College Algebra

Online Course

Syllabus

 

 

Professor:  Dr. Margaret Street

Office:  ET 115

Phone:  335-6863

E-mail:  mstreet@odessa.edu

 

 

 Welcome to College Algebra! This page will tell you about the course, including subject matter, homework, tests, and grading. Almost all of your questions should be answered by reading this sheet. If anything is unclear, please get in touch with me as soon as possible and I will try to answer all your questions. Good luck with the course and please don't hesitate to e-mail or call if you need more information. When you send me email, please put the course (MATH 1314.WB) and your full name in the subject line. If you are replying to an email from me, just add your name at the end of the subject line. Also, put your full name at the end of each message. YOU MUST USE YOUR OC STUDENT EMAIL ACCOUNT FOR THIS COURSE.

 

 

Required Materials and Technology

 

Required Software:  My Math Lab (ISBN: 032119991X). All you really need is an access code for the course. It can be purchased at the bookstore in a student access kit for My Math Lab or you may purchase it online. It is a little cheaper online, but you must have a credit or debit card. NOTE: If you are repeating this course you may not have to purchase a new access code (see How do I get started? for details)

 

Optional Textbook: College Algebra fourth edition by Robert Blitzer. (ISBN-10: 0132191415, ISBN-13: 9780132191418). The textbook is included in the software in pdf form so you do not have to buy the text. However, it is available in the bookstore if you prefer to use the textbook.  

 

You will need a scientific or graphing calculator.

 

You must have your OC student e-mail address to register the computer software. All work is done online, so you need internet access. High speed internet access such as DSL or cable is required. If you do not have internet access or if you have a problem with your computer, you may use the computers in the lab (ET 120).

 

Prerequisite: MATH 0375 passed with a 'C' or better, high school Algebra II, or an independent school district/OC enrollment form

 

 

Course Description

 

The course covers Chapter 1 through Chapter 6 in the Blitzer College Algebra book.  Some sections have been omitted. 

 

All graded work for this course will be done online using My Math Lab.

 

The chapter tests are online and may be taken on any computer with internet access and the necessary plug-ins.

 

The Final Exam is online but must be proctored. If you are an OC student you must take the final exam in ET 120 on the OC campus. If you are an OC Global or VCT student, you must make arrangements to take the final exam at a college or university testing center near you. You must take the Final Exam in order to receive credit for the course.

 

(You may use a scientific or graphing calculator when working the exercises or taking the tests.)

 

Course Format

 

COMMUNICATION (not graded)

Communication plays a vital role in an online student's success. Communication for this course includes announcements, e-mail, and discussion boards.  You should try to participate in the discussion board. Your first online assignment is to go to the discussion board in My Math Lab and introduce yourself to the class.

 

LECTURE/PRACTICE (not graded)

Online video lectures are available for the course and there are many tutorial exercises for each objective in the course. These are found by clicking on the Course Content button or the Study Plan button. This will help you prepare to work the graded homework exercises and the chapter tests.

 

GRADED HOMEWORK (15% of your course grade)

Homework will be assigned for each section. These assignments are all online (click on Do Homework). You must do the homework assignments in order. You must complete the graded exercises for each objective in each chapter. You are allowed three attempts on each problem.

 

CHAPTER TESTS (50% of your course grade)

There will be a chapter test at the end of each chapter.  You may not take a test until you have completed all the homework for that chapter. These tests are also online and may be taken at home (click on Take Test). You are only allowed one attempt on each test. To help you prepare there are practice tests for each chapter.

 

FINAL EXAM (35% of your course grade)

 The Final Exam will be comprehensive and proctored. You must take the Final Exam in ET 120 on the OC campus or pre-approved testing center. You will need a picture ID. You will be allowed a note card for formulas, etc. while taking the Final Exam. You must take the Final Exam to receive credit for this course. You only get one attempt on the final exam. To help you prepare, there is a practice final.

 

TUTORING

If you need help, there are tutors available in room 120 of the Electronics Technology building on the Odessa College campus.  The tutoring lab is open 8:30 am to 8:30 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:30 am to 1 pm on Friday.  Internet access is available in the lab.  If you have trouble with your computer at home you may come and work on the computers in the lab. You may also come to my office (ET 115) during office hours and get help from me.

 

DUE DATES

Information is available online (click on Due Dates)

 

Grade

 Homework: 15%

 Tests:  50%

 Final Exam: 35%

  

   You may check your grades in the online grade book at any time. This is useful in making sure that the assignment was turned in and graded. I will go over each of your chapter tests (if completed by the due date) and the final exam and give partial credit. The software is only able to count answers right or wrong. Problems are counted wrong if the question asks for a fraction and you put a decimal, if you forget to close parentheses, etc. I will adjust for that as I review your tests.

Now go to: HOW DO I GET STARTED?

 

SPECIAL NEEDS:  Odessa College complies with Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  If you have any special needs or issues pertaining to your access to and participation in this or any other class at Odessa College, please feel free to contact me to discuss your concerns.  You may also call the Office of Disability services at 432-335-6861 to request assistance and accommodations.