Mathematics/Computer Science

Mat 1070 College Algebra

Instructor: Mrs. Linda M. HaferSemester: Spring 2013
Class Location: 1237 Oxendine Science BuildingTime: Section 005: 9:05 - 9:55

Description
A study of the real and complex number systems, algebraic expressions and equations, polynomial and rational functions and their graphs, inequalities and their graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs, systems of equations, and conic sections. Mat 1050 is not a help in preparing a student to take this course. Mat 1040 is designed to help prepare a student to take this course. Please be aware that this course is intended to be a preparation for calculus (MAT 2150 and MAT 2210) and will be taught in such a manner.

Goals
*Initiate student-faculty contact
*Cooperate with other students
*Be an active learner
*Spend time on task
*Exhibit high expectations
*Respect diverse talents

Objectives
Each student will demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental properties of the following:
*The fundamental properties of real numbers
*The common notations of algebra
*Methods and strategies for solving inequalities and linear and quadratic equations
*Simplifing and graphing polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions
*Appling algebra to various problems in other fields of study such as science and business

General Education Objectives
*Foster the ability to analyze and weigh evidence
*Exercise quantitative and scientific skills
*Make informed decisions
*Write and speak clearly
*Think critically and creatively
*Apply mathematical principles, concepts, and skills to meet personal and career demands
*Demonstrate knowledge of the purpose, methods, and principles of scientific inquiry
*Better understand self and environment through knowledge of scientific principles and concepts
*Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of technology upon the physical and human environment
*Better understnad self and environment through knowledge of scientific principles and concepts
*Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of technology upon the physical and human environment

Course Materials
Textbook(s)
Beecher, Penna, Bittinger's College Algebra, 4th edition bundled with MyMathLab
OR
MyMathLab Access Code stand alone which includes a pdf textbook.
MyMathLab course id: hafer70372


Other
Homework Notebook
Pencils
Blue or black (not red) fine point marker for graphing
Nongraphing scientific calculator (Graphing calculators may not be used in this class.)

Course Resource Links
MyMathLab login

Grading Policy
The lowest 100-point chapter test score will be dropped. A practice of giving make-up tests is not made. If a student knows that he or she will be absent the day of a test, he or she may take the test before the given day. If a make-up test is given, it will be much harder than the original test and must be made up before the following chapter test is given. No make-up tests will be given after the last class day. Each student is only allowed one make up test per course per semester. If every student in the class is present the day of the test, each student will receive 2 bonus points on the given test.

There will be eleven 10-point pop quizzes given. The one with the lowest score will be dropped. They may only be made up if the instructor knows in advance that you will be absent from class.

There will be a 3-point online homework given over each section. These homework assignments may be taken up to 5 times, and only the top grade will be recorded. Be sure to watch the deadline for these quizzes, because after the expiration date, they cannot be made up for any reason.

There will be a 3-point online quiz given over each section. These quizzes may be taken up to 5 times, and only the top grade will be recorded. Be sure to watch the deadline for these quizzes, because after the expiration date, they cannot be made up for any reason.

The 100-point comprehensive multiple choice final exam will be given Wednesday, May 1 from 8:00 - 10:30.

The last day to drop this class with a "W" grade is Friday, March 22.

A Blackboard website will be utilized in this class. You will find the "class notes" posted under "Course Documents."

Grade Components
 Name 
 Weight 
  Subject
Test 1
100 points
 Chapter 1
Test 2
100 points
 Chapter 2
Test 3
100 points
 Chapter 3
Test 4
100 points
 Chapter 4
Test 5
100 points
 Chapter 5, 6
Final Exam
100 points
 comprehensive multiple choice
Pop Quizzes
100 points *
 random pop quizzes
Online Homework
100 points
 to be taken online in MyMathLab by the appropriate due dates
Online Quizzes
100 points
 to be taken online in MyMathLab by the appropriate due dates

Final Grades
 A: 90-100  B+: 88  C+: 78  D+: 68  F: 0-54  
 A-: 89  B: 80-87  C: 70-77  D: 60-67      
     B-: 79  C-: 69  D-: 55-59      

Attendance Policy
Each students should arrive on time and prepared for class.
Do not attend class if you are going to sleep through any part of it.

Students, who submit written notification to their instructors within two weeks of the beginning of the semester, shall be excused from class or other scheduled academic activity to observe a religious holy day of their faith. Excused absences are limited to two class sessions (days) per semester. Students shall be permitted a reasonable amount of time to make up tests or other work missed due to an excused absence for a religious observance. Students should not be penalized due to absence from class or other scheduled academic activity because of religious observances.

Student Conduct & Honor Code
The UNCP Academic Honor Code will be strictly observed in this class.

Any behaviors that disrupt the teaching and/or educational process will not be tolerated. If a student displays such behavior, the student will be asked to leave the classroom for the remaining class period. If the disruptive behavior continues, the Office for Academic Affairs will be asked to administratively withdraw the student from the class.

Disruptive behavior is defined as repeated, continuous, and/or other multiple student behaviors that hamper the ability of instructors to teach and students to learn. Examples include, but are not limited to:
* Eating in class
* Failing to respect the rights of other students
* Talking when the instructor is speaking
* Constant questions or interruptions
* Overt inattentiveness
* Creating excessive noise
* Entering class late or leaving early
* Use of pagers or cell phones in the classroom
**There will be absolutely no electronic communication devices allowed in the classroom to include to include laptop computers, ipads, or cell phones. Texting during class - sending or receiving - is totally prohibited. All cell phones must be put away in a backpack or purse (not just in a pocket) before entering the classroom.

Extreme examples include, but are not limited to:
* Use of profanity or pejorative language
* Intoxication
* Verbal abuse
* Harassment
* Threats to harm oneself or others
* Physical violence

Conditions attributed to physical or psychological disabilities are not considered a legitimate excuse for disruptive behavior.

Office Location and Phone Number
1228 Oxendine Science Building
910-521-6256

Office Hours
10:10 - 11:10 MWF; 1:00 - 2:00 MW; by appointment T

Email Address
linda.hafer@uncp.edu

Other Information
I want to see you succeed in this course. I hope you will feel comfortable coming to see me whenever you have questions or need help with course material. UNCP also has a group of professors known as the Go-to Faculty, who are available to answer your questions, help you resolve problems, and locate helpful resources on campus. For a list of Go-to Faculty or more details, see their Web site (http://www.uncp.edu/cas/go_to.htm) or contact Mark Canada (mark.canada@uncp.edu, 521-6431, Old Main 209.

Any student with a documented learning, physical, chronic health, psychological, visual or hearing disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential. Please contact Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building, Room 107 or call 910-521-6695.
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building, 521-6695.

Students have the responsibility to know and observe the UNCP Academic Honor Code. This code forbids cheating, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, fabrication or falsification of information, and complicity in academic dishonesty. Any special requirements or permission regarding academic honesty in this course will be provided to students in writing at the beginning of the course, and are binding of the students. Academic evaluations in this course include a judgment that the student’s work is free from academic dishonesty of any type and grades in this course therefore should be and will be adversely affected by academic dishonesty. Students who violate this code can be dismissed from the University. The normal penalty for a first offense is an F in the course. Standards of academic honor will be enforced in this course. Students are expected to report cases of academic dishonesty to the instructor. In general, faculty members should, and will, take preventative measures to avoid cases of academic dishonesty (for example, examinations should be carefully proctored). However, a faculty member’s failure to take such measures is no excuse for academic dishonesty. Academic honesty and integrity, in the final analysis, are matters of personal honesty and individual integrity on the part of every student. More information on the academic honor code can be found at www.uncp.edu/sa/pol_pub/honor_code.htm.

Tutoring is available for most subjects in the Center for Academic Excellence to groups of up to five students per session, with peer tutors who show proficiency in courses and have been trained in effective tutoring strategies. To get the most effective results, students should sign up for tutoring as soon as possible after the beginning of the semester, come to tutoring sessions with specific questions prepared regarding course material, and attend the sessions consistently. Sign up for tutoring by contacting Courtney Walters at 910-775-4408 or courtney.walters@uncp.edu.

Student Support Services provides eligible students with one-on-one and group tutoring, personal counseling, and assistance with applying for financial aid. Contact the TRIO office in the A and B suites in Jacobs Hall.

The Resource Learning Lab in the Center for Academic Excellence offers computer based, self-paced tutoring in basic writing skills from composing sentences, paragraphs, and essays, to addressing common writing problems, basic reading comprehension, and word problem dissection. These programs are 4 – 8 weeks long and offer non-credit, collectable test performance data on each student’s progress. The Resource Learning Lab also offers self-help DVDs for academic study skills such as Values and Goals, Time Management, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Active Listening and Note Taking, Researching, Reading and Writing, and Studying and Test Taking. The Resource Learning Lab is available to all students, whether right out of high school or non-traditional students needing a refresher, by contacting Mark Hunt at 910-775-4393 or mark.hunt@uncp.edu.

Academic Resource Mentors (ARMs) are available in the Center for Academic Excellence for all students regardless of academic standing or class standing. Participants are matched up with a peer mentor to meet for one 30 minute session each week to discuss progress in current classes and help students further develop their academic skill sets such as time management, test preparation, utilization of textbooks, note taking, and other valuable skills. Mentors also help students navigate the university’s policies and procedures such as grade replacements and academic appeals. ARMs host regular skill enhancement workshops that are available to all students, including those not regularly seeing a mentor. Workshops address specific topics such as understanding your educational expenses, preparing for your future career, the importance of being involved on campus, and what to do in order to recover from academic struggles. Sign up for services by contacting Jennifer Bruner at 910-775-4391 or jennifer.bruner@uncp.edu.

The University Writing Center staff works one-to-one with UNCP students at any stage in the writing process, from brainstorming topics to drafting, revising, editing, and formatting. UNCP students from any course or department are welcome to use the Center. Tutors work with students on all types of writing assignments, including application essays and personal statements. The University Writing Center is located in D.F. Lowry room 308. For more information, and to make an appointment, students should visit http://www.uncp.edu/writing/

For the Emergency Information Hotline, phone 521-6888.

The instructor reserves the right to change or modify any of the above conditions.

Updated December 13, 2012 | linda.hafer@uncp.edu | Copyright © 2012 The University of North Carolina at Pembroke