MATH 103: INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
Instructor: Maula Allen
Office hrs: MW 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Online: TTh (Times vary according to my schedule)
Office: Sc 152
Office phone: (415) 485-9547
Text: Intermediate Algebra, Miller/O'Neill/Hyde (2011), 3rd ed. (McGraw-Hill), ALEKS
Objective:
Algebra is a continuation and generalization of arithmetic. We will begin our course with a brief review of the fundamental ideas of arithmetic and elementary algebra, and then proceed to a complete development of intermediate algebra. There is considerable emphasis on the techniques of algebra, efficiency in manipulation , as well as stress on the important underlying ideas. We will be covering chapters one through nine, and selected sections from chapters ten and Additional Topics Appendix of the stated text.
This course is a prerequisite for many upper division coursework in mathematics as well as in other disciplines. You should note that success in many of these disciplines begins with a good command of intermediate algebra.
Homework:
All homework will be completed online through ALEKS.
Please note the start/end dates for each chapter. The deadlines are guidelines and may be changed if necessary.
Homework is a learning tool. Attempt all problems and ask questions when a concept is unclear.
Quizzes:
A short 10 minute15-point quiz will be given on Tuesdays and Thursdays (beginning 6/21) of every week, except on 7/5, 7/19, and 7/28. Quiz problems come from chapter exercises in your text. There will be approximately 10 quizzes, of which the two lowest scores will be dropped. There will be no make-up quizzes--no exceptions. If you miss a quiz, then you will receive a score of zero for that quiz.
Exams:
There will be 2 exams during the semester (l00 pts each), and a cumulative final exam (200 pts). Retakes on any of the 2 semester exams (not for the final exam) will be available, providing that you complete the associated Retake Review provided on ALEKS and achieve an 85% or better score. All retakes must be taken using ALEKS.
Tentative exam dates: 7/5, 7/19, 7/28 (final)
Grading:
Homework 100 pts
Quizzes 100 pts
Exams 400 pts
Total 600 pts (total possible pts)
The final course grade will be based on the percentage of points earned out of the total possible points, and on class and homework performance. Attendance is considered as part of class performance.
Grading Schedule:
"A" 90% - 100% overall percentage and at least 85% on the Final Exam
"B" 80% - 89% overall percentage and at least 75% on the Final Exam
"C" 70% - 79% overall percentage and at least 65% on the Final Exam
"D" 60% - 69% overall percentage and at least 55% on the Final Exam
"F" less than 60%
Note: The course may be taken for Pass/No Pass (P/NP), with a Pass grade being the equivalent of "C" or better. If you want this option, you must select it through Admissions by the deadline. It is no longer processed through your instructors.
** It is strongly recommended that students attend all classes and do at least all assigned problems. ***
Electronic devices – Turn your cell phones off before class starts.
Academic dishonesty – Academic dishonesty is not tolerated. Cheating on any quiz or exam will result in a grade of zero for that quiz or exam (not to be dropped).
Excessive absences – Absences are strongly discouraged. A day’s absence will mean a great deal of material missed. It is usually very difficult to “catch up” on missed material in a math class. Schedule appointments so they do not conflict with your class schedule.
Teacher’s note:
My goal as your teacher is to make the math content in our course as accessible to you as possible. However, you must be willing to be an active participant in this process or little or no learning will result. Also, the learning is not just between you and me—it takes place in your interaction with each other as well. Collaboration in learning our course content is encouraged—except on quizzes, exams, and during lecture of course. You are also encouraged to visit me during office hours. The Tutoring Center and Math Lab are also excellent resources you may wish to investigate.