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MAT 098 Course Syllabus
Basic Course Information MAT 098 Pre-Algebra Hours: Class/Week - 5
Instructor Information Ron Murphy Office: B-19, Phone: 706-756-4559 E-mail: rmurphy@westgatech.edu
Prerequisites MAT 101/111 or a PreAlgebra COMPASS score of 43
Course Description This course introduces pre-algebra concepts and operations, which will be applied to the study of beginning algebra. Topics include: number theory, arithmetic review, signed numbers, algebraic operations, and introduction to algebra word problems. Homework assignments reinforce classroom learning.
Competency Areas I. Number Theory A. Sets B. Properties II. Signed Numbers A. Definition of Signed Numbers B. Operations Using Signed Numbers III. Order of Operations A. Hierarchy of Operations IV. Simplifying Algebraic Expressions A. Definition of Algebraic Expressions B. Exponents C. Operations Using Algebraic Expressions V. Factoring A. Definition of Factors B. Operations Using Factoring VI. Equations A. Definition of Equations B. Operations Using Equations VII. Algebra Word Problems A. Algebraic Translations B. Application of Algebra
Course Objectives Upon completion of this course, the student will, with at least 75% proficiency, be able to: 1. Identify sets of real numbers. 2. Define properties of addition, multiplication, and division of real numbers. 3. Define powers of real numbers. 4. Define signed numbers and absolute value. 5. Solve problems requiring addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and powers of signed numbers. 6. Describe the hierarchy of operations. 7. Apply the hierarchy of operations to solve mathematical problems requiring multiple operations. 8. Define variable, constant, terms, coefficients, and polynomials. 9. Identify laws of exponents. 10. Apply laws of exponents. 11. Solve problems requiring addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of algebraic expressions. 12. Determine special products of polynomials. 13. Define prime factors and greatest common factor. 14. Remove common monomial factors. 15. Factor binomials and trinomials. 16. Define equations. 17. Differentiate between equations and expressions. 18. Solve linear equations of one unknown. 19. Manipulate formulas. 20. Solve problems algebraically involving ratio and proportion. 21. Translate English phrases into algebraic expressions and sentences/ paragraphs into algebraic equations. 22. Solve word problems requiring simple linear equations.
Student Learning Outcomes 1. The student will be able to identify and extract relevant data from application-based problems, compute the solution, and determine the validity of the results. 2. The student will be able to communicate mathematical thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely to others in the oral and written form. 3. The student will be able to incorporate mathematical knowledge into viable job skills that make him/her successful in the workforce. 4. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of Algebra. 5. The student will be able to use the concepts to solve basic linear equations. 6. The student will be able to use appropriate technology, including calculators, and computers, as tools to assist with mathematical processes, information retrieval, and communication. 7. The student will be able to work together in groups to produce a collective outcome. 8. The student will demonstrate individual responsibility, personal integrity, and respect for all classmates.
Course Texts and Materials Blitzer,Robert; (2006); Introductory Algebra (4th ed); New Jersey: Prentice-Hall; ISBN# 0-13-196071-7
Student will need a SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR.
Instructional Strategies/Methods Lecture Individual Assignments Group Projects Critical Thinking Writing Across the Curriculum
Tests, Daily Work, Written Assignment 75% Final Exam 25% Note: At the end of the quarter, your daily work assignments are averaged and count as one test grade. Daily work consists of homework and class work. The written assignment and the internet project will count as one test grade. At the end of the term, all test grades will be averaged and count 75% of your final grade.
The Final Exam must be taken at the scheduled time.
Grading Scale A 90 – 100 B 80 – 89 C 70 – 79 F Below 70
Form and Content Errors Grammar and Mechanical Errors No Works Cited page when needed (-10) Comma splice, run-on, fragment (-10) Inadequate conclusion (-5) Verb number/tense error (-5) Inadequate introduction (-5) Misspelling inside a quote (-4) Lack of topic sentence in paragraph (-5) Misplaced/dangling modifier (-3) No in-text citation on a quote or paraphrase (-5) Pronoun number/case error (-3) Unclear or absent thesis statement (-5) Capitalization error (-2) Unclear topic sentence (-5) Spelling error (-2 per misspelled word) Incorrect works-cited/in-text citation entry (-2) Misc. punctuation error (-1) Misc. MLA style error (-2) Parallelism error (-1)
Work Ethics Grade and how evaluated Good work habits are as valuable as technical skills. Work ethic traits including attendance, character, teamwork, appearance, attitude, productivity, organizational skills, communication, cooperation and respect are included in the work ethics evaluation. This grade is not included in the Grade Point average, but is shown on the student’s transcript. The work Ethics grading scale is as follows: 3 – Exceeds Expectations, 2 – Meets Expectations, 1 – Needs Improvement and 0 – Unacceptable.
Course Requirements An average of 70 or higher of all coursework. A math notebook containing all homework, classwork and activities. Attend a minimum of 80 % of scheduled classes. (16 out of 20) Writing across the curriculum embedded into the course as a paper written according to the specifications given by the instructor. Critical thinking embedded into the course as a projects, writing assignments, and test questions assigned by the instructor.
Tutoring WGTC offers free tutoring for mathematics students. Please see your instructor for the tutor’s hours.
Safety A first aid kit is located in classroom D111. The Emergency Procedures and Evacuation Plan are posted on the wall of the classroom.
Critical Thinking Critical thinking skills are required for every occupation for which the technical college prepares the individual student. Some careers may require higher critical thinking skills than others or use a more sophisticated reasoning process; however, every career requires the individual to engage in a critical thinking process, to solve problems, and to arrive at conclusions in order to be successful in the chosen career field. Critical thinking skills are embedded inmost mathematical activities.
Courtesy Notes Please turn mobile phones and pagers off or to silent mode before entering the classroom. This will save other students from losing concentration and will save you the embarrassment of it ringing during class. Only students registered for a class are allowed in the classroom. Visitors (family/friends) must wait outside the classroom.
Attendance Policy Attendance and punctuality in class is one of the student’s primary responsibilities. Time lost can never be replaced. In the event that an absence is deemed necessary by the student, he/she is held accountable for all work missed. If a student is absent from class for five (5) consecutive instructional hours and does not contact the instructor or misses more than 20% of class time, he/she will automatically be dropped form the course. Absences are counted from the first scheduled meeting date, not from an individual student’s first day of attendance.
Tardy Time you tardy will count toward absences. It is the student’s responsibility to let the instructor know if he/she comes in after attendance has been taken. The student must let the instructor know the time he/she arrived. An absence will be changed to tardy only on the day/night it occurs.
Makeup Work/Makeup Test Policy Students are responsible for work covered on the days they are absent. The student should first consult other students or his/her study buddy about missed work. After all attempts have been made to attain the information, the student may schedule a meeting with the instructor. STUDY BUDDY______________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________Email_____________________________
There are NO MAKEUP TESTS!!!! However, there are provisions to alleviate any hardships caused by this policy. The final exam can be used for one missed test. If you have not missed any tests, the final exam will replace your lowest test grade.
Work Ethics Good work habits are as valuable as technical skills. Work ethic traits including attendance, character, teamwork, appearance, attitude, productivity, organizational skills, communication, cooperation and respect are included in the work ethics evaluation.
Academic Honesty Policy A student who engages in academic misconduct such as cheating shall face disciplinary charges under the Code of Student Conduct in addition to any loss of academic credit or standing that may result from their having failed to meet a course’s academic requirements. Plagiarism, using the words and ideas of someone else as your own, will not be tolerated. All essays/reports/summaries must be your own work. If a student is caught turning in plagiarized work as his/her own, the student will automatically receive a “O” for the assignment. Further disciplinary action may also be taken. A student may be dismissed from the class and given an “F” as a final grade and/or be dismissed from school. Plagiarism is a serious offense.
Confidentiality Statement The rules of confidentiality do not apply to the instructor/student relationship. Please do not disclose information assuming it will be confidential. An instructor is considered a “mandatory reporter”. Any information revealed to an instructor that may represent potential harm to the student or another individual must be reported by law.
ADA Statement If you have a disability that you think may affect your ability to function in this class, please inform the instructor and the West Georgia Technical College Special Needs Career Planner, Gil Ausman at 706-812-4246 (Student Services Offices, Building A) to discuss a request for accommodations. All requests for accommodations are welcomed.
Severe Weather Warning Periodically, WGTC will conduct severe weather warning and fire drills. Instructions on what to do in the event of these warning will be given in class and may be found in print form posted in classrooms and labs. Students are expected to participate in these drills in preparation for any actual threatening situations that may occur.
DTAE Guarantee Curriculum standards have been developed with direct involvement of business and industry. These standards serve as the industry-validated specifications for each occupational program. These standards allow the Georgia system of technical colleges to offer their business and industry partners this guarantee: "If one of our graduates educated under a standard program or his/her employer finds that the graduate is deficient in one or more competencies as defined in the standards, the technical college will retrain the employee at no instructional cost to the employee or the employer." This guarantee is in effect for a period of two years after graduation.
Exit Exams (diploma/degree programs only) All graduating degree and diploma students are required to take program area graduation exam in their field. The exam must be taken in the last quarter or next to last quarter before graduation. Information on scheduling the exit exam may be obtained from the program advisor.
CAAP Testing (degree level programs only) All graduating degree students are required to take the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency exam. The exam must be taken in the last quarter or next to last quarter before graduation. Scheduled times for the exam will be posted on campus.
Graduation Application Students expecting to graduate must complete an application for graduation. This form may be obtained from the Office of Student Services located in the Administration Building. Students should apply for graduation during the registration period in which they register for their last quarter of classes. |
