intercept Form of a Line	Section 4.3: 18, 42, 46 Section 4.4: 8, 14, 18, 28, 36
	W	10/10	Section 4.5: Writing an Equation of a Line	Section 4.5: 10, 14, 22, 24, 34, 40
8	M	10/15	Section 5.1: Solving Systems of Graphing Section 5.2: Solving System by the Substitution Method	Section 5.1: 12, 14 Section 5.2: 6, 8, 12
	W	10/17	Section 5.3: Solving Systems by the Elimination Method	Section 5.3: 6, 8, 24
9	M	10/22	Section 5.4: Applications of Systems of Two	Section 5.4: 4,14,20, 22, 30, 40
	W	10/24	Practice Test for Midterm II	Study Hard!!
10	M	10/29	Midterm II
	W	10/31	Section 6.1: Review of the Rules of Exponents Section 6.2: Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials	Section 6.1: 20, 26, 36 Section 6.2: 34, 66, 78
11	M	11/5	Midterm II Review in Office	Schedule an appointment
	W	11/7	Section 6.3: Multiplication of Polynomials	Section 6.3: 10, 36, 44, 46
12	M	11/12	Veteran's Day Holiday. NO CLASS
	W	11/14	Section 7.1: The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping	Section 7.1: 26, 48, 56, 92
13	M	11/19	Section 7.2: Factoring Trinomials of the Form \(x^2+bx+c\)	Section 7.2: 18, 20, 22, 28, 46
	W	11/21	Section 7.3: Factoring Trinomials of the Form \(ax^2+bx+c\)	Section 7.3: 4, 20, 36, 46
14	M	11/26	Section 7.4: Factoring Special Trinomials and Binomials	Section 7.4:10, 12, 42, 56
	W	11/28	Section 7.5: Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring	Section 7.5: 10, 14, 20, 36, 40, 46
15	M	12/3	Section 7.6: Applications of Quadratic Equations	Section 7.6: 10, 16, 18, 38, 46, 48
	W	12/5	Practice Test for Final Exam
16	M	12/10	Final Exam if class begins at 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, or 19:00
	W	12/12	Final Exam if class begins at 8:30, 11:30, 14:30, or 17:30

MAT 003 Sample Calendar for Tuesday, Thursday Classes, Fall Semester 2012

* These exercises are excellent preparation for the exams. They are in our textbook Messersmith, S. (2009) Beginning and Intermediate Algebra 3rd edition.

Week	Day	Date	Section	Exercises
1	Tu	8/28	Section 2.1: Basic Rules of Exponents Section 2.1(a) The Product Rule and Power Rules Section 2.1(b) Combining the Rules	Section 2.1(a): 4, 24, 34, 36, 58, 66, 78, 88 Section 2.1(b): 6, 16, 26
	Th	8/30	Section 2.2: Integer Exponents Section 2.2(a) Real-Number Bases Section 2.2(b) Variable Bases Section 2.3: The Quotient Rule Putting It All Together	Section 2.2(a): 6, 8, 14, 24, 32, 36 Section 2.2(b): 10, 14, 18, 28 Section 2.3: 14, 16, 20, 38
2	Tu	9/4	Section 3.1: Solving Linear Equations Part I	Section 3.1: 22, 36, 58, 80
	Th	9/6	Section 3.2: Solving Linear Equations Part II	Section 3.2: 6, 8, 12, 22, 72
3	Tu	9/11	Section 3.3: Applications of Linear Equations	Section 3.3: 18, 30, 34, 38
	Th	9/13	Section 3.4: Applications Involving Percentages	Section 3.4: 12, 22, 50, 54
4	Tu	9/18	Section 3.6: Applications of Linear Equations to Proportions, Money Problems, and \(d = rt\)	Section 3.6: 30, 38, 78, 86, 88
	Th	9/20	Practice Test for Midterm I
5	Tu	9/25	Midterm I
	Th	9/27	Section 4.1: Introduction to Linear Equations in Two Variables Section 4.2: Graphing by Plotting Points and Finding Intercepts	Section 4.1: 28, 38, 58, 62 Section 4.2: 6, 16, 22, 36
6	Tu	10/2	Midterm 1 Review in Office	Schedule an appointment
	Th	10/4	Section 4.3: The Slope of a Line	Section 4.3: 18, 42, 46
7	Tu	10/9	Section 4.4: The Slope-Intercept Form of a Line	Section 4.4: 8, 14, 18, 28, 36
	Th	10/11	Section 4.5: Writing an Equation of a Line	Section 4.5: 10, 14, 22, 24, 34, 40
8	Tu	10/16	Section 5.1: Solving Systems of Graphing Section 5.2: Solving System by the Substitution Method	Section 5.1: 12, 14 Section 5.2: 6, 8, 12
	Th	10/18	Section 5.3: Solving Systems by the Elimination Method	Section 5.3: 6, 8, 24
9	Tu	10/23	Section 5.4: Applications of Systems of Two	Section 5.4: 4,14,20, 22, 30, 40
	Th	10/25	Practice Test for Midterm II
10	Tu	10/30	Midterm II
	Th	11/1	Section 6.1: Review of the Rules of Exponents Section 6.2: Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials	Section 6.1: 20, 26, 36 Section 6.2: 34, 66, 78
11	Tu	11/6	Midterm II Review in Office	Schedule an appointment
	Th	11/8	Section 6.3: Multiplication of Polynomials	Section 6.3: 10, 36, 44, 46
12	Tu	11/13	Section 7.1: The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping	Section 7.1: 26, 48, 56, 92
	Th	11/15	Section 7.2: Factoring Trinomials of the Form \(x^2+bx+c\)	Section 7.2: 18, 20, 22, 28, 46
13	Tu	11/20	Section 7.3: Factoring Trinomials of the Form \(ax^2+bx+c\)	Section 7.3: 4, 20, 36, 46
	Th	11/22	NO CLASS	Happy Thanksgiving
14	Tu	11/27	Section 7.4: Factoring Special Trinomials and Binomials	Section 7.4:10, 12, 42, 56
	Th	11/29	Section 7.5: Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring	Section 7.5: 10, 14, 20, 36, 40, 46
15	Tu	12/4	Section 7.6: Applications of Quadratic Equations	Section 7.6: 10, 16, 18, 38, 46, 48
	Th	12/6	Practice Test for Final Exam
16	Tu	12/11	Final Exam if class begins at 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, or 19:00
	Th	12/13	Final Exam if class begins at 8:30, 11:30, 14:30, or 17:30

Revision history:

Prepared by Edgar Perez, 7/23/2012. Earlier versions prepared by J. Wilkins 2/17/00, revised 7/7/01, 7/25/06 by G. Jennings, and 08/28/08 by D. Post with portions gleaned from syllabi of M. Jones and S. Yoshinobu.