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MATH 0830 Syllabus

Course Syllabus

MATH 0830 - Math Learning Support C (Section R80)

2 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

This course is for students who need to complete one of the above MSL competencies. It is a self-paced course. Mastery of each competency is required to progress from one competency to the next. Modules that must be worked are determined by diagnostic exam scores for each module.  Diagnostic Exam 5 and Mastery Exam 5 are proctored exams and must be taken at a testing center.

MATH Learning Support covers the five TBR approved Mathematics Learning Support Competencies:

  • MLS1-Real Number Sense and Operations
  • MLS2-Operations with Algebraic Expressions (including polynomials)
  • MLS3-Analyze Graphs
  • MLS4-Solve Equations (emphasis on linear equations/inequalities)
  • MLS5-Modeling
  • Critical Thinking
Course Outcomes:

As a result of successfully completing this course, students will have demonstrated an acceptable level of mastery of the concepts and skills required for taking a college level mathematics course. This course seeks to promote real number sense, the language of algebra, understanding algebraic methods, critical thinking skills, and to develop connections between math and the real world. 

Prerequisites & Co-requisites:

ACT Math score between 13 and 18 or comparable placement score.

Course Topics:

The course is divided into five (5) modules.
Each module will cover one of the five TBR approved Mathematics Learning Support Competencies listed below.

  • Module 1 covers MLS1-Real Number Sense and Operations
    • Apply the order of operations to evaluate expressions
    • Perform operations with rational numbers
    • Determine the other equivalent forms of the number when given a fraction, decimal number, or percent
    • Identify and calculate with irrational numbers (no need to numerically simplify radical expressions)
    • Recognize and apply magnitude (absolute value) and ordering of real number 
    • Solve real-world application problems
    • Solve problems involving percent such as simple and compound interest
    • Determine the area and perimeter (or circumference) of a triangle, rectangle, and circle
    • Applications with volume and surface area
  • ​Module 2 cover MLS2-Operations with Algebraic Expressions (including polynomials)
    • Identify and simplify like terms
    • Evaluate algebraic expressions when given values for the variables
    • Create a table of values from an expression
    • Evaluate expressions involving powers and roots
    • Use the distributive law to write equivalent expression
    • Add, subtract and multiply polynomials
    • Factor a polynomial using GCF only
    • Simplify an expression involving integer exponents using the rules for exponents o Write numbers in standard and scientific notation
    • Solve real-world application problems
  • Module 3 covers MLS4-Solve Equations (emphasis on linear equations/inequalities)
    • Solve a linear equation in one variable using multiple approaches - numerical, graphical, and symbolic
    • Solve a linear inequality in one variable and graph the solutions
    • Solve formulas and literal equations for a specified variable
    • Solve proportions that simplify to linear expressions
    • Solve real-world application problems (including applications with volume and surface area)
  • Module 4 covers MLS3-Analyze Graphs
    • Create a table of values and a graph for a given relation
    • Identify and interpret rate of change
    • Use and interpret function notation particularly as it relates to graphic and tabular data
    • Analyze the graph of a linear function identifying the x-intercept, y-intercept, and slope
    • Graph a linear equation in two variables using ordered pairs, using the x-intercept and the y-intercept, and using the slope and the y-intercept
    • Write a linear equation in two variables when given information about the graph
    • Graph linear inequalities in two variable
    • Solve real-world application problems
  • Module 5 covers MLS5-Modeling and Critical Thinking
    • Integrated study from MLS1 through MLS 4
    • Solve a system of linear equations applying graphical methods
    • Solve a system of linear equations applying algebraic methods (using substitution and elimination)
    • Solve a system of linear inequalities and express the solution graphically
    • Read bar graphs, histograms, and circle graphs
    • Find the mode, median, and mean of a list of numbers
    • Use a tree diagram to count outcomes
    • Find the probability of an event 
    • Solve real-world application problems
Specific Course Requirements:
  • A purchased access code to MyMathLab.
  • Know how to work with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
  • Have a reliable computer and internet access or be willing to go to a campus computer lab.
  • Possess basic computer skills, the ability to follow written directions, and be able to read for comprehension.
  • Possess good time-management skills to work through a self-paced course.
  • Be able to go to a TBR Testing Center for proctored exams. 

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course. Move your cursor over the "Books" link in the navigation bar and select "Textbooks & Course Materials." Select your Program, Term, Department, and Course; then select "Submit."

Supplementary Materials:

A graphing calculator such as TI84 Plus is recommended. 

Hardware and Software Requirements:

Minimum hardware requirements can be found here.

Minimum software requirements can be found here.

Common applications you might need:

Web Resources:

Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab (for APA, MLA, or Chicago style)

The Writing Center Online Writer's Handbook

Student Resources:
  • Technical support information can be found on the TN eCampus Help Desk page.
  • Smarthinking virtual tutoring is available FREE of charge. to access Smarthinking, visit the course homepage and select Smarthinking under Course Resources. You also view sample sessions to see what Smarthinking offers and how it works.
  • Information on other student issues or concerns can be located on the TN eCampus Student Resources page.

Instructor Information

Please see "Instructor Information" in the Getting Started Module for instructor contact information, virtual office hours, and other communication information. You can expect to receive a response from the instructor within 24-48 hours unless notified of extenuating circumstances.

Participation, Assessments, & Grading

Testing Procedures:

Testing Procedures MLS Competencies 1 - 4:

  • Diagnostic Exam
    • Must be registered for MyMathLab
    • A score of 80% or higher required to receive credit for the module
    • Less than 80% requires completing the guided study and then retesting
    • Score is used for placement into modules and is not part of the course grade.
  • Practice Exam
    • 5% of module grade
    • Required score of 80% or higher to release the Mastery Exam
  • Mastery Exam
    • A score of 70% or higher required to receive credit for the module 
    • Less than 70% will require additional study and retesting

Testing Procedures MLS 5 Competency:

  • Proctored Mastery Exam 5
    • Must be registered for MyMathLab
    • Must be taken online at a TBR approved testing center
    • A score of 80% or higher required to receive credit for the module
    • Less than 80% requires completing the guided study and the proctored Mastery Exam 5 
  • ​Practice Exam 5
    • 5% of module grade
    • Required score of 80% or higher to release Mastery Exam 5
  • Proctored Diagnostic Exam 5
    • Must be taken online at a TBR approved testing center
    • A score of 70% or higher required to receive credit for the module
    • Less than 70% will require additional study and retesting
Grading Procedures:

The course grade is based on completing a minimum of three (3) MLS competencies for MATH 0810 or completing a minimum of one (1) MLS competency for MATH 0820 or MATH 0830.
If the minimum is not met, a grade of "F" will be assigned.

Totals from the following will be used to calculate the grade: 

TopicPointsActivity and Mastery LevelTotal Value
Homework3 @ 10 pointsAssigned homework problems in MyMathLab. Must be completed with 80% accuracy to release the next assignment.Total:
30 points
3% of grade
Self-Checks2 @ 5 points eachProblems from the homework assignments above, but without the help menu. Must be completed with 80% accuracy to release the next assignment.Total:
10 points
1% of grade
Discussion Board Writing Post1 @ 10 pointsA writing assignment that connects module concepts to the real world.Total:
10 points
1% of grade 
Practice Exam1 @ 50 points eachMust be completed with a score of 80% or higher before taking the Test Prep.Total:
50 points
5 % of grade 
Mastery Exam1 @ 900 pointsA Score of 70% or higher is required to show mastery and pass this exam.Total: 
900 points
90% of grade 
  Total1000 pts

 

Grading Scale:

Grades will be based on total points earned using the following scale per MLS. 

PercentPointsGrade
90-100%900-1000A
80-89.9%800-899B
70-79.9%700-799C
<70%Below 700F

The final grade will be the average of each MLS grade.

The course grade is based on completing a minimum of three (3) MLS competencies for MATH 0810 or completing a minimum of one (1) MLS competency for MATH 0820 or MATH 0830. If the minimum is not met, a grade of "F" will be assigned. 

Assignments and Projects:

All course assignments, except the writing assignment, will require a mastery level that must be met before access to the next assignment will be permitted.

All assignments in MyMathLab require either 100% (Lectures) or 80% (Homework, Self-Checks, and Practice Exam) completion rate. The Mastery Exams need a score of 70% or higher to pass. The Mastery Exams count 90% of the course grade and the other course assignments count a total of 10%.

Each module includes: a Diagnostic exam, three Homework sets, two Self-Checks, one Practice Exam, one Discussion Writing Post, and one Mastery Exam.

Diagnostic Exam 5 and Mastery Exam 5 are proctored exams that must be taken at a TBR Testing Center. 

Class Participation:

You are expected to log into your course at least three times a week, read your email, check the schedule to maintain pacing for completion of modules, and check the discussion board for announcements. You should use the course email system to contact the instructor about personal questions. You should use the Discussion Board to ask for help on course material. You will be expected to complete all assignments. You will be expected to take the Diagnostic Exam 5 and Mastery Exam 5 at an approved TBR Testing Center or another site approved by your instructor. Your instructor has final approval of proctored testing sites.

It is your responsibility to plan around trips and to locate alternate internet access when yours is not working.
Public Libraries are a good place for free internet access when you are out of town. 

Late Policy:

This is an instructor led self-paced course. Refer to the schedule in the course for a recommended pace to complete all five competencies within one semester. 

Course Ground Rules

The following two statements (1., 2.) were derived from the TBR System-wide Student Rules document, released January 2012:

RULES OF THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS STATE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF TENNESSEE SYSTEMWIDE STUDENT RULES CHAPTER 0240-02-03 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Read the document in its entirety here.

1. Standards of Conduct:

  • Students are required to adhere to the same professional, legal and ethical standards of conduct online as on campus. In addition, students should conform to generally accepted standards of "netiquette" while sending e-mail, posting comments to the discussion board, and while participating in other means of communicating online. Specifically, students should refrain from inappropriate and/or offensive language, comments and actions.

2. Review the TN eCampus Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty Policy:

  • In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited.

Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam
  • to submit as one's own work, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person,
  • or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.

Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are subject to disciplinary action through the regular procedures of the student’s home institution.  Refer to the student handbook provided by your home institution to review the student conduct policy.

In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or zero for an activity or to assign an "F" for the course.

Other Course Rules:

Students are expected to:

  • Participate in all aspects of the course
  • Communicate with other students
  • Learn how to navigate in Brightspace
  • Keep abreast of course announcements
  • Use the assigned course management (Brightspace) email address rather than a personal email address
  • Address technical problems immediately:
  • Observe course netiquette at all times.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussions:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in TN eCampus programs and courses. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading will be included within the course modules. To access the Virtual Library, go to the course homepage and select the Virtual Library link under Course Resources.

Students with Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this syllabus is for general information purposes only. While we endeavor to keep this information up-to-date and accurate, there may be some discrepancies between this syllabus and the one found in your online course. The syllabus of record is the one found in your online course. Please make sure you read the syllabus in your course at the beginning of the semester. Questions regarding course content should be directed to your instructor.


Last Revised on July 12, 2021