Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

Algebra banner.jpg


Instructor: Randy Anderson

Course Information
Title: Algebra+
Dates: January 7, 2013 through March 17, 2013
Course Description: This course is a review of solving linear equations and inequalities, simplifying expressions using the rules of exponents, adding/subtracting/multiplying/dividing/factoring polynomials, graphing linear equations and linear inequalities, solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, finding the equations of lines, simplifying rational, radical, and logarithmic expressions, solving rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic equations, and an introduction to functions.
Prerequisites: Since this class reviews pre-college level algebra, and moves at a brisk pace, students should be somewhat familiar with mathematical concepts through second year algebra in high school.

Course Outcomes:
The outcome for completing this course is to take, or retake, the placement exam at your respective college or university and place into a college level mathematics class.

Thus, a student who successfully completes this course should be able to:

  • Algebraically solve linear equations, linear inequalities, and systems of linear equations.
  • Solve systems of linear inequalities graphically.
  • Construct equations of lines.
  • Use properties of exponents appropriately.
  • Apply mathematical operations to simplify a variety of mathematical expressions including polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic expressions.
  • Apply mathematical operations to solve a variety of mathematical equations including absolute value, quadratic, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic equations.

Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to watch the video lessons, read any text lessons, work any practice problems, and do the MyOpenMath problems and quizzes. You know when you need to spend more time on a given concept and when you do not. When questions arise, post them to the Forums. I also recommend answering questions on the Forums. Explaining a concept helps you understand that concept.

Every day, time will need to be set aside for watching the videos and/or reading the lessons (think of this as the "lecture" part of a face-to-face class), then more time will need to be set aside for practicing the problems and working the problems in the MyOpenMath sets (think of this as the "homework" for a face-to-face class).

There are deadline dates for the material in this course. Make sure to check the calendar or the Assignments page to make note of when those deadline dates occur. For any assignment not currently listed, once they have been added, I will post an announcement stating the deadline for the assignment.

Materials for this Class
Textbook: There is no official textbook for this class. The lessons are integrated within the Canvas system and can be found in the Modules. A free, online textbook (pdf files) that you may want to use for reference material is:

Grading
Possible Points: These "Possible Points" will consist of online homework through MyOpenMath, and online quizzes. Over 500 total points will be offered in the “Possible Points” category, of which the maximum you can earn is 400 points.

Exams: There will be a Midterm and a Final Exam. The exams are to be completed by their corresponding deadlines. Any exam not taken by the specified deadline will be scored as a zero. Absolutely no make-up exam will be offered for any reason. Each exam will be available for 2-3 days and have a posted time limit. All answers must be submitted within that time limit. Make note that the exams will be located under Assignments. (Note: Exams must be completed by the 11:59pm PST deadline. Thus, if you wait until the last day to take an exam, make sure you begin the exam early enough to give you enough time to complete it before the 11:59pm PST deadline.)

Course Evaluation

  • Midterm: 300 points
  • Possible Points: 400 points - (out of more than a total of 500 points that will be offered throughout the quarter)
  • Final Exam: 300 points
  • Thus, the course consists of earning points up to a maximum of 1000 points.

Extra Credit: Absolutely no extra credit work will be offered in this course.

Grading Scale
To give you a feel for how well you did in the class, use the following scale to determine your final grade. It is based on the total number of points earned from the Possible Points (400 points), Midterm (300 points), and the Final Exam (300 points) for a maximum total of 1000 points:

  • A = 900-1000
  • B = 800-899
  • C = 700-799
  • D = 600-699
  • Anything below 600 points is not passing.

Policies
Missed Exams: There are no acceptable excuses for failing to complete any of the work by the designated deadlines. This includes technical difficulties (or other computer problems), children, illness, deaths in the family, traffic court, vacations, or any other problems. The MyOpenMath sets and the exams/quizzes are available for an extended period of time so that students can make appropriate arrangements to complete the work. Thus, any missed MyOpenMath set or exam/quiz will be scored as a zero, and no make-up work of any kind will be offered. Be safe: work on the MyOpenMath sets a little every day, and take exams as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last day.

Peninsula College Accessibility Statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990“ is designed to ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access academic programs and successfully complete their studies.” Peninsula College is committed to providing accessibility to all students. Special attention has been made to provide text and visual instructions in this class.

Changes: The instructor reserves the right to change the course syllabus, schedule, and policies as necessary.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due