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MATH 043 C06W – ALGEBRA FOR COLLEGE READINESS, 4 credits

Distance Learning Section – Spring 2016

January 19, 2016 – May 12, 2016

Instructor: Theresa Pham Office: Meyerhoeffer 214

Office Phone: 208-732-6521 E-mail: tpham@csi.edu

Student E-mail: http://eaglemail.csi.edu Technical Hotline: 714-619-7090

Course website: http://aleks.com or 800-331-5094

Class Code: AMF6K-G3RKA

Office Hours: MW 12:00 – 2:50 PM., TR 12:00 – 12:50 PM.

CSI E-Mail and Contacting your Instructor CSI EAGLEMAIL is the primary source of communication between instructors and students CSI

students. Students will automatically get a CSI EAGLEMAIL account when they register for

courses. Messages from their instructors and various offices will be sent to the student’s CSI account

(NOT your personal e-mail account). It is the student’s responsibility to check their EAGLEMAIL

account regularly. Log on at http://eaglemail.csi.edu and familiarize yourself with our CSI student

e-mail program. When you contact your instructor, include your NAME and your COURSE (Math

043 C06W) in the SUBJECT line of the e-mail. The instructor will also return correspondence to

you at your CSI e-mail address, not to a personal e-mail account.

Course Website

The course website is http://aleks.com

Technical Support

Any issues with the course website require an immediate call to our helpline at 714-619-7090 or

800-331-5094. Business hours are Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 1 a.m. EST, Friday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.,

and Sunday 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. EST. A message may be left if you call outside of business hours.

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare the student for college algebra and elementary statistics. It covers

graphing on the Cartesian coordinate plane, algebraic expressions and factoring, first-degree

equations and inequalities, linear functions, quadratic equations and functions, systems of linear

equations, polynomials, rational expressions, negative and rational exponents, radicals, graphing

functions, logarithms, and application problems.

Course Objective

Students who complete Math 043, Algebra for College Readiness, will have a strong understanding

of the topics listed in the course description and in the detailed list of course outcomes. This course

will prepare students for Math 143, College Algebra, Math 147, Pre-calculus, and Math 153,

Elementary Statistics.

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Pre-requisite Math Placement Test, specifically COMPASS Pre-Algebra score 53 – 99,

COMPASS Algebra score 26 – 61, SAT Math 460 or higher

Required Textbooks and Supplies

1. Textbook: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra with POWER Learning, 4th

ed., by

Messersmith, published by McGraw-Hill 2015

2. ALEKS: Students may purchase a textbook with student access card (SAC) at the

bookstore or purchase alone online. There will be provisions for a 2-week grace period

for students who are unable to purchase the SAC immediately.

3. Calculator: A scientific calculator is highly recommended or a graphing calculator.

Calculators on smartphones are not allowed on tests.

Sections to cover

1. Selected Objectives from Chapter 1: 1.2, 1.6 – 1.7

2. Selected Objectives from Chapter 2: 2.1 – 2.4

3. Selected Objectives from Chapter 3: 3.1 – 3.8

4. Selected Objectives from Chapter 4: 4.1 – 4.6

5. Selected Objectives from Chapter 5: 5.1 – 5.3, 5.5

6. Chapter 6: 6.1 – 6.4, Appendix B.2

7. Chapter 7: 7.1 – 7.6

8. Chapter 8: 8.1 – 8.8

9. Selected Objectives from Chapter 10: 10.1-10.8

10. Selected Objectives from Chapter 11: 11.1-11.5

11. Selected Objectives from Chapter 12: 12.1, 12.3 – 12.6

12. Selected Objectives from Chapter 13: 13.1-13.5

Course Content

Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of the following processes and concepts:

a. Rational numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)

b. Variable expressions (simplify, translate, evaluate)

c. Operations on sets of numbers (union, intersection)

d. Set-builder notation and interval notation

e. First degree equations in one variable (solve, translate from application problems such as

percent problems, mixture problems, business related problems, uniform motion problems,

investment problems)

f. First degree inequalities (solve and graph simple, compound)

g. Linear functions (evaluate, graph, find slope)

h. Find length and midpoint of a segment

i. Write the equations for lines (including parallel lines and perpendicular lines)

j. Solve systems of linear equations (use graphs, substitution method, addition method)

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k. Polynomials (add, subtract, multiply, divide using long division and synthetic division, evaluate,

factor)

l. Solve polynomial equations by factoring m. Simplify exponential expressions having integer and variable exponents

n. Scientific notation

o. Expressions with rational exponents (simplify, change to radical form)

p. Radical expressions (simplify, add, subtract, multiply, divide)

q. Complex numbers (simplify, add, subtract, multiply, divide)

r. Solve equations containing radicals

s. Functions (domain, range, graph, use vertical line test, add, subtract, multiply, divide, find

inverse, do composition of functions)

t. Rational expressions (find the domain, simplify, multiply, divide, add, subtract, simplify complex

fractions)

u. Solve rational equations (including application problems like work problems, uniform motion

problems, proportions, variations, and literal equations)

v. Solve quadratic equations (use factoring, completing the square, and quadratic formula)

w. Solve equations that are quadratic in form

x. Solve quadratic and rational inequalities

y. Parabolas (find axis of symmetry, vertex, x-intercepts, graph)

z. Exponential functions (evaluate, graph)

aa. Logarithms (log notation, properties of logarithms, evaluate logs with and without a

calculator, solve log equations, graph log functions using ordered pairs)

These additional, optional topics may be covered:

a. Absolute value equations

b. Absolute value inequalities

c. Solve a system of equations using Gaussian elimination with matrices

d. Application problems with systems of equations

e. Application problems with quadratic equations and functions

f. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations

Policies and Procedures

1. Attendance: Students are not required to attend on-campus lectures. However, students

are expected to keep pace with the recommended daily activities, assignments, and

assessment dates. Students will be asked to drop for non-attendance as deemed by

absence of course activity by required dates. No credit given for late work.

2. Tests are taken in the Testing Center on campus. Missed tests are given a “0” with no

makeup allowed unless the student has contacted the instructor to make arrangements

ahead of time.

3. A CSI student ID card is required for testing in a CSI testing center locations.

4. You must have a COMPASS placement test score upon entering the course. If not, it

must be completed by the end of the first week or the student may be dropped from the

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course.

5. The final exam is mandatory in order to receive a grade in the course.

6. If the student is caught cheating on a test, a grade of “0” will be given on that test.

7. Students must follow proctor guidelines if not using the CSI testing center locations.

8. Non-CSI testing locations may charge a fee for testing, which is the student’s

responsibility.

9. The instructor has the option of giving a student caught cheating on coursework or an

exam an F.

10. Students will be drop for no-show (WS) if no course activities are being done in

ALEKS.COM by the first Friday of the semester.

11. Students must adhere to CSI computer lab and behavioral policies listed in the CSI

catalog.

12. Reading the text is one of the ways in which one learns to become technically literate.

The book is readable. Read it often. Homework will be assigned daily through ALEKS.

NO late assignments will be accepted. You are responsible for the materials covered

throughout the course. Good daily work habits are essential.

13. Nondiscrimination Policy: It is the policy of the College of Southern Idaho to comply

with all federal, state and local authorities requiring nondiscrimination, including but not

limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of

1987, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Age Discrimination

Act of 1975, and Executive Orders 12898 (Environmental Justice) and 13166 (Limited

English Proficiency). College of Southern Idaho is an equal opportunity employer.

The college does not exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject any

individual to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual

orientation, gender identity, disability, income, protected veteran status, limited English

proficiency, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

For more information or if you believe you have been subject to discrimination on the

basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, or if you believe you have

been subject to discrimination on any other basis, please contact the College of Southern

Idaho’s Title IX, ADA, and 504 Coordinator: Eric Nielson-Director of Human Resources,

(208) 732-6267 Or Nolan Goubeaux-Associate Dean of Student Affairs, (208) 732-6225.

14. Academic Integrity: The College values its mission as an educational institution. CSI

students, faculty, staff, and administration are expected to be honest in all aspects of

their college education and employment. All student work is evaluated with the

assumption that the work presented is the individual’s own. All work submitted is to be

a representation of an individual’s own ideas, concepts, and understanding. Anything less

is unacceptable and is subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Student and Faculty

Handbooks. Please see the Academic Integrity Website for more information.

15. Disability: Any student with a documented disability may be eligible for reasonable

accommodations. To determine eligibility and secure services, students should contact

Student Disability Services at their first opportunity after registration for a

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class(es). Student Disability Services is located on the second floor of the Taylor

Building on the Twin Falls Campus. 208.732.6260 or e-mail Marita DeBoard at

mdeboard@csi.edu.

COURSE OUTLINE WITH ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMS

THIS SYLLABUS IS TENTATIVE AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

DUE DATE CONTENT

January 25 Chapter 1: The Real Number System

January 31 Chapter 2: Rules of Exponents

February 7 Chapter 3: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable

February 10 Chapters 1 & 2 & 3 Test

February 14 Chapter 4: Linear Equations in Two Variables and Functions

February 21 Chapter 5: Solving Systems of Linear Equations

February 28 Chapter 6: Polynomials

March 2 Chapters 4 & 5 & 6 Test

March 13 Chapter 7: Factoring Polynomials

March 16 Chapter 7 Test

March 31 Chapter 8: Rational Expressions

April 4 Chapter 8 Test

April 8 Chapter 10: Radicals and Rational Exponents

April 16 Chapter 11: Quadratic Equations

April 19 Chapters 10 & 11 Test

April 24 Chapter 12: Functions and Their Graphs

May 1 Chapter 13: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

May 4 Chapters 12 & 13 Test

May 9 Cumulative Final Exam

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Course Delivery Format

Students taking this distance learning section of Math 043 will view course lectures online at a time

and place independent of the traditional course lecture in a classroom on campus. Students are not

required to attend lecture sessions on campus but do have a timeline for course activities and

assessments. The six (6) exams are administered online and in a proctored session in a testing center.

The written final exam is NOT administered online but rather in a proctored session in a testing

center. CSI Testing Centers are used for these exams. Students who reside outside a CSI testing area

use an alternate approved testing location. The CSI Testing Center does not charge a testing fee.

However, none-CSI testing centers may charge a testing fee, which is the responsibility of the

student.

Library Use

The CSI Library reference desk has a collection of materials to support learning of mathematics. The

library computer workstations are also available for use to view your course lectures or to access the

course website.

Outcomes Assessment

Assignments and exams will be used to assess mastery of course content and to assess student

achievement. An NC (no credit) grade may be used by the instructor for a student who does not

perform at a 60% or higher on the cumulative outcomes assessment exam. The purpose of measuring

outcomes is to determine success and overall knowledge of the subject matter, to predict the

preparedness for the next math course in the sequence, and to improve course instruction.

Upon completion of the course, the student will have a working knowledge of the material that was

covered throughout the course. The students will be able to analyze real-world questions and

mathematically structure strategies to model the questions. The students will be able to correctly

provide solutions to the models of the questions. The students will be able to communicate the

solutions to the questions when analyzed and solved mathematically. Successful completion of the

course is average achievement or above as defined as a “C” grade or higher.

Course Evaluation

Students are strongly encouraged to complete evaluations at the end of the course. Evaluations are

very important to assist the teaching staff to continually improve the course. Evaluations are

available online at: http://evaluation.csi.edu. Evaluations open up two weeks prior to the end of the

course. The last day to complete an evaluation is the last day of the course. During the time the

evaluations are open, students can complete the course evaluations at their convenience from any

computer with Internet access, including in the open lab in the Library and in the SUB. When

Students log in they should see the evaluations for the courses in which they are enrolled.

Evaluations are anonymous. Filling out the evaluation should only take a few minutes. Your honest

feedback is greatly appreciated!

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CSI Campus Security The College of Southern Idaho is committed to providing safe campuses for all students. Currently

in place is an Emergency Notification System (RAVE) that provides information relating to an

emergency on any CSI campus. This information is delivered electronically and can be received by

all phone numbers and internet-equipped computers identified by the student. Registration is

automatic when students register and contact information can be customized online

(http://www.csi.edu/alert/) as necessary. The Twin Falls campus is also equipped with an

Emergency Warning “Siren” that can be heard outside of buildings across campus. In the event of a

signal, students arriving on campus should leave, and others should proceed with caution to avoid

the emergency area. Students are encouraged to report any emergency (medical, criminal,

behavioral, etc.) that is cause for action. Do this by calling 911 regardless of which campus you are

on. If you are on the Twin Falls campus also calling CSI Campus Security at 732-6605 after placing

the 911 call (the Twin Falls campus has security personnel available 24/7).

Drop or Withdrawal

It is the student’s responsibility to drop the course. A student may drop a course or all courses prior

to the end of late registration (first Friday of the term) without it being recorded on the student’s

official transcript. A student initiated drop after the late registration period is considered a

withdrawal, and results in the grade of W.

It is the responsibility of the students to follow the CSI catalog for withdrawal guidelines and dates.

(Students may drop courses online until the end of the late registration period. In order to withdraw

from one or more courses following late registration, a completed registration form is required.

Instructions on the form indicate when a signature of instructor and/or Financial Aid advisor is

required. The completed form may be submitted to Admissions & Records or any off-campus

center.)

NOTE: Students may withdraw from courses until 75% of the course meetings have elapsed. No

course may be withdrawn from after 75% of the course has elapsed.

CSI Testing Centers

CSI Picture ID is required at a CSI testing centers.

Campus Testing Center: The Campus Testing Center is located in Room 230 of the Academic

Development Center in the Meyerhoeffer Building.

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM (Last test given out at 8:30 PM)

Saturday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Last test given out at 4:00 PM)

Blaine County Center:

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last test given out at 4:00pm)

Mini-Cassia Center:

Monday & Tuesday 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM (Last test given out at 7:30 PM)

Wednesday & Thursday 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (Last test given out at 7:30 PM)

Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last test given out at 4:00 PM)

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North Side Center:

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last test given out at 4:00 PM)

The six (6) exams are administered online and in a proctored session in a testing center. The written

final exam is NOT administered online but rather in a proctored session in a testing center.

Therefore, plan on testing in one of the CSI testing center locations or an approved off-campus site.

Students outside the CSI testing area are required to follow the Guidelines for Exams Taken off

Campus found at the CSI testing center website. Follow the Proctor Guidelines at

http://www.csi.edu/ip/adc/testing/proctorinfo.htm

Grading Practices

The student grade in this course will be determined by the student’s performance on homework

assignments, seven chapter tests and a comprehensive final exam and attendance. A grade of NC

(No Credit) may be given instead of a D or F if the student persists for the full semester in the course

(instructor option). A grade D, F, or NC would require the student to retake the course. The

contribution of each of these activities towards the student’s course grade is as follows:

Online Objectives 20%

Online Exams @ 10% each 60%

Cumulative Written Final Exam 20%

Grading will be done on a straight percentage scale and letter grades will be assigned as follows:

90-100% A

80-89% B

70-79% C

60-69% D

Below 60% F

Homework Procedure

Viewing the course lectures online is a part of homework assignments. Homework problems are

assigned online in the course website. Students should work these problems only after reading the

textbook and viewing the course lecture. Problems should be worked out on paper and then

submitted online. Keep these papers in a folder when working through homework so that there is a

paper backup from what you submit online. The instructor will call for the paper backup if any of the

online content is deleted. These problems are taken from the course textbook. More practice

problems can be found in the book.

Learning Assistance Service Options Available Outside of Class

• Your instructor is available by phone and by e-mail through your CSI student e-mail account

(not at a personal e-mail address.) In the subject line of all e-mail correspondence, include your

NAME and your COURSE (Math 043 C06W).

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• Free drop-in assistance available (free of charge) through the Academic Development Center –

contact Kat Powell @ 732-6685, Learning Assistance Coordinator – Room 202, Meyerhoeffer

Building, schedules can be found at www.csi.edu/ip/adc/lap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we use Blackboard or Canvas? No, we use the course website at http://aleks.com

Do I attend lectures on campus? No, the lecture format for this course is online. Each assigned

lecture is in the course website. You watch the lecture at a time and place convenient to you. We will

not meet as a group because many of the distance learning students live outside the Magic Valley or

out of state.

Do I have to watch the video lecture? Yes, the lecture is in place of seat time in the regular lecture

class and must be viewed online so that you can do the homework problems.

Should I take notes on the lectures? Yes, one of the most important indicators of success in this

class is reading the textbook and taking notes on the lecture. You will be disappointed in the

outcome of the course if you take shortcuts on reading the text and taking notes on the lectures.

When and where do I do the online homework problems? Your homework problem schedule is

listed on the course website. The Online homework is completed at your home computer after you

have read the textbook and viewed the course lecture online. Work the problems on paper and then

submit the problems online by the due date and time. The homework problems are not timed. NO

late homework is accepted.

When and where do I take the online tests and the cumulative final exam? Your test schedule is

listed on the course website. The tests may be taken online, but the cumulative final exam may NOT

be taken online. The tests and the final exam are administered by a test proctor. The tests are taken

in the CSI Testing Center or at a designated testing location (student fee may apply if location

charges for testing). Follow the Proctor Guidelines at

http://www.csi.edu/ip/adc/testing/proctorinfo.htm. There are no late exams or retake exams allowed.

How to I find my grades on assignments and tests? Scores will be posted online in the course

website.

How long does it take to find out a test score? Turnaround time for online work is immediate.

Turnaround time for the final exam is approximately four days after test closes.

What if I need help? Your instructor is available online; reach the instructor through your CSI

student e-mail account. Drop-in math help is available in either of the math labs in the Shields or

Meyerhoeffer buildings on campus. Off-campus tutoring is available online (see the Learning

Assistance section of the syllabus). On campus tutoring is available through the Academic

Development Center – contact Kat Powell, Learning Assistance Coordinator – Room 202 of the

Meyerfoeffer Building @ 208-732-6685.

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Can I retake tests if I do poorly? No, retakes are not allowed.

What if I can’t complete an assignment or test by the due date? You will need to schedule your

time well in advance and complete the work BEFORE the date listed if you have a conflict; PLAN

AHEAD. Once an assignment test closes, there is not an option to complete late work.

Some questions are multiple choice. Should I work the problem out or just look for the best

possible answer? On math work that has multiple choices, you should cover up the choices, work

the problems out, and then go back and look at the options you have.

What if I need additional help with technical issues? Search for answers or contact ALEKS

Support Team at http://support.aleks.com or call 714-619-7090 or 800-331-5094 immediately to

report issues.

How to Register for your ALEKS Class

Step 1: Go to www.aleks.com and click on SIGN UP NOW! just below the

Registered Users box.

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Class Code: AMF6K-G3RKA

Step 2: Enter the 10-character class code and click on Continue.

Step 3-4: Verify your enrollment information to make sure you are in

the right class, and then indicate whether you have used ALEKS

before.

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Step 5: Enter your 20-character ALEKS Access Code. If you do not have

an access code, you can purchase one online by clicking purchase an

access code online.

Be sure your access code will accommodate the length of your class!

Financial Aid Access Code is: ACAC0-A127A-B19E1-34067

NOTE: This code gives you temporary access to ALEKS for a two-week

period. Once the code expires, you will be locked out of your ALEKS

account until you purchase a regular Student Access Code. It is highly

recommended that you purchase the Student Access Code BEFORE

the two weeks expire to prevent interruptions with your ALEKS account.

Step 6: If you are new to ALEKS, then complete the registration

steps to create an ALEKS account. If you are an existing ALEKS

student, simply verify your email address.

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Managing your ALEKS Account Home

Your Account Home allows you to easily manage all of your

ALEKS classes with one login. You can change your email and

password, sign up for new classes, buy extra time, and view

previous classes. To return to your Account Home from within an

ALEKS class, open the menu from the top, left corner and select

Manage My Classes from the menu.