RODP MATH 1710

 Pre-Calculus Algebra
Syllabus

(3 credit hours)

 

Course Information

Course Description:

This course is a study of the algebra necessary to prepare students for Calculus.  Topics covered will include polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices and determinants; the binomial theorem; and an introduction to sequences and series.

 

Course Objectives:

  • To review solving and graphing linear/quadratic functions with and without the aid of a graphing utility.
  • To understand the concept of a function.
  • To solve polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic equations.
  • To solve systems of equations by graphing and by use of matrices and determinants.
  • To graph systems of linear inequalities and use optimization techniques.
  • To understand sequence and series notation and to expand binomials using the Binomial Theorem.
  • To use polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions to represent data graphically and symbolically.
  • To understand the appropriate use of technology in visually describing mathematical models and in finding numerical solutions to mathematical problems.


Prerequisites and Co requisites:

Two years of high school algebra and an acceptable placement score into collegiate mathematics or successful completion of DSPM 0850.


Course Topics:

  • Algebra Review and  Graphing Calculator Techniques
  • Functions and Their Graphs
  • Polynomial and Rational Functions
  • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  • Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  • Matrices and Determinants
  • Introduction to sequences and series
  • The Binomial Theorem

 


Specific Course Requirements:

Students will be required to learn and use a graphing calculator, install free browser plug-ins, and install and use free downloadable mathematics software.  Students will purchase a MyMathLab access kit , register into MyMathLab and install required plug-ins onto each computer used.    

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

                                         

Text book Information:  

Please visit the RODP Virtual Bookstore at www.rodp.bkstr.com for information on the textbook for this course.

 

Required Course Materials:
 

1) MyMathLab Access Kit  ISBN 9780131478947  (Note: We use MyMathLab -- we do NOT use MATHXL ). 
This kit also includes an electronic version of the text book plus multimedia material.


 2) Graphing Calculator (The Texas Instruments TI-83 and/or TI-83 Plus or TI-84 are highly recommended and will be used in demonstrations. Other graphing calculators may be used but will not be supported by the instructor.)  You may purchase or rent one of these.

 

  

Optional Course Materials:

 

1) Enhanced student pack   ISBN: PreCal Study Pack 0321565460
 The enhanced student pack  includes Student Solutions Manual, Pearson Tutor Center, CD Lecture Series (short video clips of an instructor working key book examples), Algebra Review (Four chapters of Intermediate Algebra review), and Chapter Test Prep Video CDs (videos showing a professor working out the tests at the end of each chapter).
 

 2) Printed Text Book   ISBN: 978-0-13-601578-9   5th Ed.

 

 

Hardware Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.

Software Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Students may also be required to download and install the following free software packages: Real Player or Windows Media Player, Live math browser plug-in, Peanut Win Plot.

 

Instructor Information

Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as other communication information such as personal cell phone and email. 

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures:

Graded quizzes, homework, and tests will be taken online through MyMathLab.  A proctored midterm located in Assessments in  elearn will be taken during midterm testing dates (see calendar for exact dates).   A proctored final exam located under Assessments in elearn must be taken during the dates stated in the calendar.   Each student will be required to obtain an approved proctor (please use Testing Sites at TBR institutions ) ahead of time and to physically go to the location of the proctor, take the proctored exams, showing all work in the presence of the proctor, during the dates stated on the calendar.    If the Final Exam is not taken during the required dates, a grade of F will be assigned for the course.   

For a list of proctors please visit the site:  HomeSchool Proctors



Grading Procedure:

 MyMathLab Components

Quizzes: The practice review quizzes (3 attempts each) found in MyMathLab serve as review for the Module Tests and may be worked a max of 3 times if taken by the due date.  Any quiz not yet taken by its due date may have a zero run in for one of the 3 attempts when the deadline arrives.   The highest quiz grade out of the attempts will be recorded for that quiz.  Note: The quizzes are review for the Module Tests.  They cover the entire module.   The quiz average will count 100 points in the MyMathLab Grade.

Homework: Homework assignments found in MyMathLab will have due dates that match the module test due dates but can still be accessed after the due dates - right up until the end of semester.  The homework can be worked and reworked until the end of the semester and only the highest grade out of each set of attempts will count. Note:  After its deadline, a zero may be run in for all  homework not yet attempted (this will give a more realistic average) but the grade will change when it is worked.  Homework average will count 100 points in the MyMathLab Grade.

Module Tests: Module tests found in MyMathLab have specific due dates and each test has 2 attempts when taken by the deadline.    Any test not attempted by its due date may receive a zero as one of its 2 attempts  (this is done to give a more realistic average).   The test's deadline may  be reset until mid-semester or  end of semester, with only one attempt left.  Module test average will count 200 points in the MyMathLab Grade.

 Grade COMPONENTS for Semester Average

MML= average from MyMathLab                40% of semester average     total: 400 pts   
MT = Proctored Midterm                           20% of semester average.    total: 200 pts
F = Proctored Final Exam                          20% of semester average.    total  200 pts 
P = participation grade                             10% of semester average.    total  100 pts
DB = Drop Box Turn-Ins             7% of semester average.   total  70 pts 
SH = Scavenger Hunt Assessment     3% of semester average.   total  30 pts     

Grading Scale:

90 - 100 --- A
80 -  89 --- B
70 -  79 --- C
60 -  69 --- D
 0 -  59 ---  F

 

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:

A Bonus Project may be turned in for a maximum of 10 additional points.  The 10 points will be added to the participation grade points.   The bonus project may vary from semester to semester.

Class Participation:

Students must actively participate in threaded discussion events. There will be  graded homework discussion boards set up for students to post problems and solutions to.  The first homework board is for Modules 1,2 and 3 and closes at Midterm.  The other Homework discussion board is for Modules 4,5,6 and 7 and closes the day before Finals begin.  Each student will be expected to make a minimum of 6 posts per Module to these homework boards.  Other open discussion boards are also available for students to seek help/answers from each other  in operation of the course, etc.  Students must respond to organized discussions initiated by the instructor as well as contribute to the open questions and answers posted on the various discussion boards.    Class participation (discussion posts) counts 100 points towards semester average. Each module will have a set of selected problems from which students must choose a problem to work fully and submit to the Drop Box.

Punctuality:

Quizzes, homework assignments, discussion board posts, drop-box turn ins, online module tests, mid-term test and the final exam will all have specific deadlines. To receive full credit these  graded activities must be completed by the due date and time as stated in the electronic calendar.  Half-credit/partial credit for late submissions may be allowed in some circumstances.

Course Ground Rules

Online math courses are not for everyone. But for those who approach their online math course with the correct attitude and diligence, the effort usually results in a much deeper understanding of the course material than that acquired in a traditional classroom. My advice would be to establish a study schedule and stick to it, study the examples online and within the text, use web resources - especially to check answers, and utilize the discussion boards and e-mail throughout the semester.  MyMathLab contains multimedia material such as videos, worked exercises and tutorials that should be very beneficial to your learning.  Instructor made demos are also provided in elearn.

 

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members
  • When replying to an email please press Quote instead of Reply so that the original message will be attached.

Discussion Groups:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other's ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
 

Web Resources:

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses.

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) in the course's news items.

Technical Support

 

If you are having problems logging into your course, timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the RODP Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to their website at:

askRODP

 If you are having trouble setting up MyMathLab please contact technical support at 1-800-677-6337. Staff is available to troubleshoot your technical issue during the following hours: Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada) Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight Eastern time. 

 

To contact technical support online, please visit MyMathLab Online Help

For frequently asked questions (FAQ) about MML please visit MML FAQ Site

  

 

Prerequisite Competencies
 

It is expected that students have mastery of these prerequisite competencies. 

Competencies include but are not limited to:

 

 Prere
Exit  Competencies
 Upon successful completion of this course, a student will demonstrate comprehension and application of the following competencies.