Elementary Algebra - Math 111

Fall 2005 – SC204 – MWF 10:00 – 10:50am

 

Text:  Elementary Algebra (5th edition)

Dugopolski, Mark

 

Instructor:                Shawn Chiappetta     

Office:                      Salisbury Science Center 115                      

Phone:                        575-2081                  

Email:                         shawn.chiappetta@usiouxfalls.edu

Web:                          www.usiouxfalls.edu/~sjc

Office Hours:          MWF               1:30 – 3:30 pm

                                    T                      9:00 – 10:00 am                      

                                    Other times available by appointment.

 

Course Description:

This course is for students wishing to review the fundamental concepts of elementary algebra before taking MAT 112. 

Mathematics finds great utility in nearly all fields of study, including the social sciences, business and economics, the natural sciences and computer or information science.  The course will emphasize not only the rules (axioms) and techniques of algebra, but their applications to real-world problems. 

Course Objectives:  Through this course, the successful student will develop:

1.       a solid understanding of the fundamental principles underlying algebraic structures and real number systems;

2.     the ability to evaluate and manipulate expressions – including linear and quadratic expressions;

3.     the ability to solve equations and inequalities involving integers, rationals, linear expressions, and quadratic expressions;

4.     the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in future mathematics coursework;

5.     a capacity for accurately interpreting algebraic information, and clearly expressing mathematical ideas and arguments in written and oral form; and

6.     access to key modes of mathematical reasoning, including modeling, application, and especially abstraction.

Elements:     This class will consist of 4 main elements: Lectures and classroom discussion, attendance, homework, and exams.

  • Lectures and Discussion:  Class attendance is very important.  Each student is responsible for all material covered in class, as well as daily assignments, even if absent.  Lectures are designed so the students will receive the background and techniques for each section, followed by numerous examples using these techniques.  Discussion and participation are an important part of working problems and help give the student a better understanding of the content.
  • Homework:  Homework will be assigned each class.  I strongly advise you to work all of the assigned exercises carefully and promptly.  This is by far the most effective means by which you can assess your understanding of the material emphasized in this class. 
  • Exams:  There will be 5 in-class hour exams (chapter exams) during the semester.  Students are required to be present for each exam unless you have a University approved excuse.  The final exam will be on Tuesday, December 13th at 10:30am.  Attendance at the final is mandatory to pass the course. 
  • Percentages toward final grade:
    • Homework                                                                              25%
    • In-class exams          5@                  10% each                    50%
    • Attendance                                                                            5%
    • Final Exam                  December 13th @ 10:30am           20%

Grades:  Grades will be determined according to the standard grading scale:  100 – 90 = A, 89 – 80 = B, 79 – 70 = C, 69 - 60 = D and 59 – 0 = F.  Distribution of pluses and minuses will be made at the end of the semester.

Individual exceptions to this grading policy are left solely to the discretion of the instructor and as a general rule, will not be made.

Academic Integrity:  I encourage you to collaborate and assist each other.  However, that assistance should be a knowledge exchange, not the replication of the work of another.  Plagiarism (with or without the permission of the originator) defeats the learning process and jeopardizes your success in the course. Give each other knowledge, not completed solutions.  The personal battles of working through the difficulties of assigned homework are the only way a student grows to competence.  Copying the exam work of another is dishonest and a violation of the ethical standards of USF (www.usiouxfalls.edu/stuserv/misconduct.htm).  Allowing your work to be copied by another is equally a violation.  Penalties will include no exam credit for either student.  All students who observe an incident of cheating have an obligation to confidentially report such to the instructor. 

Disability Statement:  The University of Sioux Falls is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for students with physical, learning, or other disabilities. Accommodations are made only in consultation with the Coordinator of Disability Services. If you believe you have a disability requiring accommodation in this course, contact Mrs. Libby Larson, Coordinator of Disability Services, x6803. She will work with you to secure proper documentation and to arrange appropriate accommodations.

Attendance Policy:  Faithful and consistent class attendance should be considered the standard for regular coursework at the University of Sioux Falls. Such attendance is important for both the integrity of the course and the student's own sake. The responsibility for monitoring student attendance is assigned directly to the instructor of the course.  The instructor will follow the campus attendance policy located at www.usiouxfalls.edu/stuserv/attendancepolicy.htm.

Schedule for the semester:  The class schedule for the semester will be passed out in class as well as posted on the class website for students to plan.  The schedule is a tentative schedule, and is subject to change during the semester.  However, I will keep all exam dates the same as they are posted on the Schedule.

This syllabus results from the instructor’s effort to represent fairly the plan for this course. Circumstances may cause the instructor to make changes in the plan, but such changes will not be capricious and will be made in a timely fashion. Please speak with your instructor if there is anything in the syllabus about which you are unclear.