Basic Algebra Skills Course Syllabus

Course Objectives: This course is intended to strengthen the students’ algebra skills including
performing algebraic operations on real numbers, manipulating equations and inequalities,
solving and graphing linear equations, manipulation of polynomials and rational expressions, and
solving quadratic equations. An important component will be using algebra to model and solve
real-world applications.

Course Outline:

Tentative Test Dates:

Grade Distribution:

Assignments 25%
Five Tests: 50%
Final Exam: 25%

Grading Scale:

Expectations and Requirements:
Special Note: If you are a student with a disability, please meet with me immediately to discuss the
accommodations you will need during class activity, examinations, and out of class assignments in order to
participate fully and demonstrate your abilities.

1. Academic Honesty: Plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty on any assignments, tests, or
quizzes will not be tolerated. If the instructor finds that a student has engaged in dishonesty, the student
may be referred to the Dean of Academic Affairs for appropriate action.

2. Quizzes and Exams: Students are expected to be present for all exams. No exams or quizzes may be
made up unless the student has contacted the instructor and received permission prior to the date of the
original exam or quiz. This includes students participating in athletics who must arrange to take the quiz or
exam on or before the scheduled date.

3. Assignments: Assignments, unless otherwise specified by the instructor, are to be completed
individually. While students are encouraged to consult each other for ideas for assignments, the
solutions should be completed individually. Any help one student gives another should be instructional help
only. If the instructor feels that a student has not completed an assignment individually, the instructor may
question the student on that assignment. The student should be able to explain how he/she worked the
problem and should be able to work similar problems. Late assignments will not be accepted without
permission.

Homework Guidelines:
▪ Write out complete answers NEATLY and CLEARLY.
▪ Number each exercise to the left.
▪ You must show your work! Correct mathematical notation must be used. Partial credit is given when
work is shown even if answer is incorrect. However, correct answers without any work shown will in
general be given no credit.
▪ If the problem is a computation leading to a final answer, box the answer.
▪ Use pencil and eraser -- do not scratch out work. Sloppy homework or homework written in pen will be
returned ungraded.
▪ Staple your pages together before submitting.

Start homework early and see me for help with problems you don't know how to work! It is inappropriate to
ask how to do a problem in class the day it is due!!!! My office is Core 257-- See my schedule for office
hours or call or send email for an appointment. I am always delighted to help.

4. In the classroom:
a) No electronic devices such as Ipods, laptops, or cell phones may be used during class -- They must be
turned off. If this is violated they will be placed on the professor desks at front of class until end. For repeat
violations, the student will be asked to leave the classroom.
b) No hats may be worn during class.
c) Be seated and prepared with all materials out and ready at the beginning of class. Make sure that you
have reviewed previous class notes and completed any assigned reading prior to class. You must bring
your text book and a calculator to all classes. The text book should be out ready to reference any pages as
asked by the professor during class. Be prepared to ask and respond to questions, and be an actively
engaged particpant in class.
d) Keep up with reading assignments. Read assignments prior to class, be prepared to ask and
respond to questions, and be an actively engaged particpant in class.
e) Take good notes and review notes on a regular basis as well as promptly begin and continue work on
assignments as they are assigned.
f) Attendance is required. If you must miss class due to illness or other valid excuse (e.g. athletic event)
please send me email or telephone with an explanation prior to the class date. Attendance will be taken
at the beginning of each class period. After three unexcused absences, a 2% reduction in final
grade will be taken for each subsequent unexecused absence. Please do not come to class if you
have flu-like symptoms. However, you should bring documentation of such (e.g. from health center) when
you return to class.

5. Getting Help:
Students who do not understand a concept should do the following:
a) Ask questions in class. (More than likely other students do not understand as well.)
b) Seek individual help from the instructor. I am more than willing to give you the extra help you may
need. Come in during office hours or make an appointment. Tutoring (free) can also be arranged either
through me or through counseling services.
c) Share with me any concerns you may have or any suggestions you have for the class structure that
will help you learn more effectively.

The above content and requirements are tentative and subject to change according to time constraints and
other factors as determined by the instructor.