Skip navigation linksBanner

 


--
Paradise Valley Community College
--
my.maricopa.edu
--
Home Page
--
Education and Personal Information
--
Guidelines for homework
--
Placement Testing
--
Schedule & Office Hours
--
MOER
--
Khan Academy
--
Just Math Tutorials
--
MathisPower4U
--
Calculator Workshop
--
Math Study Skills
--
Canvas
--
Summer 2024
--
Spring 2024
--
Fall 2023
--
Summer 2023
--
Spring 2023
--
Fall 2022
--
 

COLLEGE ALGEBRA
MAT 151
COURSE SYLLABUS
Fall 2024
Paradise Valley Community College

18401 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ. 85032
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen J. Nicoloff, Ed.D.
e-mail: [email protected]
web page: http://www2.pvc.maricopa.edu/~nicoloff
Phone: 602-787-6676
Office Hours: M-W 8:30AM - 10:00 AM
T-R 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Office: Building Q, Room 254
TEXT and REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 

College Algebra & Trigonometry, 2nd Edition by Open Stax
MOER
MATERIALS & OTHER RESOURCES:
 

Texas Instruments TI-83, or TI-84 or suitable Graphing Calculator, (TI-Nspire, TI-89 and TI-92, Casio fx-CG500 PRIZM (or any calculator with a CAS) are not allowed)


Q Building Math Center Testing and Tutoring Hours
Tutoring Website: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/academics/mathematics/math-center/math-tutoring
Math Center Website: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/academics/mathematics/math-center
Monday, Thursday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Learning Success Center (LSC) Building E, Room 180
LSC Website: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/students/learning-success-center
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

You must gain access to Moer.  This is an online program where all of the course materials and assignments will be hosted. Access to Moer is through this website: https://moer.maricopa.edu/

Moer is a REQUIRED component of this class and our homework, quizzes, discussions, midterm and final exam will be taken in Moer. If you are uncomfortable working in an online environment, you should enroll in a face to face section. I’m happy to help you find those sections

  • Moer:  Moer will be used for all homework and assessments and is a required component of this class. Moer contains numerous resources to help you learn the course content.

The printed textbook is optional. 

Each section in our course provides a link to the "Textbook/Reading" which will take you to the free, online textbook.  You are not required to have a hard copy of the textbook. If you prefer a hard copy of the textbook, you can purchase it through the links below.

OpenStax Algebra & Trigonometry 2e - This textbook is the primary reading resource for the course.

 Textbook Options

Reliable Internet Access: Because this is an online class, all of our work is done online so reliable internet access is A MUST. Be sure to plan for an alternate method of internet access (suggestions: computer commons, public library, coffee house offering free Wi-Fi, or a friend's house) in case your own internet is unavailable. You are responsible for adhering to the course due dates even in the case of technical difficulties.

Email Access:  Your [email protected] email account is the official form of communication between PVCC and you. You are responsible for reading college and class messages and responding accordingly. You may choose to use your own personal email address in Canvas and Moer, but you should check your college email address frequently for messages.

Calculator: A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required. They can be rented from the math testing and tutoring center for the semester for $20.00.  You will not be allowed to use your cell phone as a calculator for the midterm and final exam.  Calculators with QWERTY keyboards or those which do symbolic algebra (such as the TI-92 or TI-89) may not be used on the midterm or final exam.
You may also download a free online graphing calculator that you may use at home  at this link: http://wabbit.codeplex.com/ (Links to an external site.)

Notebook and headphones: A math notebook with at least the following sections:  Notes, Assignments, and Tests.  This will be your best resource for the class.  Take the time to get organized. It is expected that you will be taking notes while you watch the class videos and read the class textbook. Your chapter tests are open notes; so it is to your advantage to take good notes and to keep an organized notebook. If you will be using a computer at a public place, you may want to have a pair of headphones handy as well.

Other Helpful Resources:

Khan Academy
Just Math Tutorials
Math is Power 4 U
COURSE NUMBER & FORMAT:
  MAT 151 Online
CLASS TIMES:
  Online. WebEx to be used for Ad Hoc meetings: https://maricopa.webex.com/meet/snicoloff1
CLASS TITLE
  COLLEGE ALGEBRA
CLASS NUMBER:
  27708
CREDIT HOURS:
  4 CREDIT HOURS
TELEPHONE:
  602-787-6676
E-MAIL:
  [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS & LOCATION:
  M-W 8:30AM - 10:00 AM
T-R 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Q254
FINAL EXAM TIME:
  December 5, 2024 BY APPOINTMENT
TEXTBOOK:
  College Algebra & Trigonometry
AUTHOR:
  Open Stax
EDITION:
  2nd Edition
PUBLISHER:
  Open Stax
ISBN
  13:978-1-951693-46-6
INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS & MINIMUM COURSEWORK EXPECTATIONS:
  3 hours and 20 minutes/week in class and 6 hours and 40 minutes/week outside of class, for a total of 10 hours per week.
THIRD PARTY LEARNING TOOL:
  MOER
STUDENT MARICOPA E-MAIL POLICY:
  Your [email protected] e-mail account is the official form of communication. You are responsible for reading college messages and responding accordingly.
DRS Syllabus Statement:
 

Classroom Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and its associated colleges are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities to students with documented disabilities (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical). Each class/term/semester that a student is in need of academic adjustments/accommodations, the qualified student is required to work with the Disability Resources & Services Office (DRS) at their individual college(s). Contact with the DRS should be made as soon as possible to ensure academic needs are met in a reasonable time. New and returning students must request accommodations each semester through DRS Connect online services. To learn more about this easy process, please contact your local DRS office.  If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations, you are welcome to contact DRS by using the information listed on the following webpage: https://district.maricopa.edu/consumer-information/disability-resources/contacts.  The DRS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions qualifying for accommodations/academic adjustments.  Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your faculty, and DRS; and only those academic adjustments/reasonable accommodations granted by the DRS are recognized by the college and District.  It is the policy and practice of the MCCCD to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. 		 
Title IX Syllabus Statement:  
 

Addressing Incidents of Sexual Harassment/Assault, Dating/Domestic Violence, and Stalking

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, MCCCD prohibits unlawful sex discrimination against any participant in its education programs or activities. The District also prohibits sexual harassment—including sexual violence—committed by or against students, District employees, and visitors to campus. As outlined in District policy, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are considered forms of "Sexual Misconduct" prohibited by District policy.  District policy requires all college and District employees in a teaching, managerial, or supervisory role to report all incidents of Sexual Misconduct that come to their attention in any way, including but not limited to face-to-face conversations, a written class assignment or paper, class discussion, email, text, or social media post. Incidents of Sexual Misconduct should be reported to the college Title IX Coordinator. MCCCD will provide on its Title IX Coordinators web page, a link to all the Title IX Coordinators in the district.  Reports may also be reported at:https://district.maricopa.edu/consumer-information/reporting. 		 
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY  
  Students who engage in behaviors that may be interpreted as academic dishonesty will receive a grade of zero on that assignment, quiz, or test. Common “dishonesty” behaviors include: talking with another person during a quiz or test, talking to someone outside of their group during a group quiz, exchanging of any materials during a test or group quiz (this includes calculators, pencils, erasers, etc...), material submitted for grading that were not created by the student (such as a math solving website), and use of a cell phone or similar electronic device, i.e. iPads, during a test.

No Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Allowed. In this class, all work submitted must be your own. The use of generative AI tools will be considered academic dishonesty (see Administrative Regulation 2.3.11 1.B(b)) and will be treated as such. If you are unsure if the tool or website you are using is a generative AI tool, please contact the instructor for further clarification before using the tool or website. 		 
HOW CAN I SET MYSELF UP FOR SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE?
 
  • Manage your time efficiently!  It is NOT advised to schedule all 5+ hours of the required time for this class in only 1-2 days a week.  We are typically covering multiple sections per week. 
  • Ask questions & attend office hours if needed
  • Visit the free tutoring centers virtually
  • Stay on schedule!
  • Revisit the video lessons, answer keys for notes, textbook, etc. for further clarification
  • Use your tests and quizzes to review for the next test or quiz
  • Manage your time efficiently!!
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
  Make note of the district and college policy on the student code of conduct located here: Maricopa County Community College District Student Code of Conduct. Students engaging in the following are subject to disciplinary sanctions outlined in the PVCC Catalog, Student Policies Section
  • Acts of Dishonesty; examples include:
    • Plagiarism
    • Furnishing false information
    • Falsifying records related to coursework
    • Forgery, alteration, misuse of any college document
    • Tampering with the election of any college-recognized official
  • Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or college activities.  An instructor can remove a student from class for disciplinary reasons.
  • Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion and/or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person.
  • Attempted or actual theft
  • Failure to comply with direction of college officials or law enforcement officers
  • Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any college premises
  • Violation of federal, state, or local laws on college campus or at college sponsored activities
  • Use, possession or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances
  • Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, or public intoxication
  • Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, weapons, or dangerous chemicals
  • Participation in a college demonstration that disrupts the normal operations of the college
  • Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on college premises
  • Conduct which is disorderly, lewd or indecent
  • Theft or other abuse of computer time
  • Abuse of the judicial system
THE HONORS PROGRAM:
 
  • The PVCC Honors Program challenges students with a GPA of 3.25 or higher while supporting them with scholarships. The program offers unlimited scholarships up to $1,290 per semester to eligible students.
  • Program benefits include smaller classes, enriching academic opportunities, trips, and social events, as well as transcript recognition.
  • To find out if you are eligible, please visit the Honors Office in K101, email [email protected], and our website https://www.paradisevalley.edu/students/honors
PHI THETA KAPPA INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
  Learn and Earn! Do you have a 3.50 GPA? The Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is open to students who have completed 12 college-level credits within the Maricopa Colleges, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and are currently enrolled in at least 6 graded credits. Phi Theta Kappa doesn’t just recognize students’ academic success; we give them opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills, earn scholarships, explore career paths — and make their worlds a lot bigger.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
  Description: Analysis and interpretation of the behavior and nature of functions including linear, quadratic, higher-order polynomials, rational, exponential, logarithmic, power, absolute value, and piecewise-defined functions; systems of equations, using multiple methods including matrices, and modeling and solving real world problems.
Requisites: Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair.
Course Notes: Students may receive credit for only one of the following: MAT150, OR MAT151, OR MAT152, OR MAT155, OR MAT156.
COURSE COMPETENCIES: Upon Successful completion of this course, you will have mastered the following basic competencies:
 
  • Calculate and interpret the average rate of change in varied contexts, using function notation including the difference quotient.
  • Define, distinguish, and interpret the relations and functions and their inverses represented verbally, graphically, numerically, or algebraically.
  • Evaluate functions, including composition, and solve function equations and inequalities using multiple methods.
  • Set up, solve, and interpret the meaning of solutions of systems of linear equations using multiple methods, including matrices where appropriate.
  • Identify, graph, analyze, and determine the key characteristics of the following function types and their transformations: linear, quadratic, higher-order polynomial, power, radical, rational, exponential, logarithmic, absolute value, and piecewise-defined.
  • Model real world situations using a variety of mathematical techniques (including regression) and solve real world mathematical problems using functions.


--

PVCC MATHEMATICS DIVISION EXPECTED
STUDENT BEHAVIOR FOR SUCCESS AND STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
  • As a college student you need to discipline yourself as to your study habits and classroom behavior. Get to class at least a couple of minutes early. You are expected to at least be on time for each class and remain seated for the entire class. If you must leave early, it is considered only common courtesy to leave quietly and to have informed your instructor beforehand. Please leave iPads, iPods, tablets, laptop computers, cell phones and other electronic devices off. Inattentiveness, disruptiveness or extensive tardiness or absences may affect a student's grade.
  • If for some reason you decide to drop this course, you are advised to discuss it first with your instructor. If you are having difficulties, please see your instructor before giving up or dropping the class. A grade of W will be assigned if you drop before the withdraw date that is in your student center in my.maricopa.edu. After that date, you will be withdrawn from the class with a grade of W, for excessive absences, or by student request. Excessive absences will be the equivalent of missing 2 weeks of class without the instructor's knowledge. If you are still on the class roster at the end of the semester, you will be assigned a grade of A, B, C, D or F, based on your class average.
  • Undergraduate study is time consuming. You can anticipate spending two or more hours of study, reading and research for every hour you spend in the classroom. To earn three hours of academic credit, classes must meet for a minimum of forty-five (45) classroom hours. You should expect to spend an additional 6 hours per week outside of class for study, reading and research, for a total of (90) additional hours per semester. Take these demands seriously as you plan your academic schedule.
  • Have your homework completed before class starts. Please feel free to contact me whenever you run into difficulty, and make use of the LSC.
  • Have questions ready from the previous night's homework and be seated when class begins.
  • Continuously self-test.
  • Make it a goal to attend all classes and stay the entire class period. There is a high correlation between regular class attendance, punctuality, and good grades. Even though you are absent for any reason, you are still responsible for all homework and material covered in class. Get notes from another student for classes missed.
  • Ask questions – participate, don't wait for someone else to ask questions.
  • Be prepared as if you expect a quiz every day.
  • It is the student's responsibility to understand and follow all of the policies found in the Paradise Valley Community College Catalog and Student Handbook.
  • The student is responsible for all information contained in the syllabus.
  • Students are PROHIBITED from digitally recording classes without Dr. Nicoloff�s permission.
  • Your [email protected] e-mail account is the official form of communication between PVCC and you. You are responsible for reading college messages and responding accordingly.
  • Make note of Section 2.5.1, Section A, paragraph 4, pages 145 and 146 in the PVCC Student Handbook regarding the college’s policy on the misuse of computer technology.
  • Make note of the district and college policy on the student code of conduct located here: Maricopa County Community College District Student Code of Conduct.
  • Students with disabilities who believe that they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources and Services in the Gina Kranitz Student Center, Room 1207 or call 602–787–7171
ALL PROVISIONS IN THIS SYLLABUS ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR. SUCH REVISIONS, IF ANY, WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS AND POSTED ON THE INSTRUCTOR'S WEBSITE AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
http://www2.pvc.maricopa.edu/~nicoloff/changes.html

--

CLASS ATTENDANCE:
  Attendance and punctuality is required!! Read the school catalog to become familiar with policies on withdrawals and incompletes. There will be no make-up tests, students must be present on test days.
STUDY TIME:
  For this 4 Credit 16-week class, students should expect to spend 3 hours and 20 minutes/week in class and 6 hours and 40 minutes/week outside of class, for a total of 10 hours per week to complete assignments.
ASSIGNMENTS & OTHER ONLINE WORK:
 
  • Assignments are required and will be due at the beginning of class. They will be worth 15% toward the final grade. The assignments will consist of the problems on the MOER Homework site. Late homework will not be accepted. Late homework is defined to be any homework that is completed after the beginning of class on the day it is due.
  • You should show detailed work on your assignments in your notebook, which will be a valuable resource for the class. Use that notebook regularly, and refer to it while studying for quizzes and tests. 
  • If you get an assignment problem wrong you are allowed to redo it. You will get three attempts per question version.  If you miss a question three times, you can regenerate a similar problem for full credit.  You can regenerate a new problem infinite times.  This means you can get a 100% on every assignment.  
  • It is important to spend time learning the concepts before you start the assignment.  You should read the textbook, and watch any required videos before you start your assignment. 
  • Each assignment has a due date on the calendar and listed in the gradebook.  Assignments are due at 11:59 Pm. 
  • Late Passes:
    • You will be given a number of late passes to use to complete late homework assignments for full credit. 
    • Late passes can be used on homework assignments only.  They may NOT be used on any pre-class work, quizzes, or tests. 
    • The late passes will extend any given due date by 5 days from the original due date.  You must use the late pass before the end of the 5-day late pass "window.”  For example, if you click on late pass on day 3 of the "window", you only have 2 extra days to complete the assignment. 
    • You may only use 1 late pass per assignment.
    • After you use all the late passes, you cannot submit any work late for credit.  It would still be recommended to complete the assignment for your learning, but you will not be receiving credit for that work.
    • To request a late pass, click on the late pass link next to the assignment. You may click on late pass EARLY. If you end up completing the test on time, you can UN-USE the late pass to get it back! PLAN AHEAD!
  • You can always review the correct answers to an assignment within each question or through your online grade book.

    Late homework will not be accepted. Late homework is defined to be any homework that is turned in after the beginning of class on the day it is due.
TESTING:
  There will be 6 tests given during the semester to cover all chapters studied worth 15% of the final grade, and a midterm worth 30% and final exam, worth 35%.
GRADING:
 
Category Percentage of Grade Grade
Video Notes 3% A=89.5-100%
Homework 15% B=79.5-89.4%
Tests 15% C=69.5-9.4%
Unit Reviews 2% D=59.5-69.4%
Midterm 30% F<59.4%
Final Exam 35%  
Total 100%  
 
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
WEEK OF CLASS MEETING Monday Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
1 8/19  

Start Here Assignments Due

   Unit P Completed Notes & Assignments Due      
2 8/26   1A&1B Completed Notes & Assignments Due   1C&1D Completed Notes & Assignments Due   Unit 1 Review Due Unit 1 Test Due
3

9/2

 Labor Day Observance, Campus Closed 1E&1F Completed Notes & Assignments Due       Unit 1 Review Due Unit 1 Test Due
4 9/9   2A&2B Completed Notes & Assignments Due   2D&2C Completed Notes & Assignments Due      
5 9/16   2E&2F Completed Notes & Assignments Due       Units 1-2 Review Due Units 1-2 Test Due
6 9/23   3A&3B Completed Notes & Assignments Due   3C&3D Completed Notes & Assignments Due      
7 9/30   3E Completed Notes & Assignments Due       Units 1-3 Review Due Units 1-3 Test Due
8 10/7 Review for Midterm Midterm Review Due Proctored Midterm Proctored Midterm      
9 10/14   4A&4B Completed Notes & Assignments Due
  4C&4D Completed Notes & Assignments Due      
10

10/21

   4E Completed Notes & Assignments Due       Units 1-4  Review Due Units 1-4 Test Due
11
 10/28   5A&5B Completed Notes & Assignments Due  

5C Completed Notes & Assignments Due

      
12 11/4   5D&5E Completed Notes & Assignments Due       Units 1-5 Review Due Units 1-5 Test Due
13 11/11 Veterans Day Observance, Campus Closed 6A&6B Completed Notes & Assignments Due   6C Completed Notes & Assignments Due      
14 11/18   6D&6E Completed Notes & Assignments Due   Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed Units 1-6  Review Due Units 1-6 Test Due
15 11/25 Review for Final Exam Review for Final Exam Review for Final Exam Review for Final Exam Review for Final Exam Review for Final Exam Review for Final Due
16 12/2 Proctored Final Exam Proctored Final Exam Proctored Final Exam Proctored Final Exam      


--

--
Last updated: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 8:55 AM-->
Paradise Valley Community College
URL-https://www2.paradisevalley.edu/~nicoloff/151_3syl20246.html
© 2024 Maricopa County Community College District. All Rights Reserved.
Click here for Questions or Comments.

Maricopa County Community CollegesBack to top of page