MAT 103B College Algebra Part II
Spring ‘12, Section 1
Course Outline and Syllabus

Instructor:                  Steve Richardson   
Office:                         D127                          
Meeting Venue:         E106,  M,W  1:30 - 2:20
Phone:                         541-4660 extension 333
email:                          steve.richardson.ltcc@gmail.com         

Class Schedule and Assignments (subject to revision):

Optional Textbook:           Precalculus Enhanced with Graphing Utilities, Fifth Edition, Sullivan and Sullivan

Required Software License :  It is required to have a software license to use the software MyMathLab in this class.  Students have two choices.  The first choice is to purchase the textbook new from the bookstore.  The textbook comes with the software license.  The second choice is to purchase the license alone either from the bookstore or online at coursecompass.com.  The license gives you access to the textbook online.  This is a more economical choice, but is only recommended to students who have online access and feel comfortable reading a computer screen instead of a traditional book.  If you purchase a used textbook, you will also need to purchase the software license.  This software license will also be good for Math 103A, and MAT104 (If your instructor uses it) at no extra cost. The software license is valid as long as the student uses the same textbook; the student may need to call the tech support to obtain another access code if the student takes the same class again later.

Our course id is richardson10519

Required Calculator: A Texas Instruments 89 or equivalent. I will be using and demonstrating with a TI89.

Course Overview:

The course covers the properties of logarithms and exponentials, conic sections, systems of equations and their solution with Gaussian Elimination, a brief introduction to linear programming, sequences, series, permutations and combinations..

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Prove and derive mathematical statements using various methods including induction.
2. Employ matrices and their properties to solve systems of equations.
3. Construct and interpret graphs of conic sections and transcendental functions.
4. Apply the topics of the course to real world situations.

Suggestions, Tips and Advice:

• Class time is valuable.  Arrive on time, be prepared having read the assigned reading and having completed any due assignments.
• Bring your notebook (and your textbook if you elect to buy one) to each class
• Take notes in class
• The textbook has been carefully selected.  Read it! 
• Practice. You must practice in order to succeed at math. Do some math every day.
• Use me and the tutors available to ask questions and get help.

Exams:

There will be two midterm exams given in the quarter. We will have a comprehensive final examination.

Arrive for the exam prepared. This means not only that you have studied the material and are prepared to have your knowledge and skills assessed, but that you are prepared for the mechanics of the exam. You will need a pencil, maybe two. You might need scratch paper.

A couple of points about exam scheduling and scoring:

• Exams must be taken on the date they are scheduled. If you have a schedule conflict, you may ask to take the exam earlier than the scheduled date. If you request to take the exam later than the scheduled date you will be assessed a penalty at the rate of 10% per day. Requests for changes within 24 hours of the scheduled exam date will be granted only in the case of dire emergency (think broken leg). No exceptions.
• Exams are graded quite leniently, with partial credit given for progress towards a solution. Requests to re-grade an exam problem will result in the entire exam being regraded.
• You will not be allowed to leave the room after you commence taking the exam, so any bodily functions (i.e. bathroom) or needs (i.e. water) must be taken care of before the exam.

Quizzes:

There are 11 online quizzes. These are due on Fridays, with a one-day grace period built in as the due dates shown are the following Saturday. You may take the quiz an unlimited number of times up to the due date. Your highest score will be kept. Thus there is no reason not to earn 100% on each quiz.

Requests for extensions beyond this grace period within 24 hours of the Friday due date will not be granted. No exceptions.

Homework Assignments:

There are 23 homework assignments. These are due on Fridays. A one-day grace period has been built in. You may work on each homeowork problem until you get it correct, with no limit on the number of repetitions. Thus there is no reason not to earn 100% on each homework assignment.

Requests for extensions beyond this grace period within 24 hours of the Friday due date will not be granted. No exceptions.

Evaluation Criteria:

Grading will be based on your total scores from:

No extra credit work will be assigned or accepted.

The letter grade assigned will be based on the following cutoffs:

These criteria are generous. A more accurate reflection of 'excellent achievement' (i.e. an A) is greater than 90%; of 'good achievement' far greater than 80%.

Note that your final grade is determined entirely by you via your performance on the graded assessments (homework assignments, quizzes and exams). Your final grade is earned by you, not given by your instructor.

Help:

I am here to help you learn.  I want you to succeed in this course and beyond.  Use me as your resource.  See me during my office hours.  Do not hesitate to make arrangements to see me anytime outside of class or office hours. Make arrangements with me if you have any difficulties or special needs.  We have tutoring and a Learning Assistance Center available.  We have the Math Success Center with tutors, computers and help available. We have a Learning Disabilities Lab available and I will accommodate any learning disability you may have to the best of my and the College’s ability.  If you find that you are lost or behind please do not hesitate to see me.

A Word on Honesty:

Cheating or copying will not be tolerated. People who cheat dilute the honest effort of the rest of us.  If you cheat on an exam you will receive an F.  Other college disciplinary action including expulsion might occur. Please don’t cheat in this class.  If you are having difficulty with the course, please see me.

Classroom Behavior and Etiquette

You have enrolled in this college class voluntarily and I commend you for your efforts at further educating yourself, an admirable thing to do. I therefore assume that you are attending class to learn. My responsibilities include maintaining an effective learning environment in the classroom so that you may learn in this class.

I expect you to respect our class meetings as a time and place for learning. As such, disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be tolerated. If you elect to disrupt your classmates while they are trying to learn I will eject you from the class. (I may eject you for any inappropriate behavior.) You may not return to class for two class meetings. Before returning to class you must come see me.