Sample Syllabus for MATH 1414: College Algebra

Text: College Algebra, Second Edition, by Beecher, Penna and Reynolds
ISBN: 0321159349

Catalog Description

The course description for MATH 1414 College Algebra may be found in the online Catalog and also in the print edition of the Brookhaven College 2004-2006 Catalog on page 232. Page 163 of the print catalog also has a graphic showing how to read the course description information.

This course is the prerequisite for MATH 1316.

Course Objectives

1. Find solution sets for polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic equations algebraically and graphically. (**EEO #2, 4)
2. Solve polynomial inequalities. Write solutions in interval notation and graph solution sets.
3. Sketch the graphs of parabolas, absolute value, piecewise, rational, exponential, logarithmic and polynomial functions. (EEO #2, 4)
4. Write the equations of lines and parabolas which satisfy specific conditions.
5. Identify the geometric and algebraic properties of functions, including translations, combinations, domain, range, zeros, symmetry, and inverses. (EEO #3, 5)
6. Solve mathematical modeling applications involving polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions. (*CCIC #5, EEO #1, 4-7)
7. Solve systems of equations using matrices. (EEO # 4)
8. Use matrix operations such as addition, subtraction and multiplication. (EEO #1, 4)
9. Evaluate 2 x 2 determinants of square matrices.
10. Graph linear inequalities and systems of linear inequalities. (EEO #2)
11. Find general terms and the summation of n terms for arithmetic and geometric sequences.
12. Use Pascal’s triangle to determine the binomial coefficients in the expansion of a binomial.
13. Use the graphing calculator to analyze graphs, to solve higher degree polynomials, systems of equations, and modeling problems. (CCIC #5, EEO #1, 4-7)

*MATH 1414 will include the following Core Curriculum Intellectual Competency, CCIC:

• CCIC #5 – Critical Thinking – think and analyze at a critical level.

**MATH 1414 will include the following Core Area Exemplary Educational Objectives, EEOs:

• EEO #1 – To apply arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, higher-order thinking, and statistical methods to modeling and solving real-world situations.
• EEO #2 – To represent and evaluate basic mathematical information verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically.
• EEO #3 – To expand mathematical reasoning skills and formal logic to develop convincing mathematical arguments.
• EEO #4 – To use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding and to solve mathematical problems and judge the reasonableness of the results.
• EEO #5 – To interpret mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics, and draw inferences from them.
• EEO #6 – To recognize the limitations of mathematical and statistical models.
• EEO #7 – To develop the view that mathematics is an evolving discipline, interrelated with human culture, and understanding its connections to other disciplines.

Room Assignment

The room assignment for the course may be found in the Credit Course Schedule and also is printed on the paid fee receipt. For special help, students are encouraged to come to the Math Lab, Building K, Room K137. Lab hours are posted on the door of the Math Lab.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend regularly all classes in which they are enrolled and to consult with the instructor when an absence occurs. If a student is unable to complete a course, it is the responsibility of the student to drop the course by the drop date listed in the academic calendar. Dropping a course is a formal procedure which the student must initiate; the instructor cannot do it. The Admissions Office processes adding and dropping of courses. The Admissions Office is located in the Student Services Center, Building S, Room S052.

Students who officially drop this course or withdraw from the college before the deadline will receive a “W” grade in this course. If a student stops attending class but does not officially drop the course through the Admissions Office, the student’s transcript will show a performance grade for the course, usually an “F.”

It is DCCCD policy that before any student can enroll for a DMAT or Math course, they must have successfully completed the prerequisite course or earned an appropriate score on the Accuplacer™ Math Assessment Test. Students who assess into any Developmental Math class must complete the remainder of the DMAT sequence with at least a grade of “C” in order to enroll into college-level Math courses.

Students who will be absent from class for the observance of a religious holiday must notify the instructor in advance. Please refer to the college catalog section Attending Classes.

Evaluation Procedures

Five tests and a comprehensive, departmental final examination will be given. The score earned on each of the five tests will count as 16 percent of the performance grade. The final examination score will count as 20 percent of the performance grade. When it is to the student’s advantage, the final examination score may replace the lowest of the five test scores, in which case the final examination score will count as 36 percent of the performance grade. No make-up tests will be given and there will be no extensions of deadlines if tests are given in the Testing Center unless arrangements are made prior to the test deadline.

The scale used to determine the final course grade is:

If an unforeseen emergency prevents a student from completing the work in a course, a grade of “Incomplete,” or “I,” will be given. The division dean must approve all “I” grades.

Scholastic Dishonesty Policy

Instances of scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated. The Code of Student Conduct prohibits scholastic dishonesty. Any student violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions including suspension from Brookhaven College.

Other

A TI-84 PLUS calculator is required for this course. However, no TI-89 or TI-92 calculators are allowed.
Cell phones are not appropriate in class.