Course Syllabus: Math 1314 – College Algebra Spring 2016 M/W/F

Instructor: Rebecca Steward

Office Location: Binnion 318
Office Hours: Mon 12:30-2:00, 3:15-5:00, Tues 11:00-12:00, Thurs 11:00-11:45
Office Phone: 903-886-5955
Office Fax:
University Email Address: [email protected]
Faculty Web Page:

COURSE INFORMATION

Material Required: Students must purchase a copy of MyMathLab/MyLab & Mastering student access
code from either of the campus bookstores or directly from Pearson at http://www.coursecompass.com. Please
get a Binder to keep and organize all notes and course materials. A Texas Instruments (TI-83 or TI-83 Plus)
graphing calculator for this course is highly recommended. All exams must be completed in pencil.

Textbook (Optional): College Algebra (6th Edition) by Robert F. Blitzer, ISBN # ISBN # 978-0321-78228-1,
is the textbook for the course. *** The MyMathLab access code includes access to an e-book, so the book is
optional but the MyMathLab access code is required. (You will have to purchase a new MyMathLab access
code if you have an account with MyMathLab for your intermediate algebra class the recent previous semesters.
You do NOT need to purchase a new MyMathLab access code if you are retaking this course using MyMathLab
for the same book with the same edition. Please come see me for directions to do so). *** Portions of Chapters
1-8 in the textbook will be discussed.

Please use the MyMathLab 14 day free trial to start working on homework if students cannot purchase it
right away. The MyMathLab student access code must be purchased by the end of 2nd week of class to
prevent a loss in points.

Course Description: This course covers an in-depth study and applications of quadratics, polynomial, rational,
exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations. Additional topics such as arithmetic and
geometric progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants are included.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate knowledge of properties of functions, which include domain and range, operations,
compositions, and inverses.
2) Identify, interpret, and solve problems of various types of functions and their graphs, including but not
limited to linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
3) Apply graphing techniques for various functions.
4) Identify and develop basic sequences and series.
5) Solve systems of equations with various methods including elimination, substitution, Cramer’s rule and
matrices

Mission for College of Science and Engineering: Innovation and Discovery

Mission for the Department of Mathematics: Discovering the Keys to Success
Core Objectives:
1) Students will be able to analyze, evaluate, or solve problems when given a set of circumstances or data.
This common core objective will be assessed in the departmental final exam for all sections of Math 1314.
2) In written, oral, and/or visual communication, A&M-Commerce students will communicate in a manner
appropriate to audience and occasion, with an evident message and organizational structure.
This common core objective will be assessed using common class activities/projects with class discussion
over functions, sequences, logarithmic or exponential functions for all sections of Math 1314.
3) Students will be able understand and utilize mathematical functions and empirical principles and
processes. This common core objective will be assessed using common class activities/projects with
discussion over functions, homework, exam and departmental final exam for all sections of Math 1314.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Instruction: Instruction will include lecture, demonstration and models, and some group work, based on time
available. All turned in work should be completed in pencil, please.

Attendance & Continual Enrollment: Attendance will be taken each class. Students need to actively
participate in class to receive credits. Attendance is a must to be able to do well in this class. It is expected
that students follow the guidelines set forth by the Class Attendance Policy in the current Undergraduate
Catalogue.

If students represent an athletic team for this university, departmental team, scholastic team, choir, or other
group and must miss class, notify me in writing with the appropriate documentation within one week of the
absence in order not to be counted absent. Arrangements for make-up work will be made at that time.

*** All students should be aware that they are NOT allowed to drop this math course, and that they must be continually
enrolled in a math course until they have successfully completed their college-level math course (University Policy).***

Homework: Homework will be assigned every class period. The homework is a must for success in this class.
***Students are required to complete homework using MyMathLab/MyLab software.*** Homework is
due in a week after the day that is assigned (or before the exam day, whichever comes first).

If a student experiences any technical difficulties with MyMathLab, be sure to use the online help and technical
support from the software company. If a student continues to have trouble accessing or navigating the software,
please contact instructor through email or come by his/her office during office hours for some individual help.

Tutoring: ***Students are required to spend an hour a week outside class tutoring. *** Students can choose
to attend tutoring in the Math Skills Center, TRIO, Supplemental Instruction tutoring sessions, and other on
campus tutoring sessions that are approval by the Mathematics Department.

The Math Skills Center, located in Binnion 328, is open Monday and Wednesday from 8am – 8pm, Tuesday
and Thursday from 8am – 6pm, and Friday from 8am – 12pm. Free tutoring is available for students who
need help with their math courses. In addition, the Academic Success Center also offers supplemental
instruction/tutoring for students and their hours can be found at the university web site.
The Mach III/TRIO Program is available for students who qualify for additional resources, such as private
tutoring. In order to qualify, students must meet certain conditions, such as being a first-generation college
student. For more information, contact TRIO at 903-886-5833 or in the Halladay Student Services building,
Room 300.

Mission for College of Science and Engineering: Innovation and Discovery

Mission for the Department of Mathematics: Discovering the Keys to Success
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given in class periodically. No make-up quizzes will be given, but the lowest quiz
grade will be dropped. Be sure to attend all classes so you do not miss any quizzes.

Class Activities/Projects: Application problems with class discussion over functions, sequences, logarithmic or
exponential functions related to course materials will be assigned during the semester. Be sure to attend all
classes in order to participate in the class activities with class discussion.

Competency Exam: Math1314 students are required to take the competency exam which covers the
prerequisite materials for college algebra. Calculators are allowed for competency exams. Students need to
seek tutoring help if they do not pass the competency exam on the first try (in class). Students have to score
80% or higher on the test in order to pass this exam. Competency exams will be graded with no partial credits.
Students can retake the competency exam outside of class in the academic testing center SS 308 (up to two
times a week) before the deadline ,which is Friday, Feb. 12, 2016. Students will receive 10% on the final grade
if they pass the competency exam. Students will receive a zero for that 10% of the final grade if they do not
pass the competency exam before the deadline.

Exams: There are three scheduled exams. A practice exam and answer key will be provided prior to the exam.
Partial credit may be given on exams IF all work is neatly shown for determination of the student’s mistakes.
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES MUST BE TURNED OFF AND STORED
OUT OF THE STUDENT’S REACH. The only electronic device allowed during tests and quizzes is a
stand-alone calculator (such as a TI-34, TI-83, TI-84, etc.), and only with the instructor’s permission. All
exams must be completed in pencil; failure to complete your exam in pencil will result in a reduction of
the earned grade by 5 points.

No make-up exams will be given without prior notice of a university excused absence*. We realize that at
times throughout the semester, emergency situations may arise that affect a student’s performance on an exam
or even prevent a student from attending on an exam day. We can replace the lowest exam grade with the
student’s grade on the final exam, provided the final exam score is higher. This provision will only be
applied to ONE exam, so students should make every effort to be present and well-prepared for all exams.
A Practice exam and answer key will be available prior to each exam.
Be sure to take advantage of this valuable resource!!
These test dates are tentative and are subject to change:
Competency Exam 1/25
Test 1 2/5
Test 2 2/19
Test 3 3/4

* University Authorized Excuses: 1) Participation in a required/authorized university activity; 2) Verified illness; 3) Death in a
student's immediate family; 4) Obligation of a student at legal proceedings in fulfilling responsibility as a citizen; and others
determined by individual faculty to be excusable (e.g., elective University activities, etc.)

Final Exam: The final exam will be a departmental, comprehensive exam. All students will take the exam at
the same time on Wednesday, Mar. 9, between 10:00 and 11:50 p.m.

Please note that this is our usual class time but make sure you are present. Make-up final exams will not be
allowed. The location of the final exam will be given here in our regular classroom.
* NO MAKE-UP FINAL EXAM WILL BE ALLOWED!!! *

Mission for College of Science and Engineering: Innovation and Discovery

Mission for the Department of Mathematics: Discovering the Keys to Success
 GRADING
Grading Policy:
Daily Grade (Attendance, Homework, Tutoring, Quizzes and Projects) 15%
Competence Exam 10 %
Exams 50 %
Final Exam 25 %
Total 100%
Grade: A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, F = 59 or below

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Technology Requirements: The graphing calculator of TI 83/TI 84 or equivalent will be highly recommended.
Calculators other than Texas Instruments calculators may be used but classroom instruction on calculators will
be given for TI equipment only. **Note: Calculators that solve problems for students, including but not limited
to TI-Nspire, TI 89 or higher, Casio Prizm, Casio Touch or higher are NOT allowed to be used for this class. **
Students are also required to clear the memory of graphing calculators before and after each exam.

Students need to check their e-mail regularly with the address that they have provided to the instructor for class
announcements. Access to MyMathLab, a computer, and the internet will be needed for online homework
assignments.

Calculator Loan Program: The Mathematics Department has set up a calculator loan program to support
students. Students can borrow a calculator for a semester with a fee ($10 to $15 for TI-83/84). It is first come,
first served basis.

COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT

Interaction with Instructor Statement: It is important that students are actively engaged in class activities.
Questions are welcome in the classroom. Students are welcome to schedule with instructors for extra help
outside classroom during office hours.

Getting Help Outside of Office Hours: Utilizing the multimedia library and online help from the
MyMathLab computer software program is suggested as a valuable resource for many students to improve
their grades in Math classes. Also, the free tutoring on campus and from online is also highly recommended.

Student Health Services are located at Henderson Hall (Corner of Lee St. and Monroe St.). It offers health
care to the student body of Texas A&M University – Commerce. It provides primary health care services
including treatment of illness, injury, and women’s health. Tel: (903) 886-5853.

University Police Department is located at Henderson Hall. For Emergency, please call: 911
For Non-Emergency, please call: 903.886.5868

COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES/POLICIES

Course Specific Procedures

Academic Integrity: While majority of students are honest in doing their school work. However, due to recent
cheating events, action must be taken to protect the academic integrity of classrooms. There is a NO
TOLERANCE policy for cheating and if a student is caught cheating, he/she will either get a zero for the
test or fail this course. Cheating in this course is defined as the following:
• Giving or receiving answers during an exam or quiz.
Mission for College of Science and Engineering: Innovation and Discovery
Mission for the Department of Mathematics: Discovering the Keys to Success
 • Viewing the exam or quiz answers of nearby classmates.
• Having notes/practice work available during quizzes or tests.
• Possession or access to test items before the test is given.
• Deception in getting an excused absence to obtain the undeserved opportunity to make-up work.
• Use of cell phones or text messaging technology during exams or quizzes. Students may NOT
use the calculator on their cell phones or any other similar electronic devices (such as I-Pods,
I-Touch, etc.). IF ONE OF THESE DEVICES IS AVAILABLE, IN ANY WAY, DURING
AN EXAM OR QUIZ, THE STUDENT WILL BE GIVEN AN AUTOMATIC “0” ON THE
ASSIGNMENT.
• Improper citations in written works, or using another person’s ideas and words as your own
without giving proper credit.
• Any method, no matter how well rationalized or accepted, which improves a person’s grade by
any means other than study and skillful performances on exams and/or other assignments.

Students found guilty of an act of academic dishonesty in this course will be subject to receiving an “F” in this
course.

Classroom Behavior: Appropriate classroom behavior is required to attend this class. All cell phones and
electronic devices must be put on silent or turned off during class. NOTE: THIS INCLUDES BLUETOOTH
AND OTHER DEVICES THAT ARE PLACED IN THE EAR. Phones and electronics are distractions for
instructor and the other students in the class. All people will be treated with respect and talking that disrupt the
class is not allowed. If disruptions occur during class time, a student will be asked to leave class and will earn a
zero on any applicable grades for that class period. Serial disrupters will be asked to withdraw from this class.

Early Intervention for First Year Students: Early intervention for freshmen is designed to communicate the
University’s interest in their success and a willingness to participate fully to help students accomplish their academic
objectives. Grades for students in freshmen level classes will be reported to the Registrar's Office at the end of the
fifth week of class during the fall and spring semesters. The Registrar's Office will report grades to students,
Advising Services, Academic Departments (faculty advisors) and mentors. This procedure will allow students to be
knowledgeable about their academic progress early in the semester. The university, through Advising Services,
faculty advisors and mentors, will take steps to assist students who may be experiencing difficulty to focus on
improvement and course completion. Grade reports will be mailed by the end of the sixth week of the semester.
University Specific Procedures ADA Statement, Students with Disabilities: The Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons
with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed
a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you have a
disability requiring an accommodation, please contact: Office of Student Disability Resources and Services,
Texas A&M University-Commerce, Gee Library- Room 132, Phone (903) 886-5150 or (903) 886-5835, Fax
(903) 468-8148, [email protected]

Student Conduct: *** “All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency
and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment.” (Student’s Guide Handbook,
Policies and Procedures, Conduct). Rude and/or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. No electronic
devices (except calculators) are allowed during class time. Cell phones, smart watches, and other
electronic devices are to be put away during class time and exams. *** The use of vapor/e-cigarettes,
smokeless tobacco, snuff and chewing tobacco are prohibited inside classrooms and university buildings.

Mission for College of Science and Engineering: Innovation and Discovery

Mission for the Department of Mathematics: Discovering the Keys to Success
This statement presents the University’s commitment to a safe, accepting environment for all students
regardless of sexual orientation, gender identification, or gender expression: A&M-Commerce will
comply in the classroom, and in online courses, with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination
and related retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic
information or veteran status. Further, an environment free from discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation, gender identity, or gender expression will be maintained.

COURSE OUTLINE

1314 MWF Flex Tentative Schedule (Spring 2016) For Students

Week 1 (Jan 20, 22) Syllabus, Review for Comp. Exam, MyMathLab, 2.1

Week 2 (Jan 25, 27, & 29) Comp Exam, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

Week 3 (Feb 1, 3, & 5) Ch. 8 Sequences, Review Exam 1, Exam 1, Review solving quadratic equations, 3.1, 3.2

Week 4 (Feb 8, 10, & 12) 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6
Friday Feb 12 *** Deadline for Comp. Exam ***

Week 5 Feb 15, 17, & 19) 3.6, Review for exam 2, Exam 2, 4.1, 4.2

Week 6 (Feb 22, 24, & 26) 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2

Week 7 (Feb 29, & Mar 2, & 4) 6.5, 6.1, 6.2, Review for Exam 3, Exam 3, Review for final exam

Week 8 (Mar 7 & 9) Review for final exam, FINAL EXAM

*** By Remaining Enrolled In This Course, All Students Agree To Abide By The Policies Of This Class,
As Stated In The Syllabus ***

Mission for College of Science and Engineering: Innovation and Discovery

Mission for the Department of Mathematics: Discovering the Keys to Success