Course Syllabus

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Instructor:

Susanna Gunther

Office Hourse:

Mon-Thurs 10am-11am (Online)

Best Ways to Reach Instuctor:

  1. Send a message via the "Inbox" on the home page of Canvas.
  2. Send a message using solano email to: susanna.gunther@solano.edu

Course Description:

  • CRN: 80444

  • MyMathLab Course ID:  gunther83547

  • Number of Units: 5

  • Prerequisites: Elementary Algebra (Math 330) with a grade of C or better, or appropriate placement into this class via multiple measures assessment

  • Co-requisites: None

  • Advisories: Elementary Algebra (Math 330)

An extension of the fundamental algebraic concepts
developed in Elementary Algebra. Additional topics
include arithmetic operations on functions; composition
of functions; basic graphing techniques; absolute value,
exponential, logarithmic, quadratic, linear, and polynomial
functions; equations of the second degree and their
graphs; complex numbers; and systems of linear equations
in two and three variables.

Student Learning Outcomes:

As a result of successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  1. Apply functions as a mathematical tool to apply the conceptual ideas of intermediate algebra.
  2.  Solve mathematical equations appropriate to the intermediate algebra curriculum.
  3. Formulate real-word problems quantitatively and interpret the results.

Course Content:

I) Review topics from elementary algebra as needed.

II) Intermediate algebra core.
A) Basic definitions.
1) Distance and absolute value.
2) Operations with sets.
(a) Intersection and union.
(b) Interval notation.
B) Linear equations in one variable.
1) Applications and word problems.
2) Working with formulas.
C) Applications of absolute value equations.
D) Relating radicals to fractional exponents.
E) Factoring polynomials.
1) Sum and difference of two cubes.
2) Grouping.
3) By division of polynomials.
F) Rational equations.
1) Operations with rational equations.
2) Applications and word problems.
G) Linear equations in two variables.
1) Graphing
2) Equations of the line.
a) Slope-Intercept Form
b) Standard Form
c) Point-Slope Form
3) Parallel and perpendicular lines
4) Applications
H) Radicals
1) Equations
2) Operations with radical expressions.
3) Applications and word problems.
4) Complex numbers
5) Rationalizing the denominator.
I) Quadratic equations (including complex)
1) Solve
a) By factoring.
b) By completing the square.
c) Quadratic formula.
2) Equations reducible to quadratic form.
3) Graphing parabolas.
4) Applications and word problems.
J) Inequalities
1) Linear
a) One variable
i) Compound
ii) Applications
b) Two Variables
2) Absolute Value
3) Quadratic
4) Rational
K) Systems of linear equations in two or more variables.
1) Addition or elimination method.
2) Substitution method.
3) Applications and word problems.
L) Central conics.
1) Circles.
2) Ellipses.
3) Hyperbolas.
4) Applications.
M) Functions.
1) Definition.
a) Domain
b) Range
2) Function notation.
3) Combinations of functions.
4) Composition of functions.
5) Graphs of functions.
6) Inverse functions.
N) Exponentials.
1) Definition.
2) Properties.
3) Natural exponential (base e).
4) Equations and applications.
O) Logarithms.
1) Definition.
2) Properties.
3) Natural and common.
4) Equations.
5) Applications and word problems.

III) Additional topics, that can be covered at the discretion of the instructor and as time permits.
A) Venn diagrams.
B) Synthetic division.
C) Variation.
D) "Rationalizing" the numerator.
E) Nature of the discriminant.
F) Solution to systems of equations using matrix methods.
G) Parabolas that open left and right.
H) Translated conics.
I) Change of base formula.
J) Determinants.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, a student should be able to demonstrate the following activities:

  • Explore practical applications and expand the concepts developed in elementary algebra
  • Evaluate and apply properties of logarithms
  • Understand and utilize the properties of exponents
  • Demonstrate the ability to factor different types of polynomials
  • Analyze, simplify, and solve absolute value equations and inequalities
  • Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials
  • Classify and find the solution set of radical, logarithmic, exponential, and rational equations
  • Perform arithmetic operations on rational expressions
  • Simplify and evaluate radical expressions as well as perform arithmetic operations
  • Solve systems of equations with two or three variables
  • Sketch and interpret the graphs of linear functions, quadratic functions, and conic sections
  • Comprehend and use the concepts of functions in developing a strategy for the solutions of problems.

Required Materials:

You will be required to purchase access to MyMathLab for this course.  MyMathLab includes a copy of the multi-media textbook, access to online homework assignments and quizzes, and access to videos covering the course material.

You will also need a scientific calculator to complete this course successfully.  If you do not have one, I recommend a TI-30, or something equivalent.  You do not need, and should not use, a graphing calculator for this class. 

Purchasing a paper textbook is not required for this class, although if you choose to do so, it is a lot cheaper to get an older edition of the text, and as the material has not changed significantly, this would be recommended.

Important Notes:

  • Any student needing accommodations should inform the instructor. Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Disabled Students Program (DSP (Links to an external site.)) early so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. All information will remain confidential.
  • Academic dishonesty and plagiarism will result in a failing grade on the assignment. Using someone else's ideas or phrasing and representing those ideas or phrasing as our own, either on purpose or through carelessness, is a serious offense known as plagiarism. Please see the Solano College Student Handbook for policies regarding plagiarism, harassment, etc. See page 9 of the student handbook.

Log-in and Participation Policy

Attendance for an online class involves logging in and completing your assignments.  Many assignments you will do on your own, but others will involve responding to other students discussion posts or questions. In general, a weekly assignment list, or Module, will be posted every Tuesday. Each Module will contain multiple assignments with recommended due dates included for some of them.  All assignments for each Module must be completed and submitted prior to beginning the next Module.

While most of this class is asynchronous, meaning it can be completed based on your schedule, there are tests throughout the semester that must be taken during the specific hour(s) they are assigned.  These include the chapter tests and the final examination for this course. These tests will all be completed during the time officially assigned for this course, namely at an assigned time on Monday or Wednesday between 11am to 12:50pm, and during the scheduled two hour final exam time for this course which is Wednesday, December 16th from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Additionally, there may be online lectures or review presentations via Zoom, which will occur live during the normal class hours as well, if offered. An attempt will be made by the instructor to record and post any Zoom meeting, but in order to get the most out of such a presentation it is preferable for students to attend the live presentation whenever possible.

Instructor Initiated Contact Policy

The instructor will post a weekly announcement to the class, as well as potentially more frequently as topics arise needing announcements. If there is a need, the instructor may also email the class, or individual students, as necessary. The instructor will also post material covering the math content and assignments to complete.  The content will be covered via a combination of posted text pages, reading assignments from the book, videos, discussion prompts, as well as potentially via presentations online, and through practice problems.

Student Initiated Contact Policy

There are two ways to easily reach the instructor for this course. The one you use should depend on the topic of the communication.

  1. For content questions in this course, including both questions about how to solve a homework problem or technological problems with the course, please post your questions to the Q and A Forum included in the weekly Module. It is likely that if you need help on a problem, or are having a technological difficulty associated with this class, that someone else enrolled may either be having the same issue or may have already solved the problem or difficulty and may be able to assist you online via the Q and A Forum. The instructor will read and respond to posts put up on the Q and A Forum each week, although it is also a good place for students to help each other with homework or technology problems they may be having. Feel free to both post questions and solutions on these Forums.
  2. For questions related to your grade or about anything specifically related to you personally, please feel free to email me by using the "inbox" option on the blue Canvas menu to the left.  I expect to return emails within 24-48 hours except on weekends or holidays, when it may take me a bit longer to respond. 

Student to Student Contact Policy

Students will be communicating with the other students and with the instructor in this course. It is required that these communications be polite, productive, and respectful. Please see the netiquette section of the online training for this week for reference. Online insults are not tolerated in this course, as it is important that all students feel welcome to post questions safely and with the expectation that their input will be respected and that members of the class will support each other and the instructor in the online work environment. We are here to learn together and to support and encourage each other and be a resource for each other. It is truly magical when an online class develops it's own supportive community, and this leads to increased learning and enjoyment for everyone.

Class Workload Expectation

How much time and work is required?

Be prepared for 15 hours of work per week in this course. A three unit "lecture" course, by virtue of what is known as the Carnegie Unit (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.), mathematically establishes a standard the amount of work expected from a student (and the instructor) in a 18-week course. California state law upholds this, see California Code of Regulations, Education Code, Title 5, Section 55002.5. (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)

Table shows calculation of number of hours per week to be spent on class.

Type of Unit

Units

x Hours Per Unit

Total Hours

Lecture

5

x 18

= 90

2 hours homework per hour of lecture

5

x 36

= 180

Hours of work per term

= 270 hours of student work

/ number of weeks

= 18

Hours of work per week

= 15

Critical Dates and Course Schedule

Tentative Chapter Test Times for T/R Intermediate Algebra:

Tues, Sept 22  from 11am-12pm (Test on Ch 1-3)

Thurs, Oct 8th from 11am-12pm (Test on Ch 1-5)

Tues, Nov 10th from 11am-12pm (Test on Ch 5-7)

Thur, Dec 10th from 11am-12pm (Test on Ch 8-10.3)

Cumulative Final Exam Time: Thurs, Dec 17th from 10:30am-12:30pm

Critical Dates

Table shows critical semester dates for adding and dropping a class.

Term:

Fall 2020

Last day to drop with a refund:

28-AUG-2020

Last day to add class:

04-SEP-2020

Last day to drop without a "W":

04-SEP-2020

Census Date:

08-SEP-2020

Last day to drop with a "W":

30-OCT-2020

Critical Dates For Section provide key registration deadlines related to adding and dropping this specific section.

Table shows description terms and their definition.

Description

 Key Information

Term

Indicates the term the CRN/section is assigned. 
Fall/Spring semesters are scheduled in 18-weeks and have associated full-term course deadlines.
Summer sessions are scheduled in 6-weeks or 8-weeks and have associated short-term course deadlines.

Last day to add a class

Indicates the last date that the student may enroll in a section. 
Once the section begins, students may only enroll with instructor permission with an add code (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.).

Last day to drop with a refund

Indicates the last date the student may drop the section and receive a refund on enrollment fee based on District policy.

Last day to drop without a "W"

Indicates the last date the student may drop the section and receive neither a grade or "W" (withdrawal) on their academic records.

Last day to drop with a "W"

Indicates the last date the student may drop the section and receive a "W" (withdrawal) on their academic record. District policy limits a maximum of three (3) withdrawals for a course.

Census Date

Indicates the date that enrollment is reported by the District for the section for apportionment (State funding). Students must be enrolled no later than the day before Census.

 

Important Dates

  • No classes September 5, 6, and 7 - Labor Day
  • No classes October 13 - Professional Development Day
  • No classes November 11 - Veterans Day
  • No class November 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 - Thanksgiving

Link to Academic Calendar for 2020-2021 (Links to an external site.)

Tentative Course Schedule

Aug 17-Aug 24: Module 0 & Module 1

Aug 24-Aug31: Module 2

Aug 31-Sept 7: Module 3

Sept 7-Sept 14: Module 4

Sept 14-Sept 21: Module 5

Sept 21-Sept 28: Module 6

Sept 28-Oct 5: Module 7

Oct 5-Oct 12: Module 8

Oct 12-Oct 19: Module 9

Oct 19-Oct 26: Module 10

Oct 26-Nov 2: Module 11

Nov 2-Nov 9: Module 12

Nov 9-Nov 16: Module 13

Nov 16-Nov 23: Module 14

Nov 23-Nov 30: Module 15

Nov 30-Dec 7: Module 16

Dec 7-Dec 14: Module 17

NOTE: Please keep in mind that some of the Modules have more than one part. For example, this week there is both a Module 1, Part A and a Module 1, Part B. To complete the Module, it is necessary to complete both parts.

 Grading Standards

Course Grading Scale

This table shows the course grading scale

Scale

Letter Grade

100% - 90%

A

80% - 90%

B

70% - 80%

C

60% -70%

D

0% - 60%

F

 

Course Grading Weights

This table shows the course grading weights

Assignment Group

% of Grade

Homework (Including practice problems, other Module assignments, as well as required discussion posts and responses.)

30%

Quizzes (offered asynchronously and with the option to retake as many times as a student prefers during the week it is offered.)

10%

Chapter Tests (Timed tests give n only during the specific hour offered in the Module during which it is completed. No make-up chapter tests will be given, but the lowest chapter test or one missed chapter test score will be dropped.)

30%

Final Exam (Offered for two hours only on Thursday, December 17th from 10:30am to 12:30pm.) 

30%

Total

100%

Late Work Policy

Each Module must be completed within the week it is assigned. Modules are typically assigned on one day and are due 7 days later. Also, if a chapter test or the final exam is included in a Module, then these tests must be completed exactly during the hour(s) assigned. Chapter tests and the final exam will only be offered during specific hours, but those hours will always be during the officially assigned class meeting time for this course. No late work will be accepted without instructor approval usually including an officially documented reason for late submission.

Academic Integrity

Complete your own work. Cite sources and references accordingly. If you need assistance with citing your sources, please ask for help. Do not cheat or participate in academic dishonesty. All suspected violations will be subject to a zero on the assignment and the appropriate disciplinary action. Please reference your Student Handbook (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) for your Rights and Responsibilities.

Inclusive Learning Commitment

Your success in this class is important to me. We all need accommodations because we all learn differently. If there are aspects of this course that prevent you from learning or exclude you, please let me know as soon as possible. Together we’ll develop strategies to meet both your needs and the requirements of the course.

You are encouraged to visit Disabilities Services Program (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) to determine how you could improve your learning as well. If you need official accommodations, you have a right to have these met. There are also a range of resources on campus, including the Academic Success & Tutoring Center (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.).

Course Summary:

Date Details Due