About Your Course

Instructional Methodology: 

Classroom Section: This course is taught in the classroom primarily as a lecture/discussion course using the ALEKS software program.

Synonym: 17509               Section: MATD-0370-007

Synonym: 18119               Section: MATD-0270-014

Meeting location: RRC 8112 Meeting times: Tue/Thu 6:00-8:50 PM

Prerequisites: Appropriate score on the TSI Mathematics Assessment. Corequisite(s): MATD 0370.

Paired Course Policy: This is a paired course. Students who withdraw from NCBM 0270 will automatically be withdrawn from MATD 0370 and vice versa.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Policy 

Introduction: In this course, the use of generative AI (GAI) technologies is strictly prohibited to preserve academic integrity and ensure the development of student competencies.

Rationale: The prohibition is in place to encourage original thought, manual problem-solving skills, and to maintain equity in educational opportunities and assessments.

Definition of GAI: Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate text, images, or other content based on minimal input. This includes chatbots, image generation tools, and code assistants.

Usage Prohibited: Students are not allowed to use GAI for completing assignments, projects, tests, or any form of assessment in this course.

Penalties: Any violation of this policy will result in academic penalties which may include a failing grade for the activity, reporting to academic affairs, and further disciplinary action.

Exceptions: Exceptions to this policy will only be made under specific circumstances approved by the instructor, possibly where technology is used to accommodate learning differences.  

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.  Austin Community College includes the discounted price as a course fee in your registration fees for this course.

ALEKS 

The majority of the course takes place in the ALEKS software. Each day after group instruction you are assigned a Module to work on in class. The Module is due on the same day.  In addition to the in-class Modules, there are online homework problems assigned to you in ALEKS and a written homework handout that you will complete by the next class. Students are expected to show their work from the Module and online Homework on the “Module or Homework Written Work” pages (directions to be provided in class) and these are kept in the portfolio binder. 

It is critical to your success in the course to stay on top of the work as we move through the semester. Your grade for the ALEKS Modules in the ALEKS gradebook is an average of the percentage of the topics completed at the end of each day. The topics that are not completed in the previous Modules, can prevent new topics from being available until you complete the prior topics. This will require you to complete twice the amount of work in a short period of time to get back on track.

It is expected that you should be able to complete all topics by working on Modules during the ALEKS work portion of class and by working 2 - 3 hours daily outside of class to complete the ALEKS online homework and written homework assignments. Completing the ALEKS Module and ALEKS Homework first should help you do the Written HW assignment. This requires you to reserve daily time to access ALEKS outside of class time in order to complete your work. 

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 12-18 hours per week outside of class time to practice and study for this course.  Ask for help immediately when something isn’t clear. Tutor Links are on Blackboard.

• As your instructor, I expect to be answering questions, that’s my job, so please speak up.
• Learning lab tutors in person and online.
• Instructional Associates (IA) Tutors in person and online hours.

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 Math Department Info for Students - Instructional Associates 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 Academic Coaching | Austin Community College District. 

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

MATD 0370 Grade Components

Major Proctored Exams and *Proctored Final Exam: 80%

ALEKS Modules: 10%

Written Homework: 5%

 ALEKS Homework: 5%

* A minimum score of 60% on the Comprehensive Departmental Final is required in order to earn a C in MATD 0370.

NCBM 0270 Grade Components

ALEKS HW and Participation/Attendance: 10%

ALEKS Modules: 20%

Portfolio: 20%

*Exit Exam: 50%

* A minimum score of 70% on the Exit Exam (No calculator) is required in order to earn a C in NCBM 0270.

NCBM 0270 and MATD 0370 Grades

Students receive ONE GRADE FOR  MATD 0370 and ONE GRADE FOR NCBM 0270.

Grading Scale

A: 90 - 100

B: 80 – 89

C: 70 – 79

D: 60 – 69

F: < 60

Where can I find my grades? 

Overall class grades will be posted in Blackboard, click on My Grades on the Blackboard menu on the left side of the page. ALEKS assignments can be seen in the ALEKS GRADEBOOK.

What will we do in this class? 

Major Proctored Assessments: There will be 4 unit exams, 1 exit exam (0270), and 1 comprehensive final exam (0370). A calculator will not be allowed on the Exit Exam (0270). A scientific calculator (non-graphing) will be allowed on all remaining exams and the comprehensive final exam. All Exams (indicated as Exam Day on the calendar) will start at the beginning of the scheduled class time, including tests taken with SAS.

Module/Homework (ALEKS and written): Students will work on a daily Module in class with the expectation that they will complete their Module before the end of class. Written work for the module and ALEKS homework questions is required and included in your Portfolio Binder. If a student completes their Module early, they will work on completing their ALEKS homework and/or written homework assignments. Students are expected to show their work from the Module on “Module or Homework Written Work” pages (directions to be provided in class) and these are kept in the portfolio binder.

What happens if I miss something? 

Dropped Grade Policy: Two ALEKS homework and two written homework assignments will be dropped from your average to account for the occasional time when other “life” things come up.

Late Work Policy: No late written homework will be accepted, it is due at the start of the next class.  Zeros will be input for late or missing written homework assignments. However, students can turn in late ALEKS homework until the night before they take the unit exam corresponding to those ALEKS homework assignments with a 5% late penalty.

If documentation is provided immediately (within one day of the event) concerning absences or missed deadlines, the information will be considered by the instructor when determining IF an exception will be made.  However, the dropped grade policy above is expected to cover any situations. 

Missed Exam Policy: There are no make-ups or retakes for exams. Students have the option of replacing one lowest unit exam grade with the grade they get on their final comprehensive exam. This includes a grade of 0 for students who miss a unit test.  If a student misses two unit exams (earns two zeros), they should withdraw from the course.

Missing Class: If you miss class, you will receive a 0 on the written homework that is due that day.  You will also get a 0 for the new written homework that is passed out in class that day. 

However, if you take clear pictures of the written homework and email me the pictures before class ends on the day you miss, I will accept the written homework assignment. You can contact me about getting a digital copy of the written homework that was handed out in class the day you miss.  The written homework will be due the next class period, even if you missed class.

Attendance 

Attendance is required in this course.  Missing more than 20 minutes of class will count as an absence. Students who miss 3 or more classes including partial class absences may be withdrawn without warning.  Students who are withdrawn from NCBM 0270 will also be withdrawn from MATD 0370, or vice versa.    

To be in “attendance” means that the student is engaged in the lesson by asking questions, answering questions, taking notes, and working in ALEKS as directed.  We want you to be an active participant.  Students will sign an attendance sheet as soon as they arrive in class.

There is no such thing as an “excused absence”.  The end result of missing a class is the same regardless of the reason. You miss class lectures and an opportunity to turn in written homework. The goal is to minimize these disruptions, and to take personal responsibility to make up for any missed class on your own time.

Expectations

1. Attend all sessions
2. Arrive on time and stay for the duration of the session
3. Participate during class time and spend time outside of class completing ALEKS online homework and written homework.
4. Cell phones are to be stored out of sight and kept on silent for the duration of each class. 
5. Failure to participate during class time can be counted as an absence.
6. If your compliance with any course policies is repeatedly unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw you from the class.

Daily Tasks

1. Arrive at class with enough time to sign the attendance sheet and log into ALEKS.
2. Fill in the lecture notes during group instruction and ask QUESTIONS.
3. Complete the daily in-class ALEKS modules.
4. Complete the ALEKS homework and written homework prior to the next class.

ALEKS Homework (Online)

In addition to the daily in-class Module, there is daily homework in ALEKS.  It is best to complete the online homework before the next class period, since these questions correspond to the daily topics.  The online homework assignments are due by Unit Exam. You have several attempts on each question to get a perfect score.  ALEKS homework will be available for completion with a 5% lateness penalty until the day of the corresponding unit exam. Students are expected to show their work from the ALEKS Homework  on “Module or Homework Written Work” pages (directions to be provided in class) and these are kept in the portfolio binder.

Written Homework (Handouts)

There is a daily written homework in the form of handouts that is due at the start of the next class. These are questions corresponding to the class lecture. You must neatly show your work for a grade making sure to box your final answer.

Written homework is graded by completion and correctness. In order to earn a perfect score, you must show all of your work, following an appropriate process, and obtain a correct answer. If you are uncertain about your answers, it is worth seeking help before turning in the assignment.

Exam Policies 

The 4 unit exams, 0270 Exit Exam and a comprehensive Final Exam are taken in class. Exams cover topics from the previous weeks. A review is provided for each exam. Exams are given through the ALEKS software and the written work for each exam question is turned in upon completion of the exam. Grades will be determined by correctness and written work.

Portfolio

You will be required to keep a 2.5 - 3 inch ring binder (5 dividers with labeled tabs) with your provided lecture notes completed and up to date. Bring this binder to class every time. It may be checked periodically (with or without notice) for a grade. If you lose your binder you will be responsible for printing the prior lecture notes and completing them.  During the last two weeks of this course, we will prepare for the MATD 0370 final exam.  You will keep a portfolio of all of your preparation for the four unit and final exams for this portion of your NCBM 0270 grade.

Required Materials/Software  

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.   

Supplemental Materials:  2.5 to 3 inch ring binder, 8-tab dividers, for the required lecture notes and written homework, rectangular coordinate graphing paper, scientific calculator (no graphing calculators or cell phone calculators) 

Other Technology: Access to the internet and computer are required for this course. Eligible students can check out required technology at https://www.austincc.edu/students/student-technology-services.

CALCULATOR 

Students need a scientific calculator (has a LOG or LN key and the fraction display). If a student cannot purchase one, calculators are available from the library. Graphing calculators are not allowed.  

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.  Austin Community College includes the discounted price as a course fee in your registration fees for this course.

Weekly Course Calendar 

Note: Schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement. 

Course Objectives

The following objectives are listed in a sequence ranging from the simple to the more complex. As such, this document should not be viewed as a chronological guide to the course, although some elements naturally will precede others. These elements should be viewed as mastery goals which will be reinforced whenever possible throughout the course.

Overall objectives:

1. Students will feel a sense of accomplishment in their increasing ability to use mathematics to solve problems of interest to them or of use in their chosen fields. Students will attain more positive attitudes based on increasing confidence in their abilities to learn mathematics.
2. Students will learn to understand material using standard mathematical terminology and notation when presented either verbally or in writing.
3. Students will improve their skills in describing what they are doing as they solve problems using standard mathematical terminology and notation.

MATD 0370 Concepts and Skills:

1. Description and classification of whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers using sets and the operations among them:
   1. identify and use properties of real numbers
   2. simplify expressions involving real numbers
   3. evaluate numerical expressions with integral exponents
2. Polynomials:
   1. distinguish between expressions that are polynomials and expressions that are not
   2. classify polynomials in one variable by degree and number of terms
   3. simplify polynomials
   4. add, subtract, multiply (including the distributive law), and divide polynomials (including division by monomials, but excluding long division)
   5. factor polynomials in one or more variables (including factoring out the greatest common factor, factoring by grouping, factoring trinomials in which the leading coefficient is one, factoring trinomials in which the leading coefficient is not one, and factoring the difference of two squares)
   6. understand and use the exponent laws involving integer exponents
   7. convert numbers into and out of scientific notation and perform multiplication and division with numbers written in scientific notation
3. Solve linear equations in one variable involving integral, decimal, and fractional coefficients and solutions
4. Solve and graph linear inequalities
5. Application problems:
   1. write and evaluate linear expressions from verbal descriptions
   2. solve application problems which lead to one of the following types of equations: linear equations in one variable, systems of two linear equations in two variables, quadratic equations, and rational equations with monomial numerators and denominators)
   3. solve literal equations for a specified variable using addition and multiplication principles
   4. use given data to estimate values and to evaluate geometric and other formulas
   5. solve problems involving the Pythagorean theorem, similar triangles, and proportions
6. Linear equations in two variables:
   1. identify the relationship between the solution of a linear equation in two variables and its graph on the Cartesian plane
   2. understand and use the concepts of slope and intercept
   3. determine slope when two data points are given
   4. graph a line given either two points on the line or one point on the line and the slope of the line
   5. write an equation of a line given one point on the line and the slope of the line, or two points on the line
   6. identify lines given in standard, point-slope, or slope-intercept forms and sketch their graphs
   7. solve systems of linear equations
7. Quadratic equations:
   1. find solutions to quadratic equations using the technique of factoring and using the principle of square roots
   2. recognize a need to use the quadratic formula to solve quadratic equations and solve quadratic equations by using the quadratic formula when some simplification of square roots is needed
8. Description and classification of irrational numbers:
   1. simplify radical expressions
   2. use decimal approximations for radical expressions
9. Rational expressions:
   1. determine for which value(s) of the variable a rational expression is undefined
   2. simplify rational expressions containing monomials, binomials, and trinomials
   3. multiply and divide rational expressions containing monomials, binomials, and trinomials
   4. add and subtract rational expressions with like denominators and rational expressions with unlike denominators (only monomials and binomials that do not require factoring)
10. Geometry:
    1. understand the difference between perimeter and area and be able to use formulas for these appropriately
    2. solve application problems involving angles and polygons

NCBM 0270 Concepts and Skills:

1. Concepts and skills associated with whole numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals. 
   1. round numbers and use rounding to estimate values 
   2. perform the four basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) 
   3. identify the order relation between two whole numbers 
   4. simplify exponential expressions with whole number exponents
   5. find the square root of perfect squares and estimate irrational square roots to one or two decimal places
   6. use the order of operations to simplify expressions involving whole numbers, whole number exponents, square roots of perfect squares, grouping symbols, and the four basic arithmetic operations 
2. Concepts and skills associated with fractions 
   1. simplify fractions to lowest terms 
   2. convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions 
   3. convert between fractions and decimals 
3. Concepts and skills involving expressions and equations in one variable 
   1. Simplify numerical and variable expressions using distributive properties, order of operations, and combining like terms.
   2. Solve linear equations in one variable involving integers, decimals and fractions.
4. Concepts and skills involving graphing 
   1. interpret graphs and analyze data 
   2. plot points given coordinates & tables

MATD 0370 Student Learning Outcomes

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

1. Perform operations involving integers, fractions, decimals, percents, signed exponents, scientific   notation, ratios and proportions.
2. Solve problems involving geometric figures including perimeter, area, similarity, and the Pythagorean Theorem. Analyze, interpret, and solve problems from line graphs, bar graphs, pictographs, and pie charts.
3. Use appropriate forms of linear equations to identify slope, intercepts, and to graph lines. Find linear equations from given points and graphs of lines. Find solutions to systems of two equations by graphing.
4. Solve applied problems by defining variables, writing equation(s), solving equation(s), and writing an answer to the question in context.   Problems requiring quadratic equations are included as well as problems requiring single linear equations and systems of linear equations. 
5. Factor and perform operations to combine and/or simplify expressions and solve equations including numerical, some polynomial, and some rational expressions and equations.  Simplify some radical expressions.
6. Use mathematical language, symbols, and notation to communicate mathematical concepts, demonstrate reasoning, and solve problems.

NCBM 0270 Student Learning Outcomes

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

1. Simplify numerical and variable expressions involving rational numbers. 
2. Solve equations.
3. Relate algebra concepts to real-world situations.