Math 030L/130L(COMBINED):  MATH 0300 (BEGINNING ALGEBRA)/MATH 1300 (INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA) 
INSTRUCTOR:  Bonnie Blumberg         
OFFICE:  S729         PHONE:  (713) 221-8408                    WEBPAGE:  http://cms.uhd.edu/faculty/nadlerb     

OFFICE HOURS:  Monday and Wednesday 8:00– 8:30 a.m., 12:30 – 1:30 in S729      EMAIL:  nadlerb@uhd.edu                     
                                 Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 – 8:30 a.m., 12:30 – 1:30 in S729, and by appointment  
                                 I can also be found in the afternoons in the 3rd fl. Advising Center (S360)
MEETING TIMES:  Every day Monday thru Thursday 8:30 – 9:45 am in S604

COURSE PREREQUISITE: The prerequisite is a score of 40 – 52 on the Accuplacer Math placement test.
                               
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class combines MATH 0300 Beginning Algebra with MATH 1300 Intermediate Algebra, and is for students whose placement test results indicate that their arithmetic and algebra skills are not sufficiently developed to pass one of the core college level mathematics courses required of all students at UHD (these core courses are MATH 1301 or MATH 1310). MATH 0300 and MATH 1300 are developmental courses intended to strengthen and build a student’s mathematical skills up to the college level. Upon completion of these 2 courses, you will be allowed to enroll in a college level math core course.  The Math 0300 course will be completed by October 14th, and the Math 1300 course will start immediately following the Math 030L final exam for those students completing Math 0300 with an average of 70 or better.  Those students not completing the Math 0300 course with an average of 70 or better must drop Math 1300, and work on passing Math 0300 for the rest of the semester.  Students that complete Math 1300 with an average of 70 or better will receive a grade for both Math 0300 and Math 1300.  

TEXTBOOK:  Beginning and Intermediate Algebra 4th edition, by Elayn Martin - Gay, Pearson Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2009.  Also required is MyMathLab (explained below).  
TENTATIVE EXAM SCHEDULE:   
•	Exam 1:  Math 0300:  Thursday, September 2		Exam 1:  Math 1300:  Wednesday, October 27	
•	Exam 2:  Math 0300:  Monday, September 20		Exam 2:  Math 1300:  Tuesday, November 9
•	Exam 3:  Math 0300:  Thursday, September 30		Exam 3:  Math 1300:  Tuesday, November 16
•	Exam4:  Math 0300:  Wednesday, October 13		Exam 4:  Math 1300:  Tuesday, November 30       
•	Final Exam Math 030L: Thursday, October 14                   Final Exam Math 130L:  Thursday, December 9
MAKE-UP POLICY:  There will be absolutely no make-up tests or quizzes.  Any missed grades are recorded as zeroes, so attendance counts (See Attendance Policy, a separate handout)!  If you miss a test due to an emergency, you must notify me promptly in writing with documented evidence.  In such case, the final exam will be counted for the missing test.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:  This course will have two types of homework assignments.
•	Graded MyMathLab assignments.  Throughout the semester, there will be homework assignments to be completed online using MyMathLab (see “Online Homework” below) that are due by the day of the test.
•	Textbook Exercises.   These are also due the day of the test.  A list of these assignments can be found in this syllabus on the handout “MATH 0300 Beginning Algebra Textbook Practice Problems”.

ONLINE HOMEWORK:  http://www.coursecompass.com   You will need a MyMathLab student access code to be able to register.  You can get this by purchasing your textbook in the bookstore (it is packaged with the text) or purchasing the access code directly from the website http://www.coursecompass.com using a major credit card.   You will need your instructor’s Course ID number and your school’s zip code (77002).  You need your own e-mail address in order to complete the registration.  This is the email account you check most often.  Don’t forget to record your exact login name and password for future logins.  There is a MyMathLab handout in this syllabus that you need to check for further instructions.  If you purchased a MyMathLab code for Math 0300 last semester, you do not need to purchase a new code this semester.  Your account will still be active, but you will need to enroll in a new section.  If you do not have a computer at home with Internet access, you can log into MyMathLab from a UHD computer, print out the assignment, work through the exercises on paper, and then enter the answers once you are back on campus.  You may use your home computer or the computers in the 8th Floor Computing Lab or 925N.  You may also bring your laptop because UHD is wireless.  Note: (1) For many exercises, you can view a “guided solution” or a “sample problem”; (2) To type math symbols, you may click on the “math symbols” palette at the left; (3) You can continue trying each exercise until you get it right, and you can continue to work on an assignment after it has been submitted, that is, you should continue to improve your grade until it is 100%.  (4) Each assignment will have a specified due date by which it must be complete.  Once an assignment’s due date has passed, you will no longer be able to improve your grade on that assignment.  (5) The average of your grades on all the MyMathLab assignments will determine your homework grade, and will count the same as a test.  These assignments will have a major impact on your grade.  Therefore, do not put off doing these assignments!  Instead, begin working on them as soon as they are assigned.   Some of the MyMathLab features are:
•	Complete and submit homework exercises online (required)
•	Check out your course grades and course average in the Gradebook section
•	View a complete online version of the textbook and look at multimedia sources such as online video clips that accompany the textbook, PowerPoint presentations, and more.
•	You can use your MyMathLab login and password to log into the UHD Math Portal at  www.pearsoncustom.com/tx/uhd_math to find additional helpful student resources such as Video Tutor and the Student Solutions Manual.  
Please contact me ASAP if you have any problems registering with the website.  You will not be able to continue attending class or take any test if you have not registered with MyMathLab and enrolled in this course.  

METHOD OF EVALUATION: 
•	There are 600 points in each class, including 100 from MyMathLab homework, 300 from tests and 200 points for the final exam.  Your course grade is determined by how many points you can accumulate.
•	Three (3) of four major in-class exams at 100 points each will be counted.  A scantron (which can be bought from the UHD Bookstore) may be needed for at least one of these exam.
•	Another exam grade:  Online homework assignments (MyMathLab) will be averaged together for a grade counting 100 points.    All online homework is due the day of the test.  Those students completing the online homework on or before the test day with an average of 90 or better will receive 10 points extra credit!
•	All assigned homework problems come from the list of “Suggested Textbook Homework Problems” located in your syllabus. This is required homework and is due the day of the test.   Anyone not completing the textbook homework by the day of the test will have 5 points taken off the test grade.
•	The final exam grade is worth 200 points (1/3 of your semester grade).  The comprehensive final exam contains all multiple choice questions to be taken on a scantron.  If the final exam score is less than 50, regardless of the course average, a grade of “F” will be given.
The grading scale is: 540 points and above A, 480-539 points B, 420-479 points C, and 419 points or below IP (In Progress) or F.                          
			            
These grades will appear on student transcripts, but will not be calculated into the GPA.  Students not taking the final exam will receive an “F” for the semester.  Students violating the Math 0300 Attendance Policy will receive an “F” for the course, regardless of their average.  Students attending class but not making a genuine effort to pass (as evidenced by not turning in assignments on time, not participating in class, not seeking help outside of class, etc.) will receive an “F” for the course, regardless of their average.  

CALCULATOR USE:  Calculators will be used in class occasionally, but the use of calculators on tests and the final exam is not required.  Students in Math 0300 may not use calculators on tests and the final exam; however, students in Math 1300 are allowed to use a basic 6-function calculator on tests and the MATH 1300 final exam.
RESOURCE MATERIALS:  Students enrolled in MATH 0300 and MATH 1300 at UHD have access to the Academic Support Center (N-925), where they may get additional help in understanding the theory or in improving their skills.  This lab is open for free one-on-one walk-in math tutoring Mon-Thurs. 9 am – 9 pm; Fri 9 am – 2 pm; Sat. 11 – 5 pm.  It is available for use with small groups or board work.   
The accompanying online homework component, MyMathLab, at http://www.coursecompass.com provides numerous help resources such as chapter pretests, exercise examples, and self quizzes.  The Multimedia Library section of MyMathLab contains section lecture videos, animation examples, PowerPoint slides, test prep videos corresponding to each textbook chapter test, and a multimedia textbook.   There is a CD, The Test Prep Video that is sometimes packaged with the textbook that can also be used as a resource.   It contains step by step video instruction for each question corresponding to the chapter tests in the textbook.  A copy of this CD is available in the math lab for use in the lab.  Headphones may be checked out at the front desk in N925.  Another resource, The Martin-Gay’s Interactive DVD/CD Lecture Series, is available for purchase at http://www.mypearsonstore.com.  From the Math Department portal, http://www.pearsoncustom.com/tx/uhd_math, you can access the direct links to the online homework program, the textbook, the optional Math Study Skills workbook, the Student Solutions Manual, as well as additional materials corresponding to any other math department course.   You can also receive help from a tutor by calling the toll free number provided by MyMathLab (see the bottom of the handout provided in the syllabus).  There is a departmental final exam review that can be purchased from the UHD bookstore (available the last 2 weeks of the semester) or it can be downloaded from http://cms.uhd.edu/qep/algebra .  There is a departmental final exam review (bring with you the hard copy of the final exam review purchased from the bookstore or downloaded) presented on one of the 2 Reading Days at the end of the semester.  You will be given extra credit for attending this review.

HONESTY CODE:  Please remember that as a member of the UHD academic community you are bound to observe the academic honesty code in all your school work.  A grade of “0” will be given for any course work where cheating is detected.  Failure to report a dishonest act is also categorized as “Academic Dishonesty” in the UHD Student Handbook.  

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
•	A 3-ring binder to keep all notes, homework, and exams.
•	Graph Paper
•	MyMathLab online homework package
•	The Textbook (optional, but will need to be put in a 3-ring binder because it in not bound)

DROPPING THE COURSE:  Please note that the last day to withdraw from a course with a grade of “W” is October 28 (6:00 pm).  If you do not complete the course requirements and do not officially withdraw, you will receive a grade of “F”.  You must have a valid reason (such as work or family issues) to be able to withdraw unless you are withdrawing from all your classes at the university.  You must see an Academic Advisor to be able to withdraw from this course – you cannot withdraw online without seeing an Academic Advisor (S370 or S655).  You cannot receive the grade of “I” – Incomplete unless you have a documented personal emergency that prevents you from completing the last fraction of the course.  You must have a passing average on the work you have already completed to receive an “I”. 

ATTENDANCE:  An attendance policy is enforced for this course. Attendance will be taken on a daily basis, starting with week 3 of long terms or day 4 of summer sessions. If a student misses the equivalent of more than 6 hours of class, the instructor will notify the CMS department office that the student is in violation of the Attendance Policy.  Students who violate the Attendance Policy   are not eligible to receive the grade “IP”.  That is, if the student does not pass the course with a grade of C or better, the student will receive a grade of “F” regardless of their course average.  Students who are attending class regularly, but still not passing the course, are strongly encouraged to continue attending class and to participate in all activities (including lectures/tests/final exam), as this will assist in preparing the student for the next semester. If the student makes this effort, a grade of "IP" will be assigned. If you do not attempt the final exam will receive a grade of "F" for the course.

EXCESS COURSE ATTEMPTS:  In accordance with state law, effective Fall 2004, UHD is charging a fee of $65 per semester credit hour for enrollment in a developmental course after 18 hours of developmental work has already been attempted.  Once 18 hours of developmental course work has been accumulated, registration in a development-al course will result in the additional charge.  An attempt is defined as an enrollment that results in a letter grade (including “S”, “U”, “IP”, and “W”).  A developmental course is defined as MATH 0300, MATH 1300, ENG 1300, ENG 130A, and RDG 1300. 

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS POLICY FOR DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES:
•	PLACED ON ACADEMIC NOTICE (AN):
o	If you receive an IP (In Progress) in this course, you may enroll in a maximum of 12 credit hours the next semester (You must re-enroll in the same course until satisfactorily passed.).
o	If you receive two or more IP’s in the same semester in different courses, you may enroll in a maximum of 9 credit hours the next semester (You must re-enroll in the same course until satisfactorily passed.).  
•	PLACED ON DEVELOPMENTAL PROBATION (DP):
o	If you receive an F in this course, or four IP’s over four semesters in the same course
•	You may enroll in a maximum of 9 credit hours the next semester (You must re-enroll in the same course until satisfactorily passed).
•	You must also enroll in an extra course (Math 1201-Math Success Lab) to help you pass the developmental course the next semester
•	You are required to meet with an assigned advisor on a regular schedule (at least 3 times during the semester)
•	PLACED ON DEVELOPMENTAL ACADEMIC SUSPENSION (DS):
o	If you earn two consecutive grades of F or a fifth IP in the same course
•	You cannot enroll at UHD for one long semester
•	You must reapply for readmission to UHD before you can enroll
•	THE APPEALS PROCESS - If you are placed on DS status and believe an exception should be made for you, then submit in writing your reasons to your academic advisor (the Dean of University College will make the final decision).
STATEMENT ON REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:  “UHD adheres to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing accommodations for students with disabilities.  Students should register with Disabled Student Services and contact their instructors in a timely manner to arrange appropriate accommodations.” 

TEXTBOOK CONTENT:  The course covers the following sections of the textbook (in some cases, not all pages from a section are    
Covered):
1.1 Tips for Success in Mathematics
1.2 Symbols and Sets of Numbers
1.3 Fractions
1.4 Introduction to Variable Expressions and Equations
1.5 Adding Real Numbers
1.6 Subtracting Real Numbers
1.7 Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers
1.8 Properties of Real Numbers
2.1 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
2.2 The Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality
2.3 Solving Linear Equations
2.4 An Introduction to Problem Solving
2.6 Formulas and Mixture Problem Solving
2.7 Further Problem Solving
2.8 Solving Linear Inequalities (Excluding Compound Inequalities)
3.1 Reading Graphs and the Rectangular Coordinate System
3.2 Graphing Linear Equations
3.3 Intercepts
4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing
4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Addition
4.5 Systems of Linear Equations and Problem Solving (Optional)
5.1 Exponents
5.2 Polynomial Functions and Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
5.3 Multiplying Polynomials
5.4 Special Products
5.5 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation
5.6 Dividing Polynomials

Goals/Objectives:  At the completion of this course, a student should be able to:  (1) Identify different types of real numbers, including natural numbers, whole numbers integers, rationals, and irrationals; (2) Identify, plot, and order numbers on the real number line and determine the absolute value of a real number and interpret its geometric meaning; (3) Define and use exponents and correctly execute the order of operations to simplify real-valued expressions; (4)  Identify and utilize the basic properties of real numbers and perform the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with real numbers; (5) Solve equations containing integers, fractions, and decimals; (6) Solve equations in one variable utilizing the properties of equality and determine whether a number is a solution to an equation; (7) Recognize identities and equations with no solution; (8) Solve problems involving simplifying, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions, and word problems involving direct translation, relationships among unknown quantities, and consecutive integers; (9) Use formulas to solve problems and solve literal equations; (10) Solve percent, percent increase, and percent decrease equations; (11) Solve linear inequalities, state the solution using interval notation, and graph the solution on the real number line; (12) Recognize and interpret the important features of bar and line graphs; (13) Graph ordered pairs and linear equations on a rectangular coordinate system by hand; (14) Recognize the equation of a straight line, identify the intercept(s) of a line, and compute the slope of a line; (15) Solve a system of equations graphically and by the substitution and addition methods; (16) Identify and utilize rules and properties of integer exponents; (17) Identify like terms and simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms, multiplying with the distributive law, and combining like powers for integer exponents; (18) Define and perform basic operations with polynomials; (19) Convert numbers between standard notation and scientific notation.

ALGEBRA SUCCESS TIPS:
•	Be on time and attend every class session.
•	Do all assigned homework problems and textbook problems for each section!!
•	Try not to fall behind.  In fact, try to stay ahead!
•	Ask questions in class whenever you feel yourself starting to get lost!
•	Check the online gradebook so that you are aware of your average throughout the semester.
•	Read the textbook (often more than one time) after I have introduced the lesson and before you start your homework – IT IS VERY HELPFUL!  Work through the examples and compare your solutions with those in the book.
•	Get in the habit of first writing the entire problem, and then clearly and legibly write each step in solving the problem and clearly write out the solution.  Writing helps catch faulty thinking!
•	Sit in the front of the class to avoid distraction.
•	Use the Math Lab (N-925) or the SI lab in S405 for tutoring with all homework.
•	Watch the videos for each section located in “Multimedia” of MyMathLab for review or additional explanation.
•	Become part of a small group (3-4) that meets to do homework together in the math lab and study for exams.
•	Obtain the phone number or email address of a classmate in case of absence to keep up with any assigned work or due dates.
•	Study for all tests – try preparing study sheets and reviewing with classmates.  
•	Attend the Final Exam Review (usually on a Reading Day - to be announced later) and bring with you a hard copy of the review with as many problems worked as possible.
•	Use my office hours for homework questions or academic questions as they arise.
•	Do not get up during class or leave early unless you inform the instructor ahead of time.  Plan ahead - use the restroom, get water, etc. before class begins or wait until it is over. 
Please make a commitment to: 1) ATTEND class regularly
 				     2) DO online homework @ 90% or better by the test date
     3) COMPLETE the textbook homework by the test date
WHY?    Because 90% of students who do the above three things PASS the class!!!