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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "MA 101-3"
COURSE NAME: "Intermediate Algebra"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2020
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Sara Munday
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 6:15-7:35 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides a review of elementary algebra for students who need further preparation for pre-calculus. Students enroll in this course on the basis of a placement examination. The course covers the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division involving algebraic expressions; factoring of polynomial expressions; exponents and radicals; solving linear equations, quadratic equations and systems of linear equations; and applications involving these concepts. This course does not satisfy the General Distribution Requirement in Mathematics and Science.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

Properties of real numbers, solving linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of linear equations (and encountering the possibility that certain systems cannot be solved), basic properties of quadratic equations. 

Here are two open source textbooks that might be useful:

  http://wallace.ccfaculty.org/book/book.html

   http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/SAYLOR-MA001-TEXT.pdf
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The students at the end of the course should be able to recognise similarities between diverse problems and examples, they should be able to apply prior knowledge to solve new problems (which will always be within the scope of the material covered in class, of course), the students should be making the first steps towards developing problem-solving, abstraction, and critical-thinking skills, which will allow them to succeed in the courses that follow this one. 
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
participationParticipation is defined not only to be "turning up", but actively participating in ALL class activities, turning in reasonable attempts at ALL homework assignments, and generally being responsive and active participants in the learning process. 25%
midterm 25%
final examComprehensive final, but with more weight put on the topics from the second half of the course. 50%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. 

You are expected to attend EVERY class, more than 3 unexplained absences result in losing the participation part of the grade. 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

The topics to be covered are:

Sets and set notation

Arithmetic operations on real numbers

Solving linear equations and linear inequalities (with one variable)

Solving absolute value equations and inequalities

Graphs, particularly of straight lines

Systems of linear equations in two and three variables (using matrices)

Factoring, in various ways, polynomial expressions

Rational expressions (ratios of polynomials) - adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, simplifying

Exponential expressions, rules and simplification

The quadratic formula, and solving "hidden" quadratic-type equations

The schedule will be organised as we go along, as I get to know your strengths and weaknesses. I prefer to dedicate more time to certain topics if I see that you are having difficulty. Better to learn fewer topics well than to rush through a set curriculum (within reason, obviously, certain topics are necessary for the following courses).

The main requirement for passing this course is DEMONSTRATING UNDERSTANDING. You will not be tested on memorisation - any formulas required will always be given.