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MATH 1710 Syllabus

Course Syllabus

MATH 1710 - Pre-calculus Algebra (formerly Pre-Calculus I)

3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

This course is a study of the algebra necessary to prepare students for Calculus. Topics include circles, functions and graphs with applications, polynomials and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions with applications, sequences and series, systems of equations, matrices, determinants, binomial theorem. 

Course Outcomes:

• To review solving and graphing linear/quadratic functions with and without the aid of a graphing utility.

• To understand circles and the concept/operation of functions.

• To solve polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic equations.

• To solve system of equations by graphing and by use of matrices and determinants.

• To understand sequence and series notation and to expand binomials using the Binomial Theorem.

• To use polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions to represent data graphically, algebraically and symbolically.

• To understand the appropriate use of technology in visually describing mathematical models and in finding numerical solutions to mathematical problems.

Prerequisites & Co-requisites:

Two years of high school algebra and an acceptable placement score into collegiate mathematics or successful completion of Learning Support competencies.

Course Topics:

Algebra Review, Circles, and Graphing Calculator Techniques

Functions and their Graphs

Polynomial and Rational Functions

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Systems of Equations

Matrices and Determinants

Sequences and Series

The Binomial Theorem

Specific Course Requirements:

Students will be required to use a graphing calculator, install browser plug-ins, and/or install and use free downloadable software.

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:

Please contact your Section Instructor using e-learn email for information regarding supplementary materials for this course. 

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:

The Midterm and Final exam are proctored in an RODP testing center at a TBR University or Community College. These exams must be taken in the timeframe set by RODP. Each student is responsible for obtaining an approved proctor and setting an appointment for each exam (this must be done at least 2 weeks before exam period begins and preferably at start of semester). An out of state student may request to test at a local university but must first obtain a test proctor at the university and then have the test proctor approved by the Course Instructor at least 2 weeks in advance of the test period. The guidelines for obtaining a test proctor can be found here

Grading Procedures:

This course contains 1000 total points.

To determine percentage average at any point, just divide number of earned points by number of possible points and multiply by 100.

Proctored Exams (housed in e-learn): 550 total points

Proctored Midterm                                  250 points

Proctored Final                                      300 points

Course Website (eLearn) Grade Components: 150 total points

Mod 0 E-learn Grade Components: 12 pts total

Mod 0 Disc:                      6 points

Mod 0 Quiz:                      6 points

Mod 1 E-learn Grade Components: 22 pts total

Mod 1 Disc:                       6 points

Problem Set 1:                  16 points

Mod 2 E-learn Grade Components: 22 pts total

Mod 2 Disc:                       6 points Problem

Set 2:                               16 points

Mod 3 E-learn Grade Components: 22 pts total

Mod 3 Disc:                       6 points Problem

Set 3:                               16 points

Mod 4 E-learn Grade Components: 22 pts total

Mod 4 Disc:                       6 points

Problem Set 4:                  16 points

Mod 5 E-learn Grade Components: 22 pts total

Mod 5 Disc:                       6 points

Problem Set 5:                  16 points

Mod 6 E-learn Grade Components: 28 pts total

Mod 6 Disc:                       6 points

Problem Set 6:                 16 points

Course Summary               6 points

Textbook Website Grade Components: 300 total pts

Module 1 Homework and Quiz                                         35 points                         (3 HW assn. at 5 points each plus a 2 point bonus assn., and 20 pt Module quiz)

Module 2 Homework and Quiz                                         70 points                         (7 HW assn. at 5 points each, 15 pt mid-module quiz, and 20 pt Module quiz)

 Module 3 Homework and Quiz                                        45 points                         (5 HW assn. at 5 points each and 20 pt Module quiz)

Module 4 Homework and Quiz                                         70 points                         (7 HW assn. at 5 points each, 15 pt mid-module quiz, and 20 pt Module quiz)

Module 5 Homework and Quiz                                         45 points                          (5 HW assn. at 5 points each and a 20 pt Module quiz)

Module 6 Homework and Quiz                                         35 points                         (3 HW assn. at 5 points each and a 20 pt Module quiz)

Total points                                                                   300 points

Rewards (Bonus) Opportunities: 

1 bonus point per module may be earned. Ask Instructor for details. 

 

 

Grading Scale:

A (90-100) %                        or                  900-1000 points

B (80-89.9) %                       or                  800-899 points

C (70-79.9) %                       or                 700-799 points

D (60-69.9) %                       or                 600-699 points

F (0-59.9) %                         or                < 600 points

Assignments and Projects:

Homework assignments have suggested (target) due dates for each individual section’s assignment -- but no late penalty will be assigned if the assignments are submitted by the corresponding Module’s due date. Each module’s due date will be posted in the Course Calendar. The homework assignments may be worked unlimited number of times within the homework specifications.

After a module’s due date has passed, zeros will be submitted for non-attempted homework assignments, but the homework assignments may still be accessed for updating with a 10% late penalty if and only if the assignments from modules 1, 2, 3 are submitted by the night before midterm exam period begins and the assignments from modules 4, 5, 6 are submitted by the last day of regularly scheduled classes.

Class Participation:

You are expected to participate in all interactive aspects of the course. For example, you must communicate with your Instructor and other students via emails and discussion board exchanges. You are required to regularly log into the course to read the course news on the homepage, check and read new discussion posts, and to read your email. It is recommended that you do this daily but every other day is the minimum requirement.

A discussion board has been set up for each module. The Discussion component is required and a graded part of the course. Details are located in the Discussion Forum. Each module will have a problem set located in the Assessments area of eLearn which contains problems that must be worked out with steps and explanation. 

Late Policy:

Assignments will be presented as noted in the course Calendar and Checklists. You will have until the module’s due date on the calendar to complete each assignment. You are expected to communicate with other students and Instructor in threaded discussions, learn how to navigate in D2L, and stay aware of course announcements. You should use your assigned D2L email addresses for all communication. You should address any technical problems immediately. You should observe course etiquette at all times. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. For further clarification see the Statement of Academic Honesty. It is your responsibility to have access to a working computer. Personal computer crashes and other personal computer technical problems will not be accepted as excuses for not completing the required assignments.

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 May 19, 2020