MAC 1105:  College Algebra

Spring 2004

 

INSTRUCTOR:                   Sidra Van De Car

 

E-MAIL:                                ivandecar@atlas.valenciacc.edu

 

PHONE:                                407-582-2032

 

OFFICE:                                6-227

 

OFFICE HOURS:                M            11:00A – 12:00P

MW        1:30P – 3:30P and 9:00P – 10:00P

                                                TR           6:00P – 7:00P

                                                F              10:00A –11:00A

 

 

COURSE INFO:                   This course (CRN:  21526) meets on M/W from 4:00P – 5:15P in 2-111.

 

DESCRIPTION:                  College Algebra is based on the study of functions and their role in problem solving.  Topics will include graphing, the linear, quadratic, and exponential families of functions, and inverse functions.  Students will be required to solve applied problems and communicate their findings effectively.  Technological tools will be utilized in addition to analytical methods.  A minimum grade of C is required to progress in mathematics or if MAC 1105 is used to meet the general education requirement in mathematics.

 

PREREQUISITES:              MAT 0025C or MAT 1033C with a grade of C or better; or an appropriate score on the CPT.

 

TEXT:                                    Modeling, Functions, and Graphs, 3rd Edition, ã 2001, by Yoshiwara and Yoshiwara.

                                               

REQUIRED

MATERIALS:                      Graphing Calculator (TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-83 Silver recommended).  Students are NOT permitted to use a calculator that performs symbolic manipulations (such as the TI-89 or TI-92) in this course. 

 

CALCULATOR:                  The TI-83 will be the modeled demonstrated in class.  If a student chooses to use a calculator other than the TI-83, he will be responsible for learning how to use his calculator.  The student is not permitted to store information or unapproved programs in his calculator.  The instructor reserves the right to inspect and/or reset the memory of each student’s calculator.  Any student found with inappropriate information stored in the calculator will be dealt with in keeping with the instructor’s policy on academic honesty (see below).

 

ATTENDANCE:                   Attendance will be taken at every class meeting.  If a student should need to miss class, he should contact the instructor as soon as possible.  It is the student's responsibility to find out what material and assignments were missed due to an absence.

 

EXAMS:                                There will be 4 exams. Each exam is worth 17.5% of the final course grade.  There will be no make-up exams during the semester unless the absence is excused by college policy (e.g., religious holidays or college sponsored events requiring a student's attendance).  The instructor has the right to ask for documentation to determine whether an absence is excused.  If an exam is missed for another legitimate reason (to be determined by the instructor) then the final will be counted twice, as the missed test and the final exam.

 

                                                Most exams will consist of 2 parts.  For this format, calculators will not be permitted on the first part of the exam and will be permitted on the second part.

 

ATLAS:                                 Students should familiarize themselves with their individual ATLAS accounts.  Throughout the semester, the instructor may send e-mail pertaining to the course through the ATLAS system.  The student is responsible for checking his ATLAS e-mail account regularly.

 

HOMEWORK:                     Homework will be assigned at each class meeting.  The student is expected to attempt every problem before coming to class.

 

QUIZZES:                             There will be unannounced quizzes throughout the semester.  In class quizzes may be given during the first 5 minutes of class.  Take-home quizzes will be due at 7:00 p.m. on the due date given at the time of assignment.  There will be NO make-up quizzes.  If the student arrives late to class or is absent, a grade of zero will be recorded for the quiz. 

 

FINAL EXAM:                     The final exam is comprehensive and mandatory.  A grade of WF will be assigned to any student who fails to take the final exam.

 

FINAL EXAM DATE:         Monday, May 3, 2004         4:00P – 6:00P in 2-111.

 

WITHDRAWAL

DEADLINE:                          Students should familiarize themselves with Valencia Community College’s withdrawal policy.  The withdrawal deadline for Spring 2004 is Friday, March 26, 2004.  After this date, any student withdrawing from this course will receive either a WP or WF, based upon the student’s average at the last day of attendance.

 

GRADING:                           4 Exams                                                                                                  70%

                                                Quizzes                                                                                                  10%

                                                Final Examination                                                                                 20%

 

                                               

Percentage

Grade Earned

90 – 100

A

80 – 89

B

70 –79

C

60 – 69

D

0 –59 

F

 

ACADEMIC

HONESTY:                           All students are expected to be in complete compliance with Valencia Community College’s policy on academic honesty.  Any student found to be in violation of the policy on academic dishonesty will receive a grade of F for the semester.

 

VALENCIA CORE

COMPETENCIES:              The four core competencies of a Valencia graduate are Think, Communicate, Value, and Act.  Through the use of class discussions and assignments, students will develop the ability to:

                                                                                1.  think clearly, critically, and creatively;

                                                                                2.  communicate with different audiences through a variety of mediums;

                                                                                3.  make reasoned value judgments and responsible commitments; and                                                                    4.  act purposely, reflectively, and responsibly.

 

 

This syllabus is subject to change and all changes will be announced in class.