SYLLABUS FOR ALGEBRA II

TEXT: Intermediate Algebra, 10^th Edition, by Marvin Bittinger

PREREQUISITES: A student taking this course will need to have met both of the following criteria:
(a) The equivalent of Algebra I (Math 3).
(b) A satisfactory score on an appropriate mathematics proficiency test.

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE: Algebra II expands on the topics covered in Algebra I, in order to develop the competency needed for 100-level mathematics courses (such as Precalculus and Math for Liberal Arts).

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students completing this course will have proficiency with: (1) Linear expressions, equations, and inequalities
(a) Solving equations and inequalities in one variable x.
(b) Writing and graphing linear equations in two variables (x,y).
(c) Systems of linear equations/inequalities.
(2) Quadratic expressions and equations.
(a) Operations, and factoring, of these expressions.
(b) Solving quadratic equations for x.
(3) Polynomials expressions and equations, in general.
(4) Rational expressions and equations.
(5) Integer and fractional exponents, and radicals.
(6) Exponential expressions.
(7) Functions of the types in (1)-(6).
(8) Applications of these topics.

EXAMINATIONS: There will be four (4) examinations, each worth 100 points; and the final exam will be worth 150 points. No make-up tests will be given unless arrangements are made in advance. If you miss an exam, then the final will be increased by 100 points (in place of the missed test). No extra credit will be offered in this course. The exams are tentatively scheduled for the Wednesdays of September 16, October 7, November 4, and December 2. The final exam will be given only on Monday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m.

HOMEWORK: Daily assignments will be made from the text, as an essential element of mathematical learning. On 10 of the class meetings, the instructor will request that the student hand in the previous assignment. The score will be 0-5 points depending on the amount of effort expended. Therefore, we will have a total of 50 homework points. Late homework will be subject to a penalty of points without a valid excuse (leaving early or returning late from vacations, for instance, is not legitimate). To simplify submission of homework assignments, please begin the problem set on a new sheet of paper. To get us started, the first assignment is Section 1.1 (p. 86): #1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 25, 29, 33, odd 37-75.

GRADING POLICY: Based on the last two (2) sections, there is a 600-point total. Your score will be converted to a letter grade based on the following scale: 100 – 70 = S, and 69 – 0 = U.

COURTESY AND SAFETY: Please respect others in this classroom—which means keeping cellular phones OFF as much as possible, avoiding any sources of distraction, and staying for the full class. Any exceptions to these rules should be cleared with the instructor in advance. Disruption is not permitted! NOVA is a place for learning and growing. You should feel safe and comfortable anywhere on this campus. In order to meet this objective, you should let your instructor, his supervisor, the Dean of Students, or Provost know if any unsafe, unwelcome, or uncomfortable situation arises that interferes with the learning process.

FIRE/EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE: In case of emergency, please follow the emergency procedure as posted in the classroom.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: To find out if the college is closed due to ice or snow, consult . This will be announced by 6:00 a.m. on any day.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: Education is a cooperative endeavor between the student and the professor. Successful learning requires good communication between students and instructors. Therefore, regular attendance, arrival on time, and active participation are important and expected. If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to inform your instructor beforehand or as soon as possible.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: To drop the course, one must officially withdraw. The deadline for adjustments in tuition is September 10. The last day to withdraw or change to audit is November 2. The award of W after this date requires official documentation, the Dean’s signature, and very unusual circumstances.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: When college officials award credit, degrees, and certificates, they must assume the absolute integrity of the work you have done; therefore, it is important that you maintain the highest standard of honor in your scholastic work. The college does not permit academic dishonesty. Students who are not honest in their academic work will face disciplinary action along with an “F” for the course. Procedures for disciplinary measures and appeals are outlined in the student handbook. In the most extreme cases, academic dishonesty may result in dismissal from the college. Academic dishonesty, as a general rule, involves one of the following acts:
(1) Cheating on an examination—including the giving, receiving, or soliciting of information and the unauthorized use of notes or other materials.
(2) The use of any material purported to be the unreleased contents of a forthcoming examination.
(3) Substituting for another person during an examination or allowing another person to take your place.
(4) Plagiarism, or taking credit for another person’s work or ideas, without acknowledging the source.
(5) Knowingly furnishing false information, or forgery, to the college.

FURTHER TIPS FOR IMPROVING PERFORMANCE AND REDUCING CONFLICT:
(1) Please devote two (2) hours outside of class for every hour inside class.
(2) For additional help, one should make use of the Tutoring Center (CG 407), and the Math Lab (which has software and videos, CG 405). Their services are free.
(3) IF YOU HAVE A DOCUMENTED DISABILITY THAT REQUIRES AN ACCOMODATION, please contact Campus Disability Services and your instructor as soon as possible. The memorandum is confidential.