MAT 0024

COLLEGE PREPARATORY ALGEBRA

SPRING 2008

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Instructor: Dr. Clayton W. Commander                                 

Office Phone: (850) 883-2649

Email 1: clayton.commander@eglin.af.mil                       

Email 2: clayton.commander@gmail.com

Website: http://plaza.ufl.edu/clayton8/

 

Office Hours: I will do my best to be available 30 minutes before class most days.  However, if you really need to see me, send me an email message to ensure that I arrive early that day.

 

Class Meeting Time: MTWR 6:30 PM – 8:40 PM

Class Dates: January 14 – March 5, 2008

 

Catalog Course Description: This course is designed for students whose entry level placement test scores do not meet requirements for degree credit (not applicable for degree completion).  This course emphasizes concepts, techniques, and applications of the following topics: operations with real numbers, properties of real numbers, linear equations and equalities, rational expressions and equations, properties of exponents, polynomials, radical expressions, and graphs of lines.

 

Textbook: E. Martin-Gay. Developmental Mathematics, Prentice Hall, 2007.

 

Course Content: We will cover the following sections: 8.1 – 8.7, 9.1 – 9.7, 10.1 – 10.3, 12.1 – 12.7, 13.1 – 13.7, 14.1 – 14.2, 15.1 – 15.4 

 

Calculator Policy: Calculators are NOT allowed in this course.

 

Homework: Assignments will be given daily.  While each homework assignment will be graded, the lowest two will be dropped.  Homework will be assigned in class and I will post the assignment to the course website.  Homework will be due in class, on the due date.  Homework can be turned in via email as well.  Late homework will NOT be accepted.

 

Exams: There will be 3 in-class exams and a comprehensive final.  I will drop your lowest exam score.  There will be NO make-up exams.  Students that know that they are going to miss an exam will be allowed to take it early provided that a valid excuse is given for the absence.  Students must contact me prior to missing an exam in order to take it early/late.  In order to take college credit mathematics courses, students must earn a grade of “C” or better and pass a state mandated exit exam.  Students can take the exit exam at most twice.  We will discuss this further in class.

 

Grading: Your grade will be determined as follows:
                 Class Participation: 10%

                 Homework: 30%

                 Exams: 60 %

 

Grading Scale: A 90 – 100%, B 80 – 89%, C 70 – 79%, D 60 – 69%, F less than 60%

                       

Attendance: You should make every effort to attend all classes.  If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what work you missed.  You will still be responsible for any assignments given.  Since the term is so short and class meets four days per week, it will be incredibly difficult to succeed if you fall behind.  You must stay on top of the assignments and ask questions as soon as you have a problem.

 

Available Support: Help is available to you for FREE at the following OWC campuses:

 

Math lab: The Niceville campus math lab in L 131 and the Fort Walton Beach math lab in room 702 have videos, tutors and computer resources available.

 

  • Niceville Math Lab Hours:

Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 6:30 pm

Friday                       9:00 am – 12:30 pm

 

  • FWB Math Lab Hours:

Monday – Thursday 9:30 am – 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Friday                       9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Saturday                   9:00 am – 1:00 pm

 

  • Crestview Math Lab: Bob Sikes Center Room 141

 

  • Academic Success Center: The Academic Success Center in E149 has tutors available for many subjects. Check with them to see if they have someone who can help you.

 

Cell Phone/Electronic Communication Devices: Cell phones, pagers and other such electronic devices must be turned off during class time.  Communication by electronic device during class is strictly prohibited unless expressly designated as part of the learning activities.  Use of electronic communication devices during examinations or other graded activities may constitute grounds for disciplinary action. Where emergency or employment situations require access to electronic communication services, arrangements may be made in advance with the instructor. 

 

Special Needs: If you have special needs for which accommodations may be appropriate to assist you in this class, please contact the Office of Services for Students with Special Needs in Building C-1 on the Niceville Campus, or call 729-6079 (TDD 1-800-955-8771 or Voice 1-800-955-8770).

 

Code of Conduct: Students are responsible for adherence to all college policies and procedures, including those related to academic freedom, cheating, classroom conduct, and other items included in the OWC Catalog and Student Handbook.  Students should be familiar with the rights and responsibilities detailed on pages 25-29 of the 2007-08 OWC Catalog and Student Handbook.  Plagiarism, cheating or any other form of academic dishonesty is a serious breach of student responsibilities and may trigger consequences which range from a failing grade to formal disciplinary action.