Skip navigation linksBanner

--
Paradise Valley Community College
--
--
Home Page
--
Education and Personal Information
--
Guidelines for homework
--
Placement Testing
--
Changes to assignments & other announcements
--
Schedule & Office Hours
--
Enhanced Web Assign
--
Moer
--
My Math Lab
--
Khan Academy
--
Just Math Tutorials
--
MathisPower4U
--
Calculator Workshop
--
Math Study Skills
--
Canvas
--
Summer 2020
--
Spring 2020
--
Fall 2019
--
Summer 2019
--
Spring 2019
--
Fall 2018
--
 

COLLEGE ALGEBRA
MAT 151
COURSE SYLLABUS
Fall 2020
Paradise Valley Community College

18401 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ. 85032

INSTRUCTOR: Stephen J. Nicoloff, Ed.D.
e-mail: [email protected]
web page: https://www2.paradisevalley.edu/~nicoloff
Phone: 602-787-6676

Office Hours: M-R 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Friday By Appointment
Office: Building Q, Room 254
TEXT and REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 

College Algebra, 3rd Corrected Edition by Carl Stitz, Ph.D. and Jeff Zeager, Ph.D.
Intermediate Algebra by Open Stax (As a supplement to the College Algebra Text)
Moer

MATERIALS & OTHER RESOURCES:
  Texas Instruments TI-83, or TI-84 or suitable Graphing Calculator, (TI-89 and TI-92, (or those with a CAS) are not allowed)

Q Building Math Center Testing
Online Tutoring: https://cdn.paradisevalley.edu/docs/academics/math/online_tutoring_instructions.pdf
Website: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/academics/mathematics/math-center
Monday, Thursday 7:00 AM – 6 PM
Friday 7:00 AM – 2 PM

Learning Success Center (LSC) Building E, Room 180
(Online individual Tutoring: https://paradisevalley.craniumcafe.com/group/tutoring/)
Website: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/students/learning-success-center
Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WebEx Meetings.

There will be weekly online virtual meetings using WebEx during our regularly scheduled class times. Lessons will be given during these sessions, just like if you were in a classroom face - to - face.

Other Helpful Resources:

COURSE NUMBER & FORMAT:
  MAT 151 Live/Online
CLASS DAYS & TIMES:
  TR 10:30 AM - 12:20 PM
Virtual Class Meetings on WebEx https://maricopa.webex.com/meet/snicoloff1
CLASS TITLE
  COLLEGE ALGEBRA
CLASS NUMBER:
  38094
CREDIT HOURS:
  4 CREDIT HOURS
TELEPHONE:
  602-787-6676
E-MAIL:
  [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS & LOCATION:
  M-R 1:45PM - 3:00PM in Q254 Virtual Office Hours on WebEx https://maricopa.webex.com/meet/snicoloff1
FINAL EXAM TIME:
  Dec 15, 2020 10:30 AM
TEXTBOOK:
  College Algebra and Intermediate Algebra by OpenStax, as a supplement to the College Algebra Text
AUTHOR:
  Carl Stitz, Ph.D. and Jeff Zeager, Ph.D.
EDITION:
  3rd Edition
PUBLISHER:
  OER
ISBN
  NONE
INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS & MINIMUM COURSEWORK EXPECTATIONS:
  3 hours and 20 minutes/week in class and 6 hours and 40 minutes/week outside of class
THIRD PARTY LEARNING TOOL:
  Moer
SUCCESS IN LIVE-ONLINE MATH CLASSES
  Live-online math classes are not easier than taking the class in the classroom in a face to face format.  Students will be required to attend live-online sessions during the regularly scheduled class day and time.  Try to mimic a classroom experience for yourself as a student as much as possible.  Create a distraction-free zone, “come” to class prepared, take notes during class, and please be engaged throughout the class virtual lesson by asking questions or contributing to discussions.  Although turning on video may not be a requirement, it is extremely valuable to me to determine the pace of the class, and whether concepts need to be retaught, etc.  Watch this 7 minute video for strategies and tips on How to Succeed in a Remote Learning or Online Class.
Be prepared to spend a minimum of 6 hours and 40 minutes a week outside of class completing work related to this class, in addition to our normal class meetings.  You will be expected to watch videos and example problems, read the textbook, take notes, keep an organized notebook, and practice what you learn by completing online assignments.  This course will require you to manage your time well and dedicate yourself to learning the concepts.  If you need help, it is up to you to seek tutoring, ask your instructor, meet in office hours, and keep your professor updated on your progress.
WHAT AM I EXPECTED TO DO EACH WEEK?
 

Be prepared to spend a minimum of 6 hours and 40 minutes a week outside of class where you will be learning, practicing, studying, reading, watching, etc. related to this class. The following lists an overview of what you should be doing each week:

  • Read the sections from the textbook/eBook that are assigned for the week
  • Watch the videos, if applicable
  • TAKE NOTES on the video lessons, textbook, and learning objectives
  • Print/view the Module Notes (blank copy) packet located in the Notes block at the top of each module.  Use this to practice the material you are learning.
  • Attend all virtual classes! It is HIGHLY recommended that you turn on your video for live sessions so we can communicate and build a classroom supportive community!  Be engaged during the class, ask questions, participate, and be sure you are learning what is being taught.  Take good notes.
  • Print/view the Key to the Module Notes packet located in the same block to check your work.  These are very valuable resources that will help you with your assignments!
  • Complete the homework assignments in MOER for the sections assigned that week
  • Visit the free tutoring centers on campus virtually, attend virtual office hours, or message me through MOER if you have questions about homework
Complete any assigned quizzes.  Again, you may take these quizzes an infinite number of times within that quizzing “window” or timeframe, and you will keep your highest score, so please utilize that opportunity to maximize not only your grade, but also your learning!
HOW CAN I SET MYSELF UP FOR SUCCESS IN THIS LIVE-ONLINE COURSE?
 
  • Manage your time efficiently!  It is NOT advised to schedule all 6+ 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!! This is so important that I listed it twice!!
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.
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 GPA’s 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
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 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 General Education Learning Outcome: Technology
  This course will help you meet PVCC’s General Education Technology Outcome by enabling you to use technological resources appropriately and efficiently.:
1. Mathematical and Statistical Technology
2. Presentational Technology
3. Communication Technology


--

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:
https://www2.paradisevalley.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, live/online and 6 hours and 40 minutes/week outside of class to complete assignments.
ONLINE AND REVIEW ASSIGNMENTS:
 

Assignments are required and will be due at the beginning of class. They will be worth 10% toward the final grade. The assignments will consist of the problems in Moer. If you get a Homework assignment problem wrong you are allowed to redo it. Homework assignment problems can be done 3 times before you're marked wrong, but then you have an unlimited number of attempts after that per question. This means you can get a 100% on every assignment. 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. Exceptions to this are Late Passes. Each student will be given 50 late passes, and this is the only way to receive an extension on the due date. Late Passes can NOT be used on Chapter Tests, the Midterm or the Final Exam.You will get 50 late passes that may be used for homework with no penalty. The late pass extends the due date by 5 days. You must submit the late pass before you start an assignment and before the due date. You cannot submit a late pass after the due date.

There is a Review Assignment due before the Module test can be taken. You must score at least 70% on the review before the test will be available. The Review Assignment is worth 5% of your total grade.

TESTING:
  There will be 7 - 100 pt. tests during the semester to cover all chapters studied, worth 20% toward the final grade, a midterm worth 30% and a final exam worth 35%. The midterm and final will be proctored using Monitor EDU. This will require a computer with a camera and a second video device.
PROCTORED TESTING REQUIREMENTS
 
  • The midterm and final exam will be proctored using Monitor Edu and students will need the following:
    • Computer with reliable internet access
    • Separate device with a camera to show workspace while testing, such as a webcam, cell phone, or tablet
    • Paper and pencils – your work may be required to be submitted immediately following the test.
GRADING:
 
Category Percentage of Grade Grading Policy
Review Assignments 5% A=90-100%
Online Homework 10% B=80-89%
Tests 20% C=70-79%
Midterm 30% D=60-69%
Final Exam 35%  
Total 100%  
 
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
DATE OF CLASS MEETING SECTIONS TO BE COVERED TOPICS TO BE COVERED ASSIGN # DUE DATE
(M) 8/25 Introduction Introduction
Syllabus & "Start
Here - Day 1
Assignments"
(R) 8/27
1A
1B
Key Attributes of Functions Graphically
Introduction to Functions
#1 9/1
(M) 9/1
1C
1D
Function Notation
Function Arithmetic and Composition
#2 9/3
(R) 9/3

1E

Graphs of Functions
#3 9/8
(M) 9/8

1F
REVIEW

Transformations
REVIEW

9/10
(R) 9/10 REVIEW
TEST I
REVIEW
MODULE 1
Test Due
9/14
(M) 9/15
2A
2B
Linear Functions
Systems of Linear Equations
#4 9/17
(R) 9/17 2C Absolute Value Functions
#5 9/22
(M) 9/22
REVIEW
TEST II
REVIEW
MODULE 2
9/22
9/23
(R) 9/24 3A

3B
Greatest Common Factor, Factor by Grouping, Factor Trinomials
Factor Special Products
#6 9/29
(M) 9/29 3C
3D

Solve Quadratic Equations by Factoring
Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Property

#7 10/1
(R) 10/1 3E
3F
Solve Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula

#8 10/6
(M) 10/6

3G

Quadratic Functions #9 10/8
(R) 10/8 3H
3I
Linear and Quadratic Inequalities
Linear and Quadratic Regression
#10 10/13
(M) 10/13
REVIEW
TEST III
REVIEW
MODULE 3
10/13
10/14
(R) 10/15 4A
4B
Graphs of Polynomials
The Factor Theorem and Real Zeros of Polynomials
#11 10/22
(M) 10/20 4B
4C
The Factor Theorem and Real Zeros of Polynomials
Complex Zeros and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
#12 10/27
(R) 10/22 REVIEW
TEST IV
REVIEW
MODULE 4
10/25
10/26
(M) 10/27
REVIEW
MIDTERM
REVIEW
MIDTERM

10/27
10/28
(R) 10/29

5A
5B

Simplify, Add and Subtract Rational Expressions
Simplify Complex Rational Expressions
#13 11/3
(M) 11/3
5C
5D
Rational Functions
Rational Equations, Rational Inequalities and Applications
#14 11/5
(R) 11/5 REVIEW
TEST V

REVIEW
MODULE 5

11/8
11/9
(M) 11/10

6A
6B

Simplify Radical Expressions
Simplify Rational Exponents
#15 11/12
(R) 11/12 6C
6D
Add, Subtract and Multiply Radical Expressions
Divide Radical Expressions
#16 11/17
(M) 11/17

6E
6F

Solve Radical Equations
Graphing and Use Radicals in Functions
#17 11/19
(R) 11/19 REVIEW
TEST VI
REVIEW
MODULE 6

11/22
11/23
(M) 11/24 7A

7B
Introduction to Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Properties of Logarithms
#18 12/1
(R) 11/26
NO CLASS THANKSGIVING BREAK
(M) 12/1 7C
7D
Exponential Equations
Logarithmic Equations
#19 12/3
(R) 12/3 7E Applications of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions #20 12/8
(M) 12/8 REVIEW
TEST VII
REVIEW
CHAPTER 7
12/8
12/9
(R) 12/10 REVIEW REVIEW 12/14
(M) 12/15 COMPREHENSIVE
FINAL EXAM
10:30 AM-12:20PM 12/15


--






STUDENT INFORMATION/SYLLABUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
Course Prefix & Number______________
Semester__________________________
Lecture Section Number______________
Phone # (_____)-___________________
e-mail address_________________________________
I have received a copy of the syllabus, and I understand the following:
 
A) The instructor contact information and the most appropriate way to use this information.
B) I am responsible for all course material and preparation for class.
C) All of the policies and procedures for this course, especially the Grading, Attendance and Withdrawal Policies.
D) I am responsible for knowing all of the information that pertains to my legal rights that are contained in the current Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) Student Handbook and College Catalog.
E) In order to receive any special accommodations for this class I must register myself with the PVCC Disability Resource Center.
F) The class syllabus is subject to change, and it is my responsibility to know the changes.
 
__________________________________________________________________
Student Printed Name
 
__________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
____________________________
Date
--

Last update Friday, September 4, 2020 1:13 PM
Paradise Valley Community College-
URL-https://www2.paradisevalley.edu/~nicoloff/151_2syl20206.html
© 2020 Maricopa County Community College District. All Rights Reserved.
Click here for Questions or Comments.

Maricopa County Community CollegesBack to top of page