College Algebra (MAC 1105) 3 credits

Prerequisite: Suitable placement score

Description:  MAC 1105 is a fast-paced Algebra course designed to prepare students for university level courses using mathematics.  Topics include linear and quadratic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomial functions and equations, rational exponents and radicals, exponential and logarithmic functions.

Objectives:  Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1.   Simplify expressions involving fractions, exponents, and radicals.

2.   Solve equations and inequalities involving polynomials, radicals, absolute values, and rational expressions.

3.   Understand the idea of a function, including its graph, domain, and range, as well as operations on functions, 
composition of functions, and one-to-one and inverse functions.

4.   Apply basic graphing techniques, including symmetries, asymptotes, and transformations.

5.   Utilize polynomial and rational functions to model and solve applications.

6.   Understand the properties of logarithmic and exponential functions, and use these properties to model and solve 
applications.

7.   Evaluate and graph a basic library of functions, including polynomial, absolute value, logarithmic, and exponential 
functions.

8.   Set up and solve systems of linear equations.

Software:  MyMathLab will be used in the course for graded homework assignments and posting of exam scores.  YOU MUST PURCHASE ACCESS TO MYMATHLAB, either at the bookstore or directly through the website www.coursecompass.com.  Assigned homework in MyMathLab can be completed in any open lab on the Boca campus as well as the math department computer lab in SE 271, or you may complete homework assignments at your home.

Materials:  You are not required to purchase a textbook for this course.  You will have access to the e-book Algebra and Trigonometry, by Michael Sullivan, Prentice Hall 8th Ed. (2008), online through MyMathLab.  You may use a scientific calculator for exams. You may NOT use a graphing calculator (or any calculator which can perform symbolic manipulations), cell phones, or any other electronic devices.  Calculators may NOT be shared during exams.  All sections require iClickers, which can be purchased at the bookstore or online. Students must bring their iClicker to every class.

Website:  http://math.fau.edu/web/CollegeAlgebra/ - All important information pertaining to College Algebra will be disseminated via the course website.  You should check the website daily.  (The course homepage will also be accessible through MyMathLab.)   Ignorance of posted information is NOT a valid excuse for missing assignments or exams!  The course calendar is available at http://math.fau.edu/web/CollegeAlgebra/Calendar.htm; you may print it out to keep track of important dates.  Course questions can be sent to algebracoordinator@fau.edu.

Lectures meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday and are the main presentation of the material in the course.  

Lab Sections meet once per week on the day and time which you chose during registration.  Your main resource person is your lab section leader, who is also available to help you during tutoring hours in the Math Tutorial Lab (PS 112).  You should check with your lab section leader periodically to verify that your worksheet grades have been properly recorded.  If you have any problems concerning your lab section or lectures which you do not feel free to discuss with your lab leader, please contact the course coordinator at algebracoordinator@fau.edu.

Attendance Policy:   You should attend all lectures and lab sessions and actively participate in classroom discussions and group activities.  Once the lecture or lab discussion has begun, all electronic devices must be turned off.  “Attendance” means arriving on time and staying until dismissed by the instructor or lab section leader.  Roll will be taken in both lecture and lab sessions.  Any student with a combined total of 6 or more unexcused absences may receive a zero for attendance. 

Tutoring  is available in PS 112; please see the schedule at http://math.fau.edu/web/Classes/Tutoring/colalgtrigprec.html for tutors and hours of operation.  For other tutoring resources, visit http://math.fau.edu/web/CollegeAlgebra/Tutoring.htm.

Course Grade:  The course grade will be calculated from MyMathLab homework (10%), lecture attendance and completion of lab worksheets (10%), six midterm exams (totaling 60%), and a comprehensive final exam (20%).  Grades will be posted on coursecompass.com; check your grades regularly to make sure that they correctly reflect your scores in the course.  Keep all of your worksheets and exams or a change in grade will not be honored. 

Homework—assigned and graded within MyMathLab.
Worksheets—given each week in lab; covering material from lecture and homework; completed and turned in at the end of class.

Grading Scale: 

MyMathLab Homework must be completed by the posted due dates.  Give yourself ample time to complete assignments well before the posted due date. Lapses in internet access, faulty computers, power outages, or scheduled maintenances are NOT valid excuses for missed or incomplete assignments.

Exams:  Six midterm exams (each 90 minutes) will be taken on the days and times stated in the course calendar, in rooms to be assigned.  Every exam will count toward your final grade.  (No exam grade will be dropped.)  Students are only allowed a number 2 pencil, eraser, scientific calculator, and valid picture ID during a testing session.  DO NOT BRING CELL PHONES, BOOKS, BOOK BAGS, NOTES, OR ANY OTHER ITEMS TO THE EXAM ROOM!  Entrance to the exam requires a valid picture identification card:  Only FAU Owl Cards, U.S. Passports, or Florida Driver's Licenses will be accepted!

Comprehensive Final Exam will be given. FRIDAY APRIL 29, 2011. Location and time will be announced in class.  You must take the final exam to receive a passing grade!
 

Makeup Exams will be given only under exceptional circumstances.  If you miss an exam, you must provide a written, verifiable excuse, if possible in advance of the scheduled exam. Approval for a makeup exam must be obtained from instructor.

Academic Honesty:  Florida Atlantic University expects you to be honest in all of your university class work.  By registering for this course, you agree to follow the academic guidelines stated in the university catalog.  Instances of academic dishonesty will be prosecuted to the fullest possible extent.

This syllabus is subject to reasonable changes at the discretion of the instructor.