About Your Course

Instructional Methodology:

Classroom Section: This course is taught in the classroom primarily as a lecture/discussion course.  Any changes to the instructional methodology will be communicated to the students well in advance, and in Announcements accompanied by emails.

Synonym: 57165                                Section: 063

Meeting location: RRC8 8211.00       Meeting times: MW: 12:00pm – 1:20pm

Prerequisites: MATD 0414, MATD 0424, MATD 0444, NCBM 0214, NCBM 0224, or NCBM 0244; with a grade of C or higher. Or a satisfactory score on the TSI Mathematics Assessment or completion of TSI requirements in mathematics. Students who are TSI Complete in Math based on completion of NCBM 0185, NCBM 0142, MATD 0385, MATD 0342 or MATD 0485 are NOT eligible for College Algebra.

Calculator: Students need either a scientific or business calculator. (Has log or ln key.) If a student cannot purchase one, calculators are available from the library.  Graphing calculators are not required, but you will use graphing technology in most sections of the book.  Graphing calculators are also available in the library.  Most ACC faculty are familiar with the TI family of graphing calculators. Hence, TI calculators are highly recommended for student use.  Other calculator brands can also be used.  Calculator use will be allowed on all exams, but some exam questions will not permit calculator use.

Making Time to Learn

We learn math by thinking about and working on mathematical problems, which takes time. Practice is crucial in a math course. To ensure that you have adequate time, set aside 8-12 hours per week outside of class time to practice and study for this course.  Ask for help immediately when something isn’t clear.

Welcome Statement

Welcome to College Algebra (Math 1314), a course that is more important today given the increasing demands and needs of a technical and quantitative world, where we, as individuals, don't want to be left behind.

A syllabus can be a very dry document, filled with demands, requirements, deadlines, and other intimidating stuff.  Much of that verbiage is required by the math department and the college.  But I want you to know that, really, our course, this semester, will not be so rigid.  In fact, I hope you will find pleasure and acceptance in it.  I say this from the bottom of my heart. ♥️

My name is Dave Johnson. I started out just like you, not knowing any algebra.  And with the help of my teachers over the years, I learned algebra, and many other subjects, and I would like to share some of the pleasures of mathematics with you, and what I think are effective methods for learning the subject.

I am aware that many of you have concerns about a college math course. "How hard will it be?"  "Will the pace of the class be too much for me?"  "Why do I need to learn this stuff?"  "What if I get behind?"  These are important questions, and I hope that you will believe me when I say that all of you are capable of passing this course and moving on to finish your degree program.  At times it won't seem easy.  In fact, at times, it may seem downright hard.  But if you will meet me halfway, and do your part, I will bend over backwards to help you cross the finish line successfully.

It's a privilege to be your instructor this semester, and I can't wait to embark on this journey with you.  As an educator, I firmly believe that, with the right conditions and environment, everyone can learn anything (even something as seemingly daunting as college algebra) and we all bring with us unique perspectives and experiences that should be explored, shared, and valued in the classroom.  As a math teacher, I am passionate in my view that, given the right conditions, everyone can achieve anything their minds can imagine.  I very much look forward to learning, collaborating, and growing with you in the next 16 weeks as we collectively build a safe and supportive learning community for each and every single one of us to thrive in.  We are all in this together, so please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, and/or suggestions throughout the semester.

And now, back to the dry syllabus.     😀♥️

Getting Help

ACC provides several free resources for students who need help; descriptions and links are below: 

Office hours: Another name for office hours is “student hours.” This is the time your instructor has set aside to answer student questions, so feel free to drop by if you have questions. Office hours may be virtual or on campus; see information above.

Instructional Associates: Instructional Associates specific to the course you are taking are available for tutoring. To make an appointment, go to https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/math-students/meet/list and then click on your course.

Learning Labs: The ACC Learning Labs provide tutoring in math and other subjects. To schedule an appointment, go to https://www.austincc.edu/students/learning-lab. This site includes information about in person and virtual tutoring options.

Academic Coaching: Academic coaches offer extra support to students with study strategies; they want to help you learn to be an active participant in your own learning process. For more information or to make an appointment with an academic coach, go to https://www.austincc.edu/students/academic-coaching.

ACC Student Services: Services are offered in many areas, including Academic, Financial, Personal, and Technology Support.  For more information, go to https://www.austincc.edu/student-support.

Grades

Grade Components

Tests 1-3: 60%

Test 4 (Final): 25%

MyLab Homework: 10%

Handwritten Homework: 5%

Grading Scale

A: 90 - 100

B: 80 – 89

C: 70 – 79

D: 60 – 69

F: < 60

What will we do in this class?

Tests:

There will be 3 exams, each of which will count 20% of your overall course grade, and a fourth exam which is a cumulative final and is worth 25% of your overall course grade.  The dates of the exams are noted on the schedule, always on the Wednesday of the exam week. All tests will be administered in class. Partial credit is given on exams when the answer is wrong, but the methods used are partially correct.  However, the amount of partial credit given on exams is at the discretion of the instructor.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned every week (on Wednesday in Blackboard in the Homework Box) and is due before class the next Wednesday.  Instructions on how to access the Blackboard Homework Box will be discussed on the first day of class.

It is vital that students NOT get behind on homework. Make use of tutoring resources and office hours if you have questions about the homework.  You may work in groups on homework, but the homework you submit must represent your own work. Get help when you need it, but first try to do as much of the work on your own as you can.  You need to learn how to set up and solve the problems yourself.  If you don’t, then you will not do well on the tests.

What happens if I miss something?

Dropped Grade Policy: The lowest three written homework section grades will be dropped for computing the final grade.  No test grades will be dropped or replaced.

Late Homework Policy: Some flexibility for late written homework may be permitted.  However, it is very important that students not get behind in learning the material.  Therefore, late MyLab homework won’t be accepted except under unusual circumstances.  You might want to start working on the homework as soon as possible so you don’t get behind.  Also, be sure to turn in as much homework as you can, even if it is not perfect or completely finished.  Turning in some homework is better than turning in no homework.

Missed Exam Policy: Missing an exam is very serious and should be avoided if possible.  Makeup exams are disruptive and inconvenient to both the student and the instructor.  If you know that you must miss an exam, contact the instructor as early as possible, and no later than 24 hours after the missed exam.  But it is still at the discretion of the instructor to give a makeup exam.  Also, if you miss an exam and notify the instructor, you must pay attention and respond to your ACC email so that you can coordinate with the instructor in case a makeup exam is offered.

Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students. If a student has five or more absences, or if compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw the student from the class.  In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances, the student is responsible for communicating with their instructor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their instructor because of class sessions being missed.

Participation Policy: Students are expected to be present in the classroom, and to participate actively.  Occasionally, the instructor may call upon students in class to answer questions or to help work problems.

The Details

First Day Access: To enhance your learning experience and provide affordable access to the right course material, this course is part of an inclusive access model called First Day™. You can easily access the required materials for this course through Blackboard, at a discounted price, and benefit from single sign-on access.  Austin Community College includes the discounted price as a course fee in your registration fees for this course.

It is NOT recommended that you Opt Out, as these materials are required to complete the course. You can choose to Opt Out on the first day of class, but you will be responsible for purchasing your course materials at the full retail price and access to your materials may be suspended. See your course in Blackboard for details.

Withdrawal Policy: It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.  State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

Reinstatement Policy: Students who withdrew or were withdrawn will not be reinstated unless they have completed all coursework, projects, and exams necessary to place them at the same level of course completion as the rest of the class. Reinstatement is up to the instructor’s approval.

Incomplete Grade Policy: Incomplete grades (I) will be given only in very rare circumstances. Generally, to receive a grade of "I", a student must be up to date on coursework and have a passing grade, and after the last date to withdraw, have a legitimate reason that prevents course completion. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

Communication with Your Instructor: All e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account or math software if applicable, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account or math software when communicating with instructors.  Instructors will respond to student emails within 3 business days, if no response has been received by the student at the end of that time, then the student should send a reminder to the instructor.

Name Change Information: If you want to change how your name appears online at ACC, go to https://www.austincc.edu/admissions/update-student-information/chosen-name.

General College Policies: Policies that apply to all courses at ACC can be found here: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies.

Required Materials 

This is a First Day™ class. The cost of required course materials, including an online version of the textbook and software access, has been added to your tuition and fees bill. 

Textbook: College Algebra with Modeling & Visualization, 6th Edition by Rockswold. Pearson Publishing (MyLab software) ISBN: 9780134763828.  MyLab WILL be required for online homework in this course. Additional hand-written homework will also be assigned.

Course Calendar

Note: Schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced.

Important Dates

Last day for 70% refund: Monday, February 6, 2023

Last day to withdraw: Monday, April 24, 2023

Holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 16, 2023)

Course Content

Course Description

Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

MATH 1314 College Algebra (3-3-0). A course designed for students who need College Algebra but do not need to take Precalculus (MATH 2412) or Calculus (MATH 2413). In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. This course does not meet the prerequisite for Precalculus (MATH 2412).

Course Rationale

This course is designed to teach students the functional approach to mathematical relationships that they will need for a business calculus sequence. Other courses, such as MATH 1332, or MATH 1342 are more appropriate to meet a general mathematics requirement.  Check with your degree plan as to what math course your college requires.

Common Course Objectives

Functions:

• Use and interpret function notation.
• Find the domain of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
• Find a symbolic representation of the sum, difference, product, quotient, and composition of two functions.
• Evaluate the sum, difference, product, quotient, and composition of two functions at a given value of the respective domain for functions represented symbolically, graphically, and numerically.
• Find the inverse of a function represented symbolically, graphically, or numerically.
• Interpret the graphs of functions.

Graphing functions:

• Sketch the graphs of the following functions: Lines, x2, ax, and logax
• Identify and sketch transformations of the graphs of the following functions: x2, x3, x1/2, 1/x, 1/x2, |x|.
• Describe the end behavior of polynomial functions.
• Approximate the zeros of a function from its graph.
• Solve an inequality involving a function from its graph.
• Graph a piece-wise defined function.

Symbolic Adeptness:

• Solve polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic equations symbolically.
• Use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
• Find the vertex of a parabola written in standard form by using the formula  h = -b/2a.
• Convert an exponential equation to logarithmic form, and a logarithmic equation to exponential form.
• Evaluate exponential and logarithmic functions using the change of base formula and a calculator.
• Use the properties of logarithms to expand a logarithmic expression, and to write an expanded logarithmic expression as a single logarithm.
• Solve a system of linear equations using Gaussian elimination.
• Evaluate the sum, difference and scalar multiplication of matrices.

Applications

• Recognize and use applications of linear functions.
• Recognize and use applications of quadratic functions, including falling object problems and extrema problems.
• Recognize and use applications of rational functions. 
• Recognize and use applications of exponential and logarithmic functions, including exponential growth and decay, doubling time, and half-life problems.
• Recognize and use applications of systems of linear equations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, a student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of properties of functions, which include domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses.
2. Recognize and apply polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and solve related equations.
3. Apply graphical, symbolic and numeric techniques.
4. Evaluate all roots of higher degree polynomial and rational functions.
5. Recognize, solve and apply systems of linear equations using matrices.

General Education Competencies

1. Critical Thinking: gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information is covered in every SLO.
2. Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning: applying mathematical, logical, and scientific principles and methods is covered in every SLO.
3. Technology Skills: using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information is covered in SLOs # 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
4. Written, Oral and Visual Communication: communicating effectively adapting to purpose, structure, audience and medium is covered in every SLO.