INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

I. INTRODUCTION

Intermediate Algebra requires an understanding of the topics taught in DSMA 0306. This course teaches such topics as rational expressions, rational exponents and radicals, exponential and logarithmic equations, complex numbers, nonlinear inequalities, systems of nonlinear equations, quadratic equations, and functions and their graphs. This course will assist the student in developing the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for college level mathematics courses.

This course teaches such topics as operations with rational expressions, exponential and logarithmic equations, systems of linear equations, radical expressions, complex numbers, quadratics and functions. This course will assist the student in developing the critical-thinking and problem- solving skills necessary for college-level mathematics courses.

This course is required for students who have not achieved a passing score on the THEA, Asset, or Placement Test. Successful completion of this course fulfills the prerequisites for college-level mathematics courses. The prerequisite for this course is DSMA 0306 or an appropriate placement test score.

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, Intermediate Algebra, the student will be able to:
A. Perform the basic operations on rational expressions and transfer this knowledge to the solution of application problems and equations. (F2, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12)
B. Perform the basic operations on radical expressions and transfer this knowledge to the solution of application problems and equations. (F2, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12)
C. Identify, graph, and solve quadratic equations by various methods and transfer this knowledge to the solution of application problems. (F2, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12)
D. Solve and graph quadratic inequalities. (F2, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12)
E. Demonstrate knowledge of functions and relations including their graphs, composite and inverse functions. (F2, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12)

III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS/RESOURCES

To assist in this course, a variety of materials both in and out of the classroom will be required and used. The textbook and materials that you will need to purchase for this semester are listed at the following URL address:

NOTE: A scientific non-graphing calculator is required for this course.

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A. Prompt and regular attendance is required in the classroom. Students may be dropped from class for excessive absences. Further information regarding the attendance policy is available in the current college catalog.

Students entering the classroom after class begins or leaving before class ends disrupt the educational process. For this reason, instructors may choose to lower a student’s grade for being tardy and/or leaving early an excessive number of times.

B. Assignments will be made daily, and each assignment must be completed by the next class session. Assignments may be collected and examined at any time, and the instructor may require students to keep a notebook of completed assignments.

C. Completion of all assignments is required for a student to be eligible to take the final examination and to achieve a passing grade in this course.

V. EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

CHALLENGE EXAMS

Mathematics students may be eligible, during the first week of the semester, to challenge the classes in which
they are enrolled. Students must discuss the challenge procedures with their instructors to determine
eligibility. If eligible to take the exam, a student will receive a signed challenge exam request form from
the instructor. The challenge exam must be taken during the first week of classes.

A. Periodic examinations will be given during the course in order to evaluate a student's
progress. A comprehensive mid-term and a comprehensive final will be given.

Failure to take the final examination results in a letter grade of "X(N)" for the course. (The grade of "I" will not be given when missing the final.) Students may not "retake" any exam. No "early" finals, take-home or open-book examinations will be administered. No examination grades will be dropped.

B. Being absent for an examination will result in an examination grade of zero. Make-up examinations will be granted only at the discretion of the instructor. Make-up examinations, if granted, are given by appointment only.

C. If the student is absent from class, it is his or her responsibility to contact his or her classmate/instructor to determine missed instruction. Each student must make appropriate arrangements to acquire assignments, announcements, lecture notes, and other pertinent information missed. Material on each class topic is available on the DC included with the text.

D. Class exams will be returned to students within three class periods after the test is administered.

VI. SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS

To receive a passing grade of “A,” “B,” or “C” in this course, each student must complete all requirements and assignments, observe attendance requirements, and earn a weighted average of 70% or above. The semester average is derived from the periodic unit examinations, the homework, the midterm examination, and the comprehensive final examination. The periodic/unit examinations will determine 35%, the homework assignments 15%, the midterm 20%, and the comprehensive final will determine 30% of the final average.

Final grades will follow the grade designation for developmental courses below:

“A” - Weighted average of 90%
“B” - Weighted average of 80%
“C” - Weighted average of 70%
“N” - Below 70% - Needs to raise performance to an acceptable level
“X(N)” - Performance unacceptable due to poor attendance or no final examination
“W” - Withdrawal from course (initiated by student)

Students may receive their grades in two ways:

1. The CTC WebAdvisor (Online) System allows students to obtain their grades online. Instructions for using the WebAdvisor (online) Registration/Grades by computer are listed in the schedule bulletin
2. The instructor, if provided a self-addressed, stamped envelope, will mail the student his or her course grade.

VII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE INSTRUCTOR

A. Withdrawal from Course: It is the student's responsibility to officially withdraw from a class if circumstances prevent attendance. Any student who desires to, or must, officially withdraw from a course after the first scheduled class meeting must file an Application for Withdrawal or Application for Refund. The withdrawal form must be signed by the student.

An application for Withdrawal will be accepted at any time prior to Friday of the 12th week of classes during the 16 week fall and spring semesters. The deadline for sessions of other lengths is as follows:

The equivalent date (75% of the semester) will be used for session of other lengths. The specific last day to withdraw is published each semester in the Schedule Bulletin.

Students who officially withdraw will be awarded the grade of "W" provided their attendance and academic performance are satisfactory at the time of official withdrawal. Students must file a withdrawal application with the college before they may be considered for withdrawal.

A student may not withdraw from a class for which the instructor has previously issued the student a grade of "XN" for non-attendance.

A student placed in developmental courses due to THEA, Asset or institutional placement examination requirements will not be considered for withdrawal from a developmental course unless he or she remains enrolled in at least one other developmental course. Also, the student must remain in the course for the duration of the semester even if he or she passes the THEA during that semester.

Before withdrawing from any developmental course, the student should seek the advice of Guidance and Counseling so that the student does not initiate an action that would inadvertently have negative repercussions on his/her enrollment or Financial Aid.

B. Administrative Withdrawal from Course: An administrative withdrawal may be initiated when the student fails to meet college attendance requirements by accumulating eight (8) absences in a sixteen week semester [four (4) for shorter semesters] for any reason. The instructor will assign the appropriate grade on the Administrative Withdrawal Form for submission to the registrar.

C. Cellular Phones and Pagers: Cellular phones and pagers must be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory.

D. American’s With Disabilities Act (ADA): Students requiring accommodations for disabilities are responsible for notifying the instructor. Reasonable accommodations will be granted in full compliance with federal and state law and Central Texas College policy.

E. Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

F. Office Hours: Full-time instructors post their office hours outside their office doors. Part-time instructors may be available by appointment. Please feel free to see your instructor should you find yourself having difficulty with this course.