On-Line Course Syllabus for Beginning Algebra

INDEX

I. Catalog Description
II. Overview and Course Goals
III. Course Objectives and Measurable Learning Outcomes
IV. Course Policies
Student Conduct
On- Line Participation
Ground Rules for On -line Participation
Academic Honesty
Levels of Communication
V. Grading Policy
VI. Schedule
VII. Course Expectations
Discussion/Conference
Quizzes
Reading/Video
Homework:
Proctored Computerized Midterm/Comprehensive Final Exam:
VIII. Course Materials
Required Text Required Graphing Calculator Optional Tutoring
On-Line Study Guide
IX. Course Schedule
Week 1: The Real Number System
Week 2: The Real Number System
Week 3: Linear Equations In One Variable
Week 4: Linear Inequalities In One Variable , Linear Equations in Two Variables
Week 5: Linear Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables
Week 6: Exponents and Polynomials
Week 7: Exponents and Polynomials, Factoring Polynomials
Week 8: Factoring Polynomials
X.Instructor Information - Debbie McGovney
• phone: 573-893-4452
• fax: 636-552-0020

I. Catalog Description

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of algebra. Review of arithmetic skills, solving
linear equations and inequalities, application problems, graphing lines, and introduction to
polynomials and factoring. Students must repeat the course if a grade of U, F, or D is awarded.
There is no prerequisite for this course.

II. Overview and Course Goals

Welcome to Beginning Algebra (MATH 104), on line!

During Week 1, we have an introduction to basic algebraic concepts, discuss fractions, real
numbers, and learn some algebraic terminology and properties.

During Week 2, we continue the discussion of real numbers and variables. This includes
addition/ subtraction /multiplication/division of positive and negative numbers , the order of
arithmetic operations, and the meaning of exponents.

During Week 3, we learn how to solve linear equations using the Addition and Multiplication
Principles. We’ll cover solving equations with fractions and percents , and solving formulas for a
particular variable. We’ll learn how to set up application problems, and then solve them using
these techniques.

During Week 4, we apply the techniques to solving linear inequalities. We’ll look at graphing,
and learn how to graph linear equations in two variables, both by hand and using a graphing
calculator. You will take a proctored computerized midterm exam sometime on Wednesday –
Saturday of this week.

During Week 5, we’ll take a closer look at graphing. We’ll cover the calculation and meaning
of slope, various ways in which the equation of a line can be written, and look at graphing linear
inequalities in two variables.

During Week 6, we cover exponents and polynomials in more detail. We’ll discuss polynomial
operations including addition , subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomial
expressions.

During Week 7, we’ll finish the discussion of exponents by looking at rules governing negative
exponents, and learn how to use scientific notation when working with very large/small numbers.
We’ll then learn several methods used to determine the factors of a polynomial.

During Week 8, we’ll practice the factoring skills learned in Week 7, and then use factoring to
solve quadratic equations . You will also take a proctored computerized final exam on
Wednesday - Saturday of this week

VI. Schedule

• Homework/Discussion Assignments (due throughout the week of weeks 1-8): 15%
of course grade. In weeks 1 - 7, there will be 12 homework/discussion points
possible each week. In week 8, there will be 6 homework/discussion points possible,
for a total of 90 points.

• Quizzes (due Saturday at Midnight of weeks 1-8, the two lowest quiz scores will be
dropped in weeks 7 and 8): 10% of course grade. Each quiz counts 10 points, 60
points for session. Late quizzes will not earn credit.

• Mid-Term Exam (end of week 4): 35% of course grade. Counts 210 points

• Final Exam (end of week 8): 40% of course grade. Counts 240 points.

Final grades will be determined as follows:

VII. Course Expectations

Homework: Each week, you will be assigned a number of problems to complete in the
MyMathLab area that comes with the course materials. Homework assignments must be
submitted before midnight on Friday, central time. Late submissions will not receive credit.

Discussion: Each week, you will be required to do 1 math discussion posting in the
Discussion area of D2L. Week 1 also requires an introduction posting.

Quizzes: Each week, a quiz is posted in the Content area of D2L by noon on Tuesday
and is due by midnight on Saturday, central time. You will submit your answers in the Quizzes
area of D2L. The quizzes will be closely related to the suggested homework problems assigned
for the week (see below in the weekly guide). In weeks 7 and 8, the two lowest quiz scores will
be dropped. Late quizzes will not receive credit.

Week 1: Introduction to Algebra, Fractions, Real Numbers, Basic Rules of
Algebra - Reading: Sections 1.1 – 1.4, pp. 1-52

Week 2: Working with Real Numbers, Exponents, Order of Operations , and
Mathematical Models - Reading: Sections 1.5 – 1.8, pp. 53-93

Week 3: Solving Linear Equations, Formulas and Percents, Problem Solving -
Reading: Sections 2.1 – 2.5, pp. 107-158

Week 4: Solving Linear Inequalities, Graphing Equations in Two Variables –
Reading: Sections: 2.6. 4.1, 4.2, pp. 159-171, 223-245

Week 5: Slope of a Line , Slope-Intercept and Point-Slope Equations of a Line,
Linear Inequalities in Two Variables – Reading: Sections 4.3 – 4.6, pp.
247-278

Week 6: Working with Exponents and Polynomials – Reading: Sections 6.1 –
6.5, pp. 342-383

Week 7: Negative Exponents, Scientific Notation, Factoring Polynomials –
Reading: Sections 6.7, 7.1 - 7.4, pp. 393-403, 413-444

Week 8: Review of Factoring, Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring –
Reading: Sections 7.5 and 7.6 pp. 446-463

X. Instructor Information – Debbie McGovney - I received my
Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Iowa, Iowa City and
my Master's degree in Mathematics Education from the University of
Missouri, Columbia. I have been teaching Math for 23 years and for
Columbia College for 13 years. I have been teaching online classes for four
years.

Telephone: (573) 893- 4452