MATH 102 College Algebra

Course Description
Equations and inequalities ; polynomial functions and graphs; exponents, radicals, binomial theorem , zeros of
polynomials, systems of equations, exponential, logarithmic, and inverse functions, applications and graphs.
Other topics selected from sequences, series, and complex numbers . Credit will not be allowed for both Math
102 and Math 115

Important Dates
Friday, January 23, is the last day to drop with a full refund. Monday, April 6, is the last day to withdraw with
a “W” on your transcript.

Textbook
College Algebra, Fourth Edition by Blitzer plus MathXL subscription
Prentice Hall ISBN 0-13-226851-5 (Regular Textbook)
OR
ISBN #0536192944 (This is a customized text with an online MATHXL subscription)
OR
ISBN # 0132191415 to order without MathXL (For anyone who has a current subscription for MathXL and/or
wants to purchase the MathXL subscription at mathxl.com

Calculator
A scientific calculator with logarithms and exponents is necessary for this course. Students will not be allowed
to use cell phones, calculators that do symbolic manipulation (such as the TI-89 or TI-92), or personal digital
assistants (such as Palms) on any exam.

Course Goals:
BOR Goal # 5. Students will understand and apply fundamental mathematical processes and reasoning.

SLO(5.1) As a result of taking this course students will be able to use mathematical symbols and mathematical
structure to model and solve real world problems. The students’ ability to use algebra and algebraic symbols to
represent, simplify , solve, analyze, graph, and describe the properties and behaviors of equations, inequalities,
relations and functions and solving real world problems will be assessed using quizzes, exams, and final exam.

SLO (5.2) As a result of taking this course students will demonstrate appropriate communication skills related
to mathematical terms and concepts . Communication skills will be assessed via written responses on quizzes
and exams.

SLO (5.3) As a result of taking this course students will demonstrate the correct use of quantifiable
measurements of real world situations. Correct units are applicable to most story problems in the text that are
similar to problems that arise in the real world and student understanding will be assessed using quizzes, exams,
and a final exam.

Evaluation Procedures:

Homework Assignments: I firmly believe the only way to learn mathematics is to practice the material.
Homework problems are integral in your mastery of the material. In this course, there are two types of
homework assignments:

1. MathXL assignments Homework will be assigned over required sections and must be completed on
MathXL, the program which accompanies your textbook. I have also typed up lectures for each section
we are going to go over in this course. It is suggested you read the lecture for a particular section before
attempting the homework for that section, as that can save a lot of stress and confusion over the material
being presented. The MathXL system provides instantaneous feedback, step-by- step examples , and
streaming video instruction. Although the homework is not part of your final grade by itself, you must
attain a grade of at least an 80% on each online assignment before you will be allowed to take a quiz
over those sections.

2. Textbook assignments: I will also give you suggested assignments from your textbook. These are
NOT required, but will allow extra practice for those of you who may have more limited access to the
internet and/or want to limit the time spent in front of the computer. Odd answers are in the back of
your book and worked out solutions are available by request at any time. The suggested homework
problems from the textbook are OPTIONAL and will not be turned in to be graded.

Quizzes: Quizzes will be completed online within MathXL. To complete a quiz, you must first complete the
homework on MathXL associated with that quiz. There are a total of 20 quizzes. Please note that each quiz
has a required due date and are due by midnight CENTRAL time on that date. In addition, all quizzes can
only be completed after receiving at least an 85% on the homework prior to the quiz, so plan ahead to avoid not
being able to complete a quiz on time. Each student will be allowed ONE make-up quiz, after which all
incomplete quiz grades will become zeros.

Exams: The following guidelines must be followed with respect to exams in this course.
• Each exam must be taken within the week specified in the course outline. If you do not take the test within
the specified week, your exam grade will be reduced 5% each business day it is late.
• You will be allowed two hours to take each exam.
• You are required to take your unit exams in the presence of an approved proctor. Your proctor will be
required to sign a certificate attesting that you took the exam in his/her presence. Failure to verify your
proctor’s signature may result in a zero on the exam , so please make sure this is done for each exam.
• Since all exams must be taken in the presence of an approved proctor, all students must submit a proctor
form. The proctor form can be found on the homepage of D2L for this course, or at
and then click on "Proctor Form". Fill out this form and
send it to the Continuing Education at the address (or fax number) provided by January 23, 2009.
• You will not be allowed to use cell phones, books or notes while taking the exams and your proctor may not
give you any assistance in working the problems.
• Tests are to be worked in pencil and all work is to be shown. Partial credit will be given for correct work
that is shown. Keep in mind that demonstrating understanding in solving problems is not merely arriving at
a correct answer. Credit is earned for mathematical correctness and completeness shown in your work, so if
no work accompanies an incorrect answer, no credit can be given.
• After verifying your proctor, the Continuing Education staff will email each exam to your proctor the week
prior to each exam. It is your responsibility to contact your proctor to see if your exam has arrived. Your
proctor will sign a certificate attesting that you took the exam in his/her presence.
• Your proctor must mail the original test with all scratch paper to the Continuing Education Department.
Faxed copies or photocopies of the exam are not be acceptable!
• Your exams will be corrected and returned to you via postal mail.
• You will be notified online of your grade.
• You should plan on a 14-20 day turnaround time for your exams to reach your instructor, be corrected, and
then returned to you.
• The comprehensive final exam will cover all of the material from the semester and will account for 25% of
your final grade. The final exam is scheduled for the last week of class and MUST be taken no later than
Wednesday, May 6^th, 2009. Students will not be allowed to take the final exam before this week per
university rules.

Grading
Your grade will be assigned according to the following guidelines:

*Note: all current grades can be found in MathXL. The “other” category in MathXL is the final exam.

Expectations of Students:
ϖ Check D2L daily for messages, assignments, etc.
ϖ Utilize D2L email to contact me personally.
ϖ Use the discussion board to post questions on class content and procedures.
ϖ Be prepared by keeping up with MATHXL quizzes and reviewing posted class notes.
ϖ Complete all assignments on time. This is not a self-paced course. Meet all deadlines.
ϖ Take responsibility for one’s learning. I can teach you the material however it is ultimately up to you as to
how well you learn it.
ϖ Although it may vary from student-to-student, expect to spend at least 6 hours per week preparing for this
class.
ϖ Show enthusiasm and interest in the subject matter.
ϖ Show respect for all others in the course.
ϖ Use proper email and chat etiquette when posting in D2L.

Expectations of the Instructor:
ϖ Show enthusiasm for teaching and mathematics.
ϖ Encourage students to develop good study habits.
ϖ Prompt grading and return of exams.
ϖ Feedback on graded exams.
ϖ Be available to answer student questions. You will be able to email me questions at any time.
ϖ If the need arises, I will have a weekly live chat for about an hour for questions and concerns.
ϖ Prompt replies to emails (I will reply within 24 hours during weekdays).
ϖ Post notes and worked out homework examples for each assigned section on D2L (Desire2Learn).
ϖ Sincerity, honesty, and fairness in all aspects of this course

Other Policies
Cheating/Plagiarism Policy—(from official University Policy)
Because the entire educational process rests upon an atmosphere of academic honesty and trust, the
University community must promote and protect the sanctity of such an environment. To that end, the
College of Arts and Science considers the following infractions as being inimical to the objectives of
higher education:

Cheating is defined as intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized material,
information, or study aids in any academic exercise. Plagiarism is defined as
intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any
academic exercise (from Student Conduct Code)

At the discretion of the instructor, a student caught cheating or plagiarizing may be:
a. given a zero for that assignment or exam
b. allowed to rewrite and resubmit the assignment or exam for credit
c. assigned a reduced grade for the course
d. dropped from the course
e. failed in the course

Disabilites Act
Any student who feels s/he may need academic accommodations or access accommodations based on
the impact of a documented disability should contact and register with Disability Services during the
first week of class. Disability Services is the official office to assist students through the process of
disability verification and coordination of appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Students
currently registered with Disability Services must obtain a new accommodation memo each
semester. For information contact: Ernetta L. Fox, Director Disability Services, Room 119 Service
Center,

Course Outline