Math 096 - Intermediate Algebra
Section: HN104 Fall 2010  Time: 12:30 - 1:50 pm TR    Room: B 209

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PROFESSOR:

 Joe McDonald

 

 PHONE:(702) 651 - 3084

EMAIL:

 math96@joemath.com  

OFFICE LOCATION:B-130 d

OFFICE HOURS:

TR 11:30 - 12:30 pm
or by appt.

 

 MY WEBSITE:joemath.com

DESCRIPTION:

Topics include rational expressions and equations, linear equations and inequalities, radicals, quadratic equations, graphs, and applications.  A comprehensive, proctored, departmental final exam will be given. Prerequisite: MATH 095 with a grade of C or better; or a satisfactory ACT/SAT/Placement Test score.

TEXT:

Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis, 4th edition.  ISBN: 0-321-44233-4. Student Solution Manual also available ISBN: 0-321-44954-1  Both can be purchased at any CSN Campus Bookstore or on the book store.  Purchase with MyMathLab option.

MyMathLab:

 CourseCompass/MyMathLab is a course requirement and you MUST purchase it!  We will use CourseCompass as our course management system while MyMathLab provides a rich and flexible set of course materials correlated directly to our book. MyMathLab provides students with multimedia resources, such as video lectures, animations, and an unlimited number of practice exercises to improve understanding and performance.

Further information will given in class.

Your Course Name: Math 096 McDonald Fall 2010
Your Course ID: mcdonald59627

If you are having computer-related problems, you MUST contact me immediately.  Most likely I can help you solve them.  Please don't try to use the "computer problem" excuse when your work is late due to a fault of your own.  MyMathLab will help you fix any problem. 

To contact Customer Technical Support:

  • Log in to CourseCompass. On the My CourseCompass page, click Getting Help in the Need Help? area, then click CourseCompass Customer Technical Support.
     
  • Call 1-800-677-6337. Staff is available to troubleshoot your technical issue during the following hours:
    • Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
    • Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight Eastern time

*** MyMathLab is located at coursecompass.com

CALCULATOR:

Will be very useful at times and may be used unless otherwise noted. It is your responsibility to know how your calculator operates.  Calculators will not be used on the final exam.

PREREQUISITE & TRANSFERABILITY:

Satisfactory ACT/SAT/CSN Mathematics Placement Test Score, or Math 95 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent. A grade of "C-" does not satisfy the pre-requisite requirement of the course. This course is not transferable and cannot be used to satisfy the degree requirements.

ATTENDANCE:

Strongly recommended. YOU are responsible for any concepts or information missed due to non-attendance.

KEY DATES:

 Aug 30 Spring Semester begins
Sept 5 Last day to drop a course without a grade of "W" for 16-week session.
Sept 17 Last day to officially change from Audit to Credit with Instructor's approval for 16-week session.
Nov 5 Last day to officially change from Credit to Audit - in person only for 16-week session.
  Nov 17 Last day to officially withdraw with a grade of "W" for 16-week session
  Dec 12 - 19 Final examination period for 16-week session

PRACTICE EXERCISES:

Selected problems will be assigned and graded in MyMathLab.

QUIZZES:

There will be weekly quizzes assigned and graded in MyMathLab. The quiz will not be considered for a grade if you are late.  A quiz may not be made up except for very unusual circumstances.  You must notify me in advance.

TESTS:

There will be 3 tests and a final. Partial credit may be possible. A calculator may not always be used. Appropriate mathematical process as well as the correct answer wil1 be graded. No make-up tests will be allowed, except for very unusual circumstances. You must contact me personally prior to the scheduled test. Nobody can make up more than one test!!

NOTE:

Questions about points deducted on a test problem need to be raised immediately after the test is handed back. No consideration will be given thereafter.

FINAL EXAM:

The final exam is a comprehensive departmental test containing material from the entire semester.  The final exam will count the same as a regular test.  You will be very prepared for this exam so don't worry.

FINAL GRADE:

.20* QUIZ/HOMEWORK  + .80* TEST AVG.  (20% each test)

GRADING SCALE:

92% < A < 100% 72% v C < 78%
90% < A- < 92% 70% < C- < 72%
88% < B+ < 90% 68% < D+ < 70%
82% < B < 88% 66% < D < 68%
80% < B- < 82% 60% < D- < 66%
78% < C+ < 80% F < 60%

NOTE: The grade 'F' will  be given by me if the student neglects to drop the course. You must drop the course officially by the withdrawal deadline if you want to receive a W.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

 Tardiness: I do realize occasional tardiness cannot be avoided. If you are late, be respectful to your classmates by coming in quietly, sitting in the back, and not talking. Many students are easily distracted.  Points may be deducted from tests if you arrive late for exams.  You can not take a quiz if you are late.  If you are late for class 3 or more times you will be ask to drop the course.  This has become a severe problem in the last several years resulting in student complaints about the distraction from learning.

 Talking: Please refrain from having conversations with classmates while I am lecturing or answering questions. Even if I don't hear your conversations, you may be bothering other students.  Repeated disruption of student learning may result in removal from this course.

 Questions: I may think I've done a wonderful job explaining a concept only to find out after a quiz or test most people didn't get it. The daily homework is designed to help us avoid those oversights. Keep up with the homework and ask questions, questions, and questions.

 Homework: This is the most important part of the class. Some people assume I am good at math because it comes naturally, have a high IQ, or I have some "math gene". These assumptions are false. I had to practice math problems repeatedly to understand each concept. Lectures alone do not provide enough information. Learning to read your textbook is an essential part of your math learning experience. Your most valuable resource is your textbook.

 Inappropriate Behavior will not be tolerated. All students have the right not to be disturbed in class.  If I have to repeatedly ask a student to stop disrupting my class I will drop them.  Please respect all students.

Student Services

Counseling/Advising – Helps students select courses, complete degree audits, obtain transfer information, and provide personalized assistance in developing educational and vocational plans appropriate to personal interests and abilities. Contact information: CHARLESTON Bldg. D – Lobby, 651-5670; CHEYENNE 1100 Student Services Area, 651-4049; HENDERSON Bldg. B - Student Services Area, 651-3165

Faculty E-Alert (the Electronic Early Warning System) – Used by faculty members as a confidential means to submit to Retention Services the names of students having academic problems in a class, in order that they be offered timely assistance. Faculty places the referral through CSN’s restricted Web Grading system. The E-Alert System is managed by the Office of Student Retention Services.

Math & Science Resource Centers – FREE individual and group drop-in tutoring offering assistance in various levels of math and science. Contact information: CHARLESTON Bldg. H – Room 203, 651-7615; CHEYENNE Room 2049-2050, 651-4088; HENDERSON Bldg. B – Room 201,  651-3167.

Retention/Student Success Services: Trained specialists/advocates help students assess personal strengthens and limitations, determine the root of a variety of academic struggles, develop college success strategies, implement action plans, learn to navigate the educational system, benefit from campus and community resources, and connect to campus life. Contact information: CHARLESTON Bldg. B-119, 651-7367; CHEYENNE 1111 Student Services Area, 651-2626; HENDERSON Bldg. B – 130, 651-3103

TRIO Student Support Services – One stop shop for first-generation college, financial aid-eligible, and disabled students offering tutoring, academic advising, career exploration, college-transfer assistance, and development of college success strategies. Contact information: CHEYENNE Room 1120, 651-4441

Tutorial Services: All CSN students are allowed 4 hours of free tutoring per one credit of coursework. (i.e., 3 credit class = 12 free hours of tutoring). To make arrangements for this benefit, you must take your semester schedule to Tutorial Services at the campus of your choice and activate the CSN student email account. The earlier you apply for help, the more likely that you will succeed. Contact information: CHARLESTON Bldg. D – Room 203, 651-5732; CHEYENNE Room 2100 (Library), 651-4232; HENDERSON Bldg. C – Computer Lab, 651-3125