Dawn Wiggins

Prerequisite: MTH 0907, Intermediate Algebra, and MTH 0908, Geometry, both with a "C" or better; or equivalent coursework with a "C" or better; or appropriate score on the placement test.

Text: College Algebra (fifth edition) by Blitzer (and the MyMathLab Student Access Kit); Course ID: Per Instructor

Email Protocol:Unless otherwise instructed, send email to my campus email account. When composing the message, identify the course (MTH 1003 8AM or MTH 1003 10AM) in the subject line and include your full name in the body of the email.

Other Materials: Scientific calculator required, I recommend the TI-30X IIS or TI-30X IIB (graphing calculator, PDA, cell phone, etc. NOT permitted for exams); pencil

Description: This course serves, primarily, as a building block for students continuing in mathematics. The topics covered include fundamental algebraic operations, radicals, systems of equations, higher order degree equations, inequalities, absolute value, logarithms, matrices, and the binomial theorem.

Expected Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student should have demonstrated proficiency in the following:
                1. Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of algebra
                2. Knowledge of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities
                3. Knowledge of functions
                4. Knowledge of polynomial functions
                5. Knowledge of other functions
                6. Knowledge of systems of equations and inequalities
                7. Knowledge of sequences

Online Homework: The online homework assignments are available in MyMathLab (www.mymathlab.com). The problems can be completed as many times as you wish. Your best score at the time of the respective exam will be taken for grade calculations. Deadlines will be posted in MyMathLab.

It is your responsibility to arrange for reliable online access to the course. Please keep in mind that technology problems (e.g. lost internet service, broken computer, etc.) do not exempt you from the assigned deadlines. Plan accordingly: complete assessments with enough time left to allow for possible problems, both technical and personal; and, have at least two computer alternatives for accessing the online course materials (e.g. IVCC's Learning Commons, a friend, a local library, work, etc.).

Homework Practice Exercises and Study Recommendations: The majority of the homework practice exercise problems are located online; there are a few that need to be completed from the textbook. The problems are to help you gain proficiency with the material. You may find that you need to complete more exercises than those assigned to master the material. Class time will be devoted to answering questions from the exercises. To keep on schedule, you are expected to complete a section’s practice exercises after the material has been covered in class, but before the next class period. I strongly recommend, however, that you read the section and preview the exercises prior to the material's coverage in class. On average, you should spend 2-3 hours studying outside of class for each hour that you are in class.

Other Quizzes: There may be both in-class and take-home quizzes; announced and unannounced; online and paper-pencil. Questions on the quizzes will consist of material from class notes and homework practice exercises.

You must take an in-class quiz on the day it is given. If you are not in the classroom when an in-class quiz is given, it cannot be made up.

For online quizzes, it is your responsibility to arrange for reliable online access to the course. Please keep in mind that technology problems (e.g. lost internet service, broken computer, etc.) do not exempt you from the assigned deadlines. Plan accordingly: complete assessments with enough time left to allow for possible problems, both technical and personal; and, have at least two computer alternatives for accessing the online course materials (e.g. IVCC's LearningCommons, a friend, a local library, work, etc.).

Surveys: Periodic surveys will be administered. Your participation will provide me with insight regarding student learning and ways to improve the course. Please approach the surveys seriously to help me better meet your learning needs.

If you know that you will miss an exam, you may take the exam early. I will need at least two class days notice. Otherwise, you may make up the points for a single missed exam at the end of the semester with your final exam score. You will earn a score of zero for any subsequent missed exam(s).

Replace Lowest Exam Score: If the percentage on your final exam is higher than your lowest exam score, then your lowest exam score will be replaced with the percentage from your final exam. The final exam percentage can only be used to replace a single exam score in the course. So, if you have missed an exam, then the final exam score will be used to replace the score for the missing exam.

Retakes of Exams and/or Extra Credit: Retakes of assignments and extra credit are not allowed on an individual basis.

Academic Conduct: Academic honesty is expected. Violations will not be tolerated. The instructor reserves the right to assign a score of zero on any assignment where academic dishonesty occurs. The instructor also reserves the right to file an Academic Dishonesty Report with the office of Academic Affairs. Other possible disciplinary action includes failure of the course or withdrawal from the course; and, possibly, withdrawal from the college.

Attendance: You are expected to attend classes regularly. Attendance is taken to maintain records for financial aid, state auditing, and athletic progress reports. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to keep up with the course (e.g. check the schedule, work on assigned practice exercises, complete online homework assignments, get class notes from a classmate, etc.). If you have specific questions on the missed course content, contact me to schedule an appointment.

Special Needs Educational Support Services: You may be eligible for academic accommodations through the Disability Services Office if you have a documented physical, psychiatric, or cognitive disability such as a learning disability or ADD/ADHD. If you have a disability and need more information regarding possible accommodations, please contact Tina Hardy at 224-0284 or Judy Mika at 224-0350; or, stop by office B-204.

School Closings and Class Cancellations: In the event of inclement weather, please tune to a local radio station for possible school closings. Any assignments that are due on a day that the school is closed or class is cancelled will be due during the next scheduled class period. If an exam is scheduled for such a day, it will be conducted during the next scheduled class period. Check IVCC's Class Cancellations (http://www.ivcc.edu/cancellations.aspx?id=2810) for class announcements.

Electronic Devices: To avoid disruptions to fellow students, please silence all electronic devices (e.g. phones, pagers, etc.) prior to the beginning of each class. Unless it is an emergency, you will assume a 5 point penalty if your device "rings" during an exam.

Request for Instructor Signature: Please bring any forms that you need for me to sign by my office during office hours. If you cannot make it during my office hours, I would be happy to set up an appointment with you.

Withdrawals: Effective Summer 2011, students will have the ability to initiate a withdrawal from classes. By completing the form in the Records Office or through the form located within WebAdvisor, the student is authorizing IVCC to remove him/her from the course. Entering the student ID number serves as the student’s electronic signature. IVCC has the right to rescind a withdrawal in cases of academic dishonesty or at the instructor’s discretion.

Students should be aware of the impact of a withdrawal on full-time status for insurance purposes and for financial aid. It is highly recommended that students meet with their instructor or with a counselor before withdrawing from a class to discuss if a withdrawal is the best course of action for that particular student.

All withdrawals earn a grade of "W", which does not affect the GPA, but deletes the course credit(s) for the involved course(s). Withdrawal from the course is NOT automatic. Even if you cease all activity in the course, you must be withdrawn from the course. All students on the roster at the end of the course will be assigned a grade. The last day for withdrawal is Thursday November 8th 2012.

You should be aware of the impact of a withdrawal on full-time status for insurance purposes and for financial aid. It is highly recommended that you consult with me, a counselor, and the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from a class to discuss if a withdrawal is the best course of action for you.

It is your responsibility to make sure the withdrawal is processed prior to the deadline.

NOTE: This course syllabus is subject to change to meet the learning needs of the students and/or the needs of the professor.