INSTRUCTOR:

Helen Shen

PHONE:

530-541-4660, Extension 364

E-MAIL:

shen@ltcc.edu

OFFICE:

A204

OFFICE HOURS:

Mon. & Wed.  12:30 – 1:30 PM

Tue. & Thur.  3:00 – 4:30 PM

LTCC MATH PAGE:

http://www.ltcc.edu/academics.asp?scatID=5&catID=34

REQUIRED TEXT:

Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Fourth Edition, by Martin-Gay

TEXTBOOK

INFORMATION:

Students have two choices. The first choice is to purchase the textbook from

the bookstore; the textbook comes with the online software license. The second

choice is to purchase the online software license which comes with the textbook 

online; this is a more economically reasonable choice, but is only recommended

to students who have online access and feel comfortable reading a computer

screen instead of a traditional book. You can check your homework answers

online, but you will turn in your homework on the paper form.

COUSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is a continuation of MAT 152B or MAT 152BB.  We will continue our study of functions and quadratic equations. New topics will include inverses of functions, exponential and logarithm functions, conic sections, and sequences and series.

PREREQUISITE:

A grade of C or better in Math 152B, Math 152BB, or equivalent; or a  satisfactory score on Mathematics Assessment Test.

CALCULATOR:

You will need a scientific calculator for this course. It should have an ln key, a log key and an exponent key. Graphing calculators will not be allowed on quizzes and exams.

TUTORING:

Tutoring is available at no cost in A201 (Math Success Center) on a drop-in basis. Students will earn 0.5 point toward the total grade for every 10 hours in MSC or DRC. However, if any student misses more than three classes, no lab credit will be granted.

STUDENT LEARNING

OUTCOMES:

1. Apply the course topics to real-world situations.

2. Sketch and interpret the graphs of functions and relations introduced in

    intermediate algebra.

3. Simplify mathematical expressions into forms more amenable to analysis.

4. Provide solutions to equations using methods from intermediate algebra.

GRADING POLICY:

Method of Student Evaluation

Homework (23 sections at 5 points each)                      115 points

Quizzes* (Five at 30 points each)                                  150 points

Exams* (Three at 100 points each)                               300 points

Final (Covers entire course content)                              200 points                   

Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 765 possible points.

             A        90-100%        

             B         80-89%          

             C        70-79%                                  

             D        60-69%

             F         less than 60%

CHECKING YOUR GRADE ONLINE:                 

To retrieve your grade information online, follow these steps:

Ø   www.gradesource.com

Ø   student reports

Ø   Instructor Name: Shen

Ø   Click on your class: Math 154AA

Ø   Your secret number is on your Quiz #1

EXAM POLICY:

Grading will be based on progress towards the final answer, and the demonstration

of understanding of the concept that is being tested. The more you show me with

steps and detail, the better your chances for partial credit.  You provide me the

communication and detail in your answers; and I will give you the best grade I can

based on that communication and answer. You can use one page of notes, front and

back, for quizzes, exams and the final..

MAKE-UP POLICY:

For Quizzes, Chapter Exams, and the Final, make-up is possible if the

absence is excused; there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused. The

make-up test needs to be taken before the next class. The absence is excused for

medical emergencies with the doctor’s note. You can take your test early if you

know you are going to miss the class.

For Homework, you must show your work to get credit, half credit for

completion and half credit for selected problems. Homework will be accepted late up to one week after it is assigned for half credit. You can turn in your homework early if you know you are going to miss the class. You can consult a classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone for assistance on the homework.

COMMUNICATION

POLICY:

You can communicate with me either by coming to class or office hours, sending

an e-mail, or calling on the phone. I will respond to your e-mails in a timely manner, and I will do my best to return your calls (you need to make sure to leave your number clearly). If you miss the class, it is your responsibility to pick up the class handouts or obtain the information either from your classmates or from me during the office hours.

I have students work together to help each other. Please feel free to ask me directly if you like to work with me one-on-one.

·   Please see me if you do not understand my policies.

·   Since English is my secondary language, please be sure to ask me if you have any difficulty understanding math due to my accent. I will be happy to clarify.

LEARNING

DISABILITIES:

If you have a certified learning disability, be sure to discuss your special needs with me during the first week of class. Learning disabilities will be        accommodated.

REGISTRATION:

·   You must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.

·    The last day to drop the class with no record is Friday, May 1.

·    The last day to declare CR/No Credit is Friday, May 1.

·    The last day to drop the class for a “W’ grade is Friday, May 22.

·    After May 22, if you are enrolled, you will receive some kind of grade.

·    It is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid a grade. You can choose Credit/Non-Credit for the class before the date specified on the schedule. I will drop a student from the class if the student misses more than six classes and is unable to keep up with the learning.

FINANCIAL

ASSISTANCE:

If you need help paying for your books or other expenses, call our financial aid

officer, America Ramirez, at 541-4660 x236, email her at Ramirez@ltcc.edu, or

drop by A100.

HOW TO SUCCEED

IN A MATH CLASS:

1)  Read your textbook before class.

2)  Choose to attend all class periods and be on time.

3)  Exchange names and phone number with classmates.

4)  Learn from your mistakes and be patient with yourself.

5)  Don’t be afraid of asking questions.

6)  Know how to get help if you need it.

7)  Organize your class materials.

8)  Do your homework.

9)  Check your work.

10) Hand in assignments on time.