MAT 1033                                 Intermediate Algebra                         

Weekly Course Syllabus

 

The syllabus consists of the following headings:

Instructor

Text

Course Content

Math Prerequisites

Technical Prerequisites

Calculator

Primary Learning Goals

Specific Course Objectives

Final Exam

Miscellaneous Policies

Getting Help

Grading Policy

SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Homework Assignments

Blackboard Log-in Instructions

MathZone Log-in Instructions

 

 

Instructor:  See the Instructor link on your course Blackboard site for information regarding  email address, office location, and office hours.

 

Text:

  1. Intermediate Algebra,  Bello & Hopf        (Optional: Student Solutions Manual)   
  2. ALEKS Computer Tutorial student access code. It will be part of the package if you buy a new book.  If you buy a used book, you must purchase an ALEKS access code.
  3. MathZone Internet-based class work site student access code.  It will be part of the package if you buy a new book.  If you buy a used book, you must purchase a MathZone access code.

The USF Tampa Campus Bookstore has the textbook and the student access codes. You must have all three.

 

 

Course Content:  Chapters 1-10 of the text will be covered.

Chapter 1:          The Real Numbers

Chapter 2:          Linear Equations & Inequalities

Chapter 3:          Graphs and Functions

Chapter 4:          Solving Systems of Linear Equations & Inequalities

Chapter 5:          Polynomials

Chapter 6:          Rational Expressions

Chapter 7:          Rational Exponents & Radicals

Chapter 8:          Quadratic Equations & Inequalities

Chapter 9:          Quadratic Functions (9.1)

 

Math Prerequisites: MAT 0024C with a grade of “C” or better, or appropriate score on placement test.

       

 

 Technical Prerequisites:

 Be able to work with the following hardware applications on a PC:

·   Add plug-ins (AOL may not accept the regular download for the ALEKS plug-ins and you will have to do the manual download.)

·   Contact and work with Technology help desk personnel (See Getting Help below)

Be familiar with the following types of software:

·   Web browser (Internet Explorer 6 is recommended)

·   Microsoft Word processor with Equation Editor 

·   Blackboard / Discussions Boards / Chat

·   E-mail

To forward your USF email to the email address that you normally check:

  1. Go to the USF Web email log-in at https://mailbox.acomp.usf.edu/   and enter your net ID username, password, and USF mail server (mail.usf.edu for example)
  2. This should take you to the inbox of your assigned USF email account.  Select the “Options” link at the top and then the “Email Forwarding” link. Enter your email forwarding address in the box and click the “change settings” link.   

 

Calculator: A scientific calculator is required for this course. You should not need a graphing calculator, but you are allowed to use one.

 

Primary Learning Goals:  Topics include sets, functions, polynomial operations, factoring, absolute value, rational expressions, equations (linear, quadratic, radical, rational), systems of equations, inequalities, exponents, radicals, graphs of linear equations and inequalities in two variables, complex numbers and applications.  Elective credit only.  No credit given if student has prior credit for any MAC course.

 

Specific Course Objectives:  In the respective topics below, the student will:

Equations and Inequalities

1.       solve linear equations and inequalities

2.       solve applications involving linear equations and inequalities

3.       solve absolute value equations and inequalities

4.       quadratic equations and applications involving quadratic equations

5.       solve equations with rational expressions and applications involving rational expressions

6.       solve equations with radicals and applications involving radical expressions.

7.       solve systems of linear equations and applications involving systems of equations

Polynomials

8.       perform operations involving polynomials

9.       factor polynomials

Rational Expressions

10.   perform operations involving rational expressions.

11.   simply a complex rational expression

Exponents and Radicals

12.   simplify expressions with rational exponents and radicals

13.   perform operations with expressions containing exponents and radicals

Complex Numbers

14.   simplify complex numbers

15.   perform operations with complex numbers

Graphs and Functions

16.   graph a linear equation and inequality

17.   graph a parabola

18.   graph a circle

19.   graph a system of equations or inequalities

20.   identify a function, domain, and range

21.   find the inverse function and graph it

22.   perform operations with functions

23.   find composite functions

Final Exam:  There will be a 2-hour common final exam  (see the USF exam matrix at  http://www.registrar.usf.edu/ssearch/search.php ).  This will be a cumulative departmental exam and all questions will be multiple choice.  The common final exam counts as 10% of your grade. The remaining 90% of your grade will be specified in the grading policy (below).

 

Time Conflicts with the scheduled Final Exam time

  • Students who normally work during the scheduled time of the final exam are expected to make arrangements with their employer to get time off.
  • Students who have another final exam scheduled during this same time period will be permitted to take a makeup. You must submit proof that a conflict exists.
  • Students who miss the exam for other reasons (serious illness, death in family, etc) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In all cases verification of the student’s excuse will be required; makeup’s will be permitted only for circumstances deemed beyond the student’s control. Students should contact their instructor immediately upon realizing they will miss the exam.   

 

Miscellaneous Policies:

·          Cheating will not be tolerated. The HCC College policy on Academic Integrity is explained in the Student Handbook at the following website http://www.thezonelive.com/zone/02_SchoolStructure/FL_HillsboroughCommunityCollege/Handbook.pdf

  • Any student with a disability is encouraged to meet privately with the instructor during the first week of classes to discuss accommodations. The student must bring a current Memorandum of Accommodations from the Office of Student Disability Services (SVC 1133). This is a prerequisite for receiving accommodations. Exam accommodations through the Office of Student Disability Services require two weeks advance notice. All course handouts are available in alternate format if requested in the student’s Memorandum of Accommodations.
  • The last day to withdraw from this course and receive a tuition refund can be found at http://www.registrar.usf.edu/enroll/regist/calendt.php and click on registrar’s calendar.
  • The last day to withdraw from this course and receive a grade of “W” can be found at http://www.registrar.usf.edu/enroll/regist/calendt.php and click on registrar’s calendar.
  • A grade of  “I” indicates incomplete work and will only be assigned when most of the coursework has already been completed with a passing grade. See the Student Handbook website mentioned above for further information.

 

Getting Help:

  • There is a math Lab located in SOC 34.  Lab Hours of Operation will be posted on the door and can be obtained from your instructor. Anytime there is a math instructor on duty, tutoring will be available as volume and time permits.
  • For computer use only there is a math lab in BEH 102.  Hours will be posted.
  • There is a Student Solutions Manual available (optional) as a companion to the text.
  • There are guided e-lessons and videos available with the internet resource, MathZone.  (linked from our Blackboard course site)
  • Arrange to meet your instructor either in the Blackboard virtual classroom or chat or an on-campus meeting.
  • Academic Computing located on the 6th floor of the Tampa Campus library will be available for student technical support: (974-1222) in Tampa or toll-free (1-866-974-1222 statewide), electronic mail (help-ac@usf.edu), walk-ins (LIB 608) and on-site services.  To access online guides go to http://www.acomp.usf.edu/help.html, select the “Interactive Video Guides” link, and then choose your preferred guide.

 

 

Grading Policy: 

  • To maximize your learning you should spend at least two hours outside of class for every hour spent in class.  Typically your homework will be the odd problems for each section covered in the course. The actual Homework Assignment list is included on the syllabus after the SEMESTER SCHEDULE below.  The odd problems have answers in the back of the textbook so you should check your work. 
  • All USF courses including HCC classes at USF can be accessed on the Internet through a program called Blackboard.  If you have never used Blackboard before, then see “Using our Course Blackboard Site” below. 
  • An Internet resource for guided instruction and videos is the MathZone.  The required 10 Practice Chapter Tests can be found there. To log in to the MathZone for the first time using your student access code obtained with your textbook and the class course code, see the MathZone Log-in Instructions below.

 

 

Your grade will be a composite of the following:

 

1.       Math Zone

 

  1. Class Participation

 

3.   Chapter Tests

 

  1. Comprehensive Common Final Exam

      The final exam is a mandatory departmental multiple choice exam. It will be given during USF Exam Week.

 

 

            Letter Grade Assignment:                            

90-100  A

80-89    B 

70-79    C 

60-69    D 

  0-59    F

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using Our Course Blackboard Site

 

1.     How to log-in to the Blackboard course site:

 

URL       https://my.usf.edu

 

*Enter USF net id       fhopf

           password          *****

 

Select  "Courses" tab at the top

 

Select "Your Course"

 

     This always takes you to the announcement page of the course.

     All the other links to the course are in the left margin.

 

*If you are a new user, select the "sign-up" link and follow the prompts

 

     USF card #     640013…

     date of birth

     SS number

 

MathZone Log-in Instructions

 

1.     Go to http://www.mathzone.com

2.     Select your textbook from the “please select your text” in the middle of the MathZone home page.

3.     Click on Student Edition in the MathZone box.

4.     Click on [login], and click “use your registration code.” This code can be found in your MathZone Student Access Kit that comes with a new text book.  You must buy the code if you have a used book.

1.     Enter your registration code in the box, and click continue.

2.     Follow the directions to set up your account.

3.     Write your UserID and password down for future reference. 

4.     Enter the specific course class code found on the Course Codes list on your syllabus.  This will automatically register you in your instructor’s course.