Course Syllabus

Gary Parker
Department of Mathematics
Blue Mountain Community College

Course Description: Students will study polynomials and factoring; roots; radical and rational expressions and equations; functions and their graphs; quadratic equations, complex numbers and parabolas. Applications in these areas will be covered. Use of a graphing utility will also be explored. (Credits: 5)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of MTH 070 or appropriate placement or equivalent as determined by the Mathematics Department.

Required Materials:

• Gloag, Andrew, Anne Gloag, Mara Landers, James Sousa, 2016, Intermediate Algebra, CK-12.org. In Print or Web Version or PDF.
• Graphing Utility, Graph Paper, Ruler
• MyOpenMath.com access

Student Outcomes: After completion of this course the student will demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

⇒ Factoring Polynomials & Polynomial Equations - Ch. 1
⇒ Function Notation- Ch. 2;
⇒ Radical Expressions & Equations- Ch. 3;
⇒ Quadratic Equations & Functions - Ch. 4;
⇒ Rational Expressions & Equations - Ch. 5;
⇒ Exponential and Logarithmic Expressions & Equations- Ch. 6;

Course Learning Outcome:

Understand quantitative literacy, clearly communicating complex ideas based on processes in algebra, in preparation for a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Basic Course Content Objectives:

Students completing the course will

• Factor quadratic expressions,
• Solve factorable quadratic equations,
• Solve non-factorable quadratic equations,
• Perform rational expression arithmetic,
• Solve rational equations,
• Evaluate fractional exponents and radicals,
• Solve radical equations,
• Utilize basic function notation,
• Translate between exponential and logarithmic statements.

Method of Instruction: While this is a “work when you want” course, it is not self paced. You are to keep up with the schedule of due dates. Plan to do math everyday, about 2 hours each day on average. A graphing utility is required, as well as graphing paper, and a ruler.

Expectations:

• You are expected to do about 2 hours of math each day on average.
• Don’t cheat or you’ll be sorry. Although the instructor assumes that no cheating will take place, any evidence of cheating will be reported to the VP of Instruction, pursued thoroughly and dealt with strictly. A negative grade (-100%) will be assigned on the first instance of cheating; An F in the course will be assigned on the second.
• Each section covered should be read before the scheduled due date and homework should worked through on paper. Make note of each section title and problem number in your homework notebook.
• You are also expected to be considerate in class, upholding the utmost respect for the educational environment. If you are inconsiderate, then you will be asked to leave.
• You are expected to keep in touch with your Instructor. I will get back to you within 24 hours during the week and with 48 hours over the weekend.

Homework: Homework is required and should be worked on daily. There are online exercises available here though MyOpenMath. Homework is worth 10 points for each problem and 15% of your final grade. There are regular due dates. See the course calendar. 
Keep your homework in a loose-leaf notebook for easy reference when you have questions and in preparing for tests. Make sure that you show all of your work. Communicating a process is as valuable as showing an answer, especially when you are looking back at it later. When you are done with college nobody will care whether you can complete the square on a quadratic equation with rational coefficients, but you will be expected to clearly communicate complex ideas.
It is required that you take a practice test for each unit. These practice tests are extremely important to your success.
You may be given other assignments throughout the quarter.

Late Passes: Late passes maybe applied to most math assignment. If applicable, you will see a link to Redeem a LatePass near the upper right corner of the assignment. Late passes should be applied before the assignment is due and give you another 48 hours past the due date to get the assignment done.
You have 20 late passes to use throughout the term. Use them wisely.
If I have to apply the late pass for you after the due date then each late pass I apply is only worth 24 hours.

Testing Procedures: There will be two midterm exams (100 points each), plus a comprehensive final exam (150 points). For each of the midterm exams there is a practice exam that you must take before taking the real exam. These practice exams are online and available any time up to the day before the date of the real exam.
No make-up exams or quizzes will be given.
Each exam is online and proctored, so you will need to go to a BMCC testing Center or make other arrangements. All work must be written on paper, neat and numbered, and submitted to your proctor or me.
The final exam must be taken on or before Tuesday March 20. This final exam is in two parts:
 - The first part is the exit exam. No calculator allowed on this part. You must get 75% or better on this part to pass the class. You will get two attempts at the exit exam if necessary.
 - The second part covers problems not on the first part. A calculator is allowed on this part.

Method of Evaluation:
Your final grade will be a weighted average of all of your homework, quiz and exam grades.

Special Services and Student Accommodations: Students requiring assistance beyond the services provided in the online classroom activities must seek out the instructor.
Additional assistance is available at the Special Programs Tutoring Center.
Persons having questions about or requests for special needs and accommodation should contact
the Assistant Director, Admissions and Advising at Blue Mountain Community College, 2411 N.W.
Carden, Pendleton OR 97801, Phone 541-278-5931 or TDD 541-278-2174. Contact should be made
72 hours in advance of the event.

Disclaimer: The syllabus may change depending upon the needs of a particular class. Please verify topics, tests and other due dates with your instructor.

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