course syllabus- ma 090 beginning algebra · course syllabus- ma 090 beginning algebra...
TRANSCRIPT
Course Syllabus- MA 090 Beginning Algebra
Instructor- Karl Thomsen
Office and Phone- NSF- Room 1109; 227-1597 or 227-2020
E-mail Addresses- [email protected]; [email protected]
Daytime phone- 225-5353 (leave a message)
Course Objective
The main objective of this course is to develop mathematical skills in problem solving
and critical thinking that will serve as a foundation for subsequent mathematic courses
and provide a valid experience in mathematics that may be needed for other fields of
study.
Prerequisite
AT LEAST a B- in OC080 or satisfactory Placement Test score.
Required Materials
Beginning Algebra: Once and For All, Kendall/Hunt, Jane Jamsen and Gwen
Hetler
Calculator, any scientific calculator will work.
2 Notebooks (keep these organized)
o One for notes
o One for homework
Writing utensil
Attendance
Attendance is required and will be taken daily. If you have more than one unexcused
absence and your final grade is on the borderline, you will receive the lower grade. In
case of an illness or another emergency that would result in an absence, the student will
be responsible for keeping up with assignments. If you know you are going to be absent,
let me know ahead of time (I will decide if it is “excused” or “unexcused”).
Homework
Homework will be assigned daily and must be completed daily, with work, to get full
benefit for the course. Occasionally you will be divided into groups and assigned
exploration type problems. The group may have to meet outside of class-time to finish
the work. Every student must participate in the group work and each person must sign
the group solution to the assignment when it is submitted. These projects count as a quiz
grade and each member of the group gets the same grade. The participation of each
member of the group is considered into the overall project grade. It usually is not
possible to make up a missed group project.
Quizzes
Quizzes will be given frequently. They will be worth anywhere from 10 points to 50
points. A lot of the questions on the quizzes will be taken directly from your homework
assignments. At times you will be able to use your assignment notebook on a quiz. Keep
in mind that if you are allowed to use your assignment notebook on a quiz, time will most
likely allow you to copy your work down, not rework the problem. Missed quizzes
cannot be made up unless you notify me ahead of time and I approve your absence.
Tests
There will a 100 point test after every chapter. Tests will cover reading, homework, and
concepts discussed in class. You must take the tests at their scheduled time and no make-
ups are possible unless you notify me before the test time. A documented excuse is
necessary in order to make up a test.
Exam
There will be a comprehensive final exam during exam week that will be worth 200
points. Students who have missed no more than 4 hours of class (not 4 class periods)
AND have an 83% average or better, may skip the final exam and receive their current
score as their final grade for the class. If you don’t meet the above requirements please
don’t ask to skip the exam.
Grading Scale
A 100-93% C 76-73%
A- 92-90% C- 72-70%
B+ 89-87% D+ 69-67%
B 86-83% D 66-63%
B- 82-80% D- 62-60%
C+ 79-77% F Below 60%
Success Tips
1. Don’t miss class!
2. Ask questions!
3. Participate in class! The more involved you are the more likely you are to
succeed.
4. Get extra help if need be.
a. Talk to me about help after class, before class, etc.
b. Use the math lab on campus. There are math majors there that are more
than willing to help.
5. Do your homework.
Disability Services If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Dean of Students Office at 2001 C. B. Hedgcock Building
(227-1700). Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with
federal, state, and University guidelines.