Math 111 College Algebra

Fall 2006

 

Policy and Information Sheet

Instructor:  Kathie Smart

     Office: Airway Science 145

Email:  ksmart@ulm.edu

Phone: 342-3337 (leave a message)

Virtual Office Hours: By Appointment

Blackboard:  http://blackboard.ulm.edu

 

Office Hours:

MW:  9:00-12:00       TTh: 10-12

 

Course Goals:  The goal of this course is to develop both the algebraic and problem solving skills needed to solve and interpret problems in the student’s respective major.   This course emphasizes interpretation and modeling of data, and numerous examples and problems are taken from chemistry, physics, finance, and the health sciences.

 

Prerequisite:  Math ACT score of 21 or greater

 

Required Textbook:  College Algebra-A Problem Solving Approach by the ULM Mathematics Faculty, Ninth Edition

 

Required Calculator:  A TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus calculator is required for this course.

 

Course Topics:       Chapter 2    Introduction to Functions

                                    Chapter 3    Linear, Quadratic, and Rational Functions with Applications

                                    Chapter 4    Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

                                    Chapter 5    Sequences

                                    Chapter 6    Systems of Equations

                                    Chapter 7    Mathematics of Finance

                       

Attendance: The Math Department believes that attendance is a vital component for success in any math course. Thus, the department’s policy regarding attendance is as follows: Any student that has excessive unexcused absences in a class must withdraw or receive an F for the course. In the fall, excessive unexcused absence means getting more than three absences on a MW or TTh class and more than four absences on a MWF class. The guidelines for excused absences may be found in the current ULM catalog. You must provide a copy of documentation (doctor’s excuse, etc.) for an excused absence for the instructor’s records and show the original when presenting the copy. Excuses with corrections, white-out, etc. will not be accepted. I do confirm suspicious and habitual excused absences. Fraudulent or falsified excuses will result in an F for the course.  Students will be marked as absent if they are 10 or more minutes late.

 

 

Homework:  Completing the assigned homework is absolutely essential in order for you to complete the course successfully.  Homework will not be collected; however, the daily quizzes are based on homework assignments.  There will also be some calculator worksheets that will be submitted for a grade.

 

Grading and Make-up Policy:

            4 exams                                                            400 points

            Quizzes / Worksheets                                        100 points

            Comprehensive Final Exam (200 points)               200 points

            Total                                                                700 points

          *If you miss an exam and have a written, authorized reason that is also approved by the instructor, the test grade will either be replaced with the final exam grade or a make-up exam will be given.  This make-up must be scheduled the week of finals; the choice is made by the instructor and depends on the circumstances. If you miss a test, you must call my office on the day of the missed exam and leave a message explaining why you missed the test and a phone number where you can be reached. If a student misses a test due to an unexcused absence, the student will receive a zero on the test. If you know you will be gone during a test day, you MUST make arrangements with me BEFORE you leave to make up the test.  Quizzes may not be made up.  They are considered part of your daily grade, therefore, you must be present to receive the quiz grade.  Borderline grades will be evaluated individually based on class attendance and participation. The grading scale is a follows:

 

 

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

 

 

Class Behavior: Students are expected to maintain control throughout the class meeting. Disruptive talking and behavior will not be tolerated. Cell phones, ipods and beepers are not allowed in class.  Failure to comply could result in a penalty of up to 10% off the next test grade.  There is absolutely NO food allowed in the classroom at anytime.  If you have a medical problem that requires food, let me know the first day of class.  Students are not allowed to have a guest in the class.  If there is some reason that a guest must be brought, it must be cleared by the instructor prior to attending class with guest.

 

Free Tutoring

You may schedule FREE tutoring sessions through the Student Success Center. This service is intended for any student, in any Math class, who has problems with concepts and needs extra help. The tentative times available: Mondays-Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. You  may make an appointment at the Student Success Center.

Call to make an appointment (342-3670).

 

 

Math 111 Videos (Optional):  Math 111 instructional videos are available for downloading at http://www.ulm.edu/~mathweb. (Click on the Math 111 Videos link.)

           

Midterm grades will be posted on or before Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006

The last day to drop a course or resign:  Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006

Final Exam: Monday, December 4, 2006, 8:00am