Syllabus

Spring 2009
F502 MW 9:30 - 11:50 am
Section 5462; 4 units

Course Description

Materials

Important Dates

Notebooks

Homework

Quizzes

Labs

Evaluation

Accommodations

Student Learning Outcomes

Class Policies

Course Description
Operations with signed numbers are emphasized. The derivation and use of selected measurement concepts and the development of pre-algebra ideas such as variable and equations are included. Measurement, area and volume formulas for fundamental shapes are stressed. These topics are explored in the context of problem solving and appropriate calculator use. Offered on a Credit/No Credit basis only. Non-associate degree applicable.
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Materials
REQUIRED TEXT – Prealgebra Custom Edition, by Elayn Martin-Gay. The text will include the computer code you will need for the lab. A copy of the textbook and student solution manual are available in the Math Study Center and LRC (library) if needed.

A three-ring notebook, section dividers, college-ruled notebook paper (no frayed edges), and graph paper. You may also need a protractor, metric ruler, and colored pencils.
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Important Dates
February 6: Last day to drop a class without a 'W' on your transcripts and get a refund.
February 6: Last day to add a class.
April 24: Last day to drop a class.
June 4: Grades available on WebConnect.
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Notebooks
Please purchase a three-ring notebook (not spiral) and section dividers for use in this course ONLY. Label the section dividers as follows: Questions Journal, Notes & Homework Quizzes, Other Activities. Please label homework with the section number and assigned problem numbers at the top of the first page of the assignment.
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Homework
Please label homework with the section number and assigned problem numbers at the top of the first page of the assignment.

It is important for you to complete all assignments in a timely manner. I will collect and spot grade homework every Monday. The sections I collect will be announced the week before. NO MAKE-UPS (i.e. you may not turn in work after I have collected it). However, I will drop your two lowest homework scores.
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Labs & Other Activities
The lab assignments and due dates will be announced during lab class. Each lab assignment is worth 5 points and I will drop your lowest score.

There will also be a few group activities and other possible activities throughout the semester. The points for each will be given at the time of the assignment.
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Quizzes
Expect seven quizzes. NO MAKE-UPS, but I will drop your lowest quiz score. The comprehensive final is scheduled for Monday, June 1, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. You must earn a passing grade of 70% or better on the final exam AND an overall average grade of 70% or better to pass the course.
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Evaluation

	Homework, 5 points each - 60 points
	Lab, 5 points each - 30 points
	Other Activities - TBD
	Quizzes, 40 points each - 240 points
	Final - 150 points

The Final Exam is scheduled for Monday, June 1 from 9:30 - 11:30 am

Any students seeking an "I" (incomplete) for a grade must file a petition with me citing "unforeseeable, emergency, and justifiable" reasons for this grade.

Final Note: Attendance, participation, and a subjective instructor impression of a student's work may be used in assigning a final grade to borderline cases.
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Accommodations
Academic accommodations are available for students with disabilities. If you suspect that you have a learning disability, or require services for any other type of disability, please contact Disabled Student Programs and Services in the Student Center Complex or phone 660-4239.
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Student Learning Outcomes

	Use tutorial software to develop mathematical skills
	Formulate tools for success in future mathematics courses
	Recognize and correct computational errors
	Perform fundamental arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using whole numbers
	Perform fundamental arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using decimal numbers
	Perform calculations with fractions including basic arithmetic operations and reducing fractions
	Convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions
	Convert decimals to percents and fractions to percents
	Solve word problems involving percents, linear measures, areas, volumes, weight and/or time
	Reduce rates and ratios to lowest terms and use proportions to solve word problems

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Class Policies

	You are expected to attend each class, arriving on time and remaining for the entire class. Please let me know before class starts if you will be leaving early.
	Math is not a spectator’s sport. A student may be dropped for two or more absences but should not expect to be dropped and is ultimately responsible for officially withdrawing from the course. If absences become a problem, please come and speak with me.
	All cell phones must either be turned off or put on vibrate during class time.
	You are responsible for getting class notes and any schedule changes or other announcements on days missed from the class. Any changes and announcements will be posted on my web site.
	You are expected to be courteous to each other and to the instructor. You will be asked to leave the class for display of behavior the instructor deems as disruptive to the learning environment. You are encouraged to establish study partners with whom you may study and prepare for exams.
	If you feel you need more help than I or other classmates can offer there is free tutoring available in the Math Study Center (Room L104). Their hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
	You are expected to work actively with your peers, sharing, taking and giving, listening and explaining, questioning and answering. You are responsible for being prepared for participation in class discussions and in group work, and for assisting your peers to come to an understanding of mathematics.
	You are expected to keep up to date, study the text and do the homework. The usual rule of thumb for college courses is a minimum: Two hours of study out of class for every hour in class. You should spend at least this amount of time studying for this class.

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