Math 115 Elementary Algebra - Li Lei
Course Description
| This is a first course in algebra. It covers the fundamental operations on natural numbers and carries on a logical development through all the real numbers. The course includes the solution of linear and quadratic equations, their graphs, factoring, and statement problems. |
Required Text
| Beginning Algebra with Applications 7th Edition by Richard N. Aufmann, Vernon C. Barker, and Joanne S. Lockwood |
Student Learning Outcome Objectives
A.) Critical Thinking: Analyze problems by differentiating fact from opinions, using evidence, and using sound reasoning to specify multiple solutions and their consequences.
B.) Communication: Effectively communicate thought in a clear, well-organized manner to persuade, inform, and convey ideas in academic, work, family and community settings.
C.) Quantitative Reasoning: Identify, analyze, and solve problems that are quantitative in nature.
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Attendance
| Roll call will be taken at the beginning of each class. Any student with 4 or more absences may be dropped from the course. Please arrange your other appointments accordingly to fit your class schedule. The student is responsible for dropping the course before the drop deadline if he/she is no longer attending the class. All cell phones must be turned off or set in silent mode. Please put all cell phones, IPods, mp3 players, and other electronic devices out of sight. A student will be dismissed from class if there is any electronic device usage other than the calculator. |
Homework
This course incorporates the online computer component, Eduspace. I will give you the code number for this course within the first week of class. There will be no paper homework assignments to turn in. You will only need to submit assignments through Eduspace within each due date. Each week, you will need to spend at least 5 hours on Eduspace. Hours spent will contribute to your final grade. Apart from Eduspace assignments, I strongly recommend all of you to attempt the exercises in the textbook as the quizzes and exams will be based on my lectures, exercises from the textbook, and Eduspace. It is strongly encouraged that you discuss homework assignments among yourselves. Through group work, you will acquire better understanding of the material.
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Quizzes
| Several quizzes will be given randomly throughout the term. Please arrive on time to take the in class quizzes, and give yourself sufficient time to take the online quizzes before the due date. There will be no make-up quizzes. |
Exams
| There will be 4 (approximately 1-hour each) exams given. You have one week from the day it is returned to look for any grading mistakes on an exam. The lowest test grade will be replaced by the grade on the final exam if it helps. There will be no make-up exams. |
Final Exam
| You MUST take the final exam or you will not be able to pass the course. No make-up final will be given. This is a department-wide multiple-choice test that focuses on manipulative skills. Bring a Scantron Form and #2 pencils. |
Calculator
| A scientific calculator is recommended and allowed for most exams and quizzes. |
Student Evaluation/Grading
Students are evaluated based on their effort on class participation, quizzes and exam scores. The final mark for the course will be awarded on the following basis:
| Homework | 5% | | Quizzes | 14% | | Exam 1 | 12% | | Exam 2 | 12% | | Exam 3 | 12% | | Exam 4 | 12% | | Final Exam | 33% |
Grades will be given on the following scale: | 90% and up | A | | 80% - 89% | B | | 70% - 79% | C | | 60% - 69% | D | | Below 60% | F |
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Academic Ethics
| All students will maintain the highest standards of academic honesty. You may NOT give or receive help on exams or quizzes, and you may not turn in someone else’s work as your own. NOTE: If you are discovered committing any act of academic dishonesty (cheating), you will receive no credit (“zero”) for the test, quiz, or assignment AND you will be suspended from class AND the case will be referred to the Dean for further disciplinary action. |
