Math 112

College Algebra Concepts and Applications

Course Policy – Fall 2009

Required Texts: College Algebra, University of Arizona Edition, by Ruud and Shell, and the Math 110/112 Workbook, 09/10 edition by the Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona.

UA Algebra Home Page: http://math.arizona.edu/~algebra. Please check this web site regularly for important information and announcements.

Course Objectives

· To help students develop and refine basic algebra skills by way of an integrated review of these skills as they are needed in the course.

· To promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills through the application of algebraic concepts to common situations.

· To enhance learning and understanding of algebraic concepts through the integrated use of graphing calculators.

· To promote and utilize the “Rule of Four”: All concepts are explored algebraically, numerically, graphically and in context with applications.

· To incorporate writing into the curriculum.

· To provide a sufficient algebra background for Math 115A, Math 113, and Math 160/263.

· To help strengthen students’ general academic skills.

Attendance

Daily attendance is expected from every student. Students who miss the first class meeting will be administratively dropped unless they have made other arrangements. In addition, students with more than 3 unexcused absences may be administratively dropped from the course. (See Administrative Drop Policy at http://catalog.arizona.edu/2009-10/policies/classatten.htm ) If you need to miss class for unavoidable circumstances, see your instructor as soon as possible.

Academic Integrity

Students are responsible to inform themselves of University policies regarding the Code of Academic Integrity. Students found to be in violation of the Code are subject to penalties ranging from a loss of credit for work involved to a grade of E in the course, and risk possible suspension or probation. The Code of Academic Integrity will be enforced in all areas of the course, including, but not limited to, tests and quizzes. For more information about the Code of Academic Integrity policies and procedures, including information about your rights and responsibilities as a student, see http://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/codeofacademicintegrity.

Classroom Conduct

Students at The University of Arizona are expected to conform to the standards of conduct established in the Student Code of Conduct. Prohibited conduct includes:

1. All forms of student academic dishonesty, including cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism.

2. Interfering with University or University-sponsored activities, including but not limited to classroom related activities, studying, teaching, research, intellectual or creative endeavor, administration, service or the provision of communication, computing or emergency services.

3. Endangering, threatening, or causing physical harm to any member of the University community or to oneself or causing reasonable apprehension of such harm.

4. Engaging in harassment or unlawful discriminatory activities on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender, handicapping condition, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or violating University rules governing harassment or discrimination.

Students found to be in violation of the Code are subject to disciplinary action. For more information about the Student Code of Conduct, including a complete list of prohibited conduct, see the following website:

http://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/policiesandcodes/studentcodeofconduct

Students should turn off all electronic devices during class unless the device is deemed necessary for the class by the instructor. This includes, but is not limited to cell phones, mp3 players, PDAs, and computers.
Calculators

A graphing calculator (TI-83, 84, or 86) is required for this course. Calculators that perform symbolic manipulations (such as the TI-89 or TI-92) cannot be used. For in-class exams, quizzes, and the final exam, the only programs allowed in your calculator are the EVALUATE and QUADRATIC FORMULA programs found in your workbook.

Homework

A homework policy will be distributed to you in class or posted at an online location to be announced by your instructor. The homework policy will include information on in-class quizzes if they will be given in your class section.

In-Class Assessments

As indicated above, all electronic devices must be turned off during exams and quizzes. Silent and vibrating modes are not allowed. There will be three in-class exams worth 100 points each and one in-class exam covering material from sections 4.4-4.5 worth 50 points. All of these assessments are closed-book and closed-notes. The exact dates of the exams will be announced by your instructor. Any questions regarding the grading of exams need to be cleared up within one week after the exam has been returned.

Missed Exams

Students are expected to be present for all exams. If a verifiable emergency arises which prevents you from taking an in-class exam at the regularly scheduled time, you must notify your instructor as soon as possible, and in any case, prior to the next regularly scheduled class. Make-up exams will be administered only at the discretion of the instructor. If a student is allowed to make up a missed exam, (s)he must take it at a mutually arranged time. No further opportunities will be extended. Failure to contact your instructor as stated above or inability to produce sufficient evidence of a real emergency will result in a grade of zero on the exam.

Final Exam

There is a comprehensive common final exam. The Final Exam is on Monday, December 14, 2009 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. The room for the final exam will be announced by your instructor, and will be posted on the Algebra website.

Students with Disabilities:

If you anticipate issues related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with your instructor to discuss ways to ensure your full participation in the course. If you determine that formal, disability-related accommodations are necessary, it is very important that you be registered with Disability Resources (621-3268; drc.arizona.edu) and notify your instructor of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations by Friday, September 4. You will then be able to work with your instructor to plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.

Grades You are Guaranteed a Grade of:

Four in-class exams total 350 points A if you earn at least 540 points (90%)

Homework and/or daily quizzes 100 points B if you earn at least 480 points (80%)

Final exam 150 points C if you earn at least 420 points (70%)

Total possible points 600 points D if you earn at least 360 points (60%)

Please note that neither exam scores nor final grades will be curved, and there is no extra credit.

A grade of Incomplete will be given only at the instructor’s discretion, according to University Policy as described at http://www.registrar.arizona.edu/gradepolicy/incomplete.htm

Withdrawal

A student may withdraw from the course with a deletion from record through September 18, 2009, using Student Link. A student may withdraw with a grade of "W" through October 16, 2009, using a change of schedule form with your instructor’s signature.