I DO NOT USE BLACKBOARD. Read ALL info below. To stay enrolled, follow instructions to enroll in MyOpenMath (MOM for short), which is the free online system we use for this call.
Course ID:10311 Enrollment key is: 2725
There is NOT a regular textbook you need to purchase for this class. Instead, you complete 4 written packets (Units 1-4) created by me. You need to purchase each packet in the bookstore, or download and print yourself. Most units will be available at least a week before it is assigned. Unit 1 should be available in the bookstore no later than 1/25/16. You need to begin working in Unit 1 the first day of class. For more info open the HW folder in MOM. The pdf (if you prefer to print it yourself) for Unit 1 is at https://sites.google.com/site/packet1int/.
1. If you have a MyOpenMath account, log in. If not, go to www.myopenmath.com and create an account. Enter the SAME LAST NAME for you on SURF, and the first name you prefer to be called.
Meets T/Th 1:10-3pm in room SAN304
Professor: Julie Harland; 760-757-2121 ext 6387; email: jharland@miracosta.edu
Please address me as Julie, Mrs. Harland, Ms. Harland, Ms. Julie, or Professor Harland.
NOTE: The State of California accreditation standard requires that 1 unit of Academic Credit represents a minimum of 48 total hours of student work. For a 4 unit class meeting 16 weeks, that represents 12 hours a week. Be prepared to devote that much time if you take one of my classes. More info can be found (see page 10) by clicking this link.
For most students, the time commitment required to pass this class is approximately 12 hours EACH week, which includes being in class (or watching and transcribing videos if you are absent), reading, doing examples, practicing, doing online assignments, reviewing, etc.
Office Hours: Tues 3-3:30 in SAN304; Tues 3:30-4 pm via email; Th 3-4 via email; and by appointment; I will usually be in room SAN304 on Th at 3 pm.
Course Description Intermediate Algebra: This algebra course covers radicals, exponents, concepts of relations and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, linear and quadratic functions, and the solutions of equations from these topics.
Student Learning Outcomes: For a given set of problems the student will demonstrate quantitative reasoning by developing a problem-solving strategy, performing appropriate analysis and computation, and critically assessing the meaning of the conclusion or outcome.
Calculator: You will need a scientific calculator for this class. Calculators may be used on proctored tests, but most homework should be done without a calculator. Only use a calculator when necessary. I recommend TI-30-XS (for about $20) since it is what is used in the Math Learning Center (MLC) and the Academic Proctoring Center. On proctored tests, you may only use calculators provided in the APC. Use of cell phones as calculators will not be allowed.
Attendance Policies: Attendance is required. You may be dropped if you miss class at all the first two weeks of class, or if you miss 2 classes in a row during the semester, or if you miss a total of 4 classes during the semester, or are late to class or leave early more than 4 times. Contact me IMMEDIATELY if you miss class and do not want to be dropped.
TESTS: There are 3 tests (all work must be shown on test) and a comprehensive Final Exam that you must take on the test dates. You will be informed of test dates at least a week before each test. Tests may not be taken late, even for emergencies. If you miss one test, your grade on the final exam replaces that zero.
Units: There are four packets called Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, and Unit 4. This is required written HW. You are required to bring the packet we are working on to class each day. I assign pages to complete before the next class. Often, I will spot check a problem or page in the packet as a HW check, which is part of your grade. I will be working some of the problems in the packet with you during class, but there are also videos that go along with each section that contain worked-out problems from the packet that you may watch to see more examples. You must do all the problems in the packet showing your work, and submit the entire packet to me on the day of each test. Purchase each unit in the bookstore or print the pdf. It is part of your grade. THE UNIT HW IS WORTH TWICE AS MANY POINTS TOWARD YOUR GRADE IN THE CLASS AS THE ONLINE HW. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT YOU DO ALL THE PROBLEMS IN EACH PACKET ON TIME. These problems will prepare you the most for the tests.
Online HW Assignments: After completing the sections assigned in a Unit, you should be prepared to do the problems in each online HW assignment. Pay attention to the due date for each one. If you need more time to complete an online HW assignment, you may redeem a late pass (which gives you 4 extra days) but there is a 50% penalty for any problem done in the 4 day late pass window.
Studying: Completing your homework is not the same thing as studying. Most students need to review a concept or a procedure many times before it becomes familiar and sticks. Schedule at least 12 hours a week (2-3 hours a day) for working on this class. You may need more time. I encourage you to frequently go back and review videos and HW problems to make sure you still remember the concepts and can work through the problems correctly.
Extra Credit: Starting 2/11/16, there will be a Facilitated Learning Session (FLS) on most (or all) Thursdays right after class from 3-4 in the Tutoring Center (TASC) in the library. You earn 1 point for each half hour you attend. If you can't make it, you may earn 2 points for individual tutoring sessions you make through TASC--you can have them print a copy of hours to give to me at the end of the semester. The maximum allowed extra credit points over the semester is 28.
Grading: A point earned in one category is not worth the same as a point earned in another category. Complete the assignments ON TIME, study regularly, and be well prepared before taking a test. HW and Classwork/Quizzes are required and your grade will be lowered if you do not complete those, but it is a small percentage of your overall grade. Doing well on HW, Classwork and Quizzes is not enough to pass the course. You will also need to pass most of the tests and do reasonably well on the final exam. Test 1 covers Unit 1, Test 2 covers Unit 2, and Test 3 covers Unit 3. The final exam is cumulative, and covers anything from the entire semester, with an emphasis on Unit 4.
60: HW Checks, Classwork, Quizzes (you must be in class AT the time we do these--no make-ups, early, or late work accepted)
80: Online Homework in MyOpenMath
160: Unit Packets due at Test Date (50% penalty for turning in up to a week late)
300: Test 1
300: Test 2
300: Test 3
400: Final Exam (5/24 from 1-2:50 pm)
Grades are calculated using the following scale. The minimum points you need to earn that grade is shown. You must do well on and tests (especially the final exam) to pass the class. HW helps a little, but your grade is based mainly on your ability to recall and be able to work problems correctly showing all steps and work in a testing environment.
A: *1440 B: *1280 C: *1100 D: 850
*In addition to the total points needed for an A, B, or C, you MUST also earn at least 50% on the final exam to pass the class with a C or better. Anyone earned below 50% on the final will earn a D or F.
RESOURCES
Aides and tutors in the MLC are available to answer HW questions that you may have. Find the locations and hours at the MLC webpage
at http://www.miracosta.edu/instruction/mathematics/mathlearningcenter.html
Free tutoring and other services are available on both campuses and online in the Tutoring Center. For hours and locations go to the Tutoring Center webpage at http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/tutoring/index.html
If you have a disability that may require accommodations in this online delivery format or require test accommodations, please notify me by email before the end of the second week of class. If you have a not already done so, please register with Disabled Students Programs & Services at 760-795-6658. Their office is located in Building 3000, adjacent to parking lot 3C. Go to http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/dsps/index.html for more information.
IMPORTANT DATES are at http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/admissions/importantdates.html
Below are the ones most important for our class. Refer to official dates. Changes are possible. Also, there may be typos.
2/5: Last Date to drop class and receive a refund with no grade placed on permanent record, and get a refund.
2/12-2/15: Campus Closed
2/26/16: Last day to petition for pass/no pass. You do not need my permission and I do not need to be notified. Go to the Admissions and Records office to fill out and turn in the required paperwork if you want this option.
3/21-3/26: Spring Break
4/28: Last Day to drop class with option of "W" grade
5/24 (1-2:50 pm): FINAL EXAM (Note this is 10 minutes earlier than usual time.)
Important Links
Click this link for scholarship info.
Important Dates: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/admissions/importantdates.html
Math Learning Center: http://www.miracosta.edu/instruction/mathematics/mathlearningcenter.html
Academic Proctoring Center: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/proctoringcenter/index.html
Student Help Desk: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/studenthelp/default.html
Institutional Learning Outcomes: http://www.miracosta.edu/instruction/slo/iloutcomes.html
MiraCosta College Library: http://library.miracosta.edu/homepage
Student Services: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/index.html
Disabled Students Services & Programs: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/dsps/index.html
Tutoring & Academic Support Center (TASC): http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/tutoring/index.html
Writing Center: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/writingcenter/index.html
Health Services: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/healthservices/index.html
Academic Counseling: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/counseling/index.html
Veterans Services: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/veteransservices/index.html