TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-Corpus Christi
Division of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

MATH 1314.003
College Algebra
Spring 2002

I. COURSE INFORMATION

  1. Meeting Time & Place: Monday, Wednesday, 2:30 to 3:45 PM. CE 116
  2. Professor: Dr. George Tintera
  3. Office Phone: (361) 825-6028
  4. Office Address: CI 303
  5. E-MAIL Address: tintera@falcon.tamucc.edu
  6. Web Page Address: http://www.tamucc.edu/~tintera/sp02/1314, Calendar
  7. Office Hours: M/W from 1 to 2:30 PM; T/Th from 5:30 to 7 PM. Others by appointment

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course continues the development of algebra from MATH 0399, Intermediate Algebra. A review of properties of numbers and linear equations and inequalities is included. Topics are quadratic equations and inequalities, graphs, logarithms, and exponentials, solutions of polynomial equations and systems of equations.

III. PREREQUISITES for the COURSE

MATH 0399, Intermediate Algebra, or placement into College Algebra

IV. TEXT and OTHER SUPPLIES REQUIRED

College Algebra, Concepts and Models, by Larson Hostetler and Hodgkins, D.C. Heath, 3rd Ed.. A TI 82 or 83 is required for the course. Other models may be used but will not be supported by the instructor. A student solutions manual is available for sale in the bookstore.

V. COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to enable students to:

  1. Solve linear equations and inequalities, recognize and create graphs of linear functions and interpret and solve linear models.
  2. Solve qudratic equations and inequalities, recognize and create graphs of quadratic functions and interpret and solve quadratic models.
  3. Solve polynomial equations and inequalities, recognize and create graphs of polynomial functions and interpret and solve polynomial models.
  4. Use exponential expressions and functions to model real world situations and to solve abstract exponential equations.
  5. Use logarithmic expressions and functions to model real world situations and to solve abstract logarithmic equations.
  6. Model with systems of equations and solve them using the method of substitution, graphing or elimination with backwards substitution.
  7. Apply a general understanding of the use of inverse functions and procedures to solve real-world and abstract equations and models.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND ACTIVITIES

The instructional method is a combination of lectures and student activities. Students are expected to participate through in-class activities, preparation for class meetings, and homework.

VII. EVALUATION AND GRADE ASSIGNMENT

Course grades will be based on homework (10%), written assignments (5%), group/daily work (10%), skills assessments (20%), qualitiative assessments (35%) and a final exam (20%).

  • Homework will be assigned at each class meeting that we cover new material. It will be due on Wednesday of the next week. It will be scored for completion.
  • Written assignments will be made at each class meeting. They will be scored for completion, although the instructor may be asked that hastily written or incomplete work be rewritten. The assignments must be typed, though formulas and graphs may be added by hand.
  • Group/Daily Work will be based on time spent in class in groups. The purpose of the groups is to increase your active participation in the class. Daily work also includes preparation for class through specific reading assignments.
  • Skills Assessments will be made every other week. They will be brief and scored for mastery. Full credit will be given for a score of 80% or more on that topic. The skills assessments may be repeated twice.
  • Qualitative Assessments will be made every other week. While they will involve some calculation or solution of a mathematical problem, most credit will be given for explanations of the work done. Emphasis will be on the verbal description of your solution.
  • The Final Exam will be held 2 to 4:30, Wednesday, May 8. It will be comprehensive and multiple choice.

Grading Scale:

Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Score
90% - 100%
80% - 89%
70% - 79%
60% - 69%
0% - 59%

VIII. TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

Attached

IX. CLASS POLICIES

  • This class is run for the mathematical development of all participants. All students must accept responsibility for participating and consequences of not participating.
  • You are the only person responsible for your registration. No one will drop you for not attending class. Please make sure that you drop the class yourself if you are not able to continue coming to class. Please note that the last day to drop the class with a grade of "W" is March 29.
  • Please turn off phones and beepers before coming to class.
  • Attendance is expected. It is the only way to do in-class work. Please notify by phone or email if you cannot attend class. If a sudden emergency keeps you from class, please notify me when you are able.
  • All absences from assessments will be considered unexcused unless they are documented in advance as excusable with the instructor or as soon as possible in the case of emergencies. No credit will be awarded for unexcused absences from assessments.
  • Help is available from the Tutoring and Learning Center on the second floor of the Bell Library, your classmates as well as my office hours. Wherever you get it, please do not wait until the last minute.