MATH 1000 Syllabus for Students of Dr. Otts     {Print this document}

Office: SAG 116              Office Phone: 898-2020       See link at bottom of page.

Finals List {Click Here} -- automatic F if you are absent

Text: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra: Graphs and Models: Custom Edition for Middle Tennessee State. Bittinger, Ellenbogen, and Johnson.
          (Be sure that you get the My Math Lab Student Access Kit)

You need to bring me two (2) BLANK General Purpose Pearson NCS Answer Sheets form no. 4521 . DO NOT FOLD!

A graphing calculator that meets the following guidelines is REQUIRED for this course:

Guidelines for Calculator Use In Prescribed (K) Mathematics Courses

Adapted from http://www.act.org/compass/sample/calc.html

To ensure fairness for all students, to avoid disturbances in the class room, and to protect the security of the testing materials and process, you are required to have a graphing calculator. The following types of calculators are not permitted for use in DS mathematics classes:

         pocket organizers or cell phones

         handheld or laptop computers

         electronic writing pads or pen-input devices models with a QWERTY (typewriter) keypad (although calculators with letters on the keys are permitted as long as the keys are not arranged in QWERTY format)

          models with built-in capability to simplify algebraic expressions, multiply polynomials, or factor polynomials (often called Computer Algebra Systems), for example, CFX-9970G, TI-89, and TI-92.

I will be using a TI-83, 83+, or 84 and will answer questions in class in reference to them. If you want calculator help out of class, you need to bring the user's manual with you to my office.

Students may use any graphing calculator as directed by me and as noted on the syllabus, except as specified above.

Students are responsible for bringing an acceptable graphing calculator to class sessions. Sharing calculators during the class is not permitted, and the instructor will not provide a calculator.

 Students are also responsible for ensuring that their calculator works properly. If their calculator uses batteries, students must make certain that the batteries are strong enough to last throughout the testing session. Students may bring a spare calculator and extra batteries with them.

When you bring a calculator, make sure that it is an acceptable type of calculator.

The calculator is to be used as an ancillary teaching device to help you understand the concepts of mathematics. It does NOT replace brain work. You will be allowed to use the calculator for the pretest, Unit Tests, and Final Examination. These tests and exams have been designed in such a manner that calculators are necessary.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: MATH 1000K serves as an introduction to learning mathematics. The course encompasses objectives and techniques of learning mathematics, technology skills, problem solving and critical thinking. This three credit hour course will meet for three hours in the classroom and will have a required two-hour lab component each week. Part of the two-hour lab component will include structured on-line activities.

MATH 1000K is the first course in a two-semester sequence. After completing MATH 1000K, students will enroll in either MATH 1010K or 1710K.  Students will earn elective credit for MATH 1000 and general education credit for MATH 1010 or MATH 1710.

NO Student may drop ANY K section course without dropping ALL college level work unless Dr. Marva Lucas, PH 202, gives permission.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will:
Develop independent learning skills
Learn to access and utilize appropriate technologies
Demonstrate critical thinking skills
Apply properties of real numbers
Use processes of problem-solving
Utilize principles of equality
Model real-world situations as mathematical equations and inequalities
Develop competencies in graphing
Be introduced to function theory
Classify, simplify and perform mathematical operations with polynomials
Factor polynomials

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
Properties of real numbers
Linear equations, inequalities, and their applications
Cartesian coordinate system and the graphs of lines
Slope intercept and point-slope forms of linear equations
Reading graphs and charts
Exponents and scientific notation
Polynomials
Functions

REQUIREMENTS:
Students will be required to:
Attend class meetings
Participate in class activities
Prepare daily assignments, including On Line Work as required (4 on line tests and practice work, see below.)
Attend the math lab as required
Complete in class and on line tests and vocabulary quizzes

Assignments for Essentials of Mathematics

In Class Assignments	Lab Assignments (MyMathLab)
worth 500 points	worth 100 points
Dr. O will work selected items in class. Expect similar on tests.	www.coursecompass.com Remember the 4 'ly's!
Unit I: Study Guide and	Unit I:
Chapter.Section:Items	Chapter.Section
1.1: 1 – 78 odds	1.1 through 1.8
1.2: 47 – 88 all
1.3: 1 – 84, 91, 93 – 107 all	Take Student Access Kit to
for 1.4–1.8 Use MyMathLab	SAG 202 and sign in
Test 1 (100 pts.)
Unit II:	Unit II:
Chapter.Section: Items	Chapter.Section
2.1: 59 – 78
2.2: 7 – 84
2.3: 1 – 36
2.5: 1 – 48. Polya’s Method.	2.1 through 2.7
2.6: 9 – 98
Comprehensive Test 2 (100 pts.)
Unit III:	Unit III:
Chapter.Section: Items	Chapter.Section
3.1: 5 – 8, 17 – 20, 27 – 52 all	3.1 through 3.8
3.2: 1 – 38, 43 – 52 PLUS 4.5: 7 – 16, 31 – 42
3.3: 17 – 86
3.5: 19 – 64
3.6: 7 – 40, 61 – 80
3.7: 9 – 66
3.8: 53 – 58, 65 – 72
Comprehensive Test 3 (100 pts.)
Unit IV:	Unit IV:
Chapter.Section: Items	Chapter.Section
5.1: 9 – 88	5.1 through 5.9
5.2: 39 – 116
5.3: 15 – 72
5.4: 1 20, 25 – 50
5.5: 5 – 50, 57 – 70
5.6: 9 – 27, 39 – 56
Comprehensive Test 4 (100 pts.)
Unit V:	Unit V:
Chapter.Section: Items	Chapter.Section
6.1: 9 – 90, 103 – 109	6.1 through 6.6, 10.7
6.2: 39 – 68
6.3: 51 – 72
6.4: 11 – 72, 85 – 96
6.6: 5 – 76
10.7: 7 – 12, 29 – 44
Comprehensive Test 5 (100 pts.)	On Line Practice Final (Bonus?)

How to Study Math

Unit Vocabulary

Notes Page

Final Examination Review and Key (pdf file. Adobe Reader required, for free download: Adobe Reader download page)

 All answer sheets for tests and all work turned in to me will be done using a dark pencil on white, clean-edged paper. You may use any type of blank paper you wish for scratch work on tests or for taking your own notes. Being able to follow directions is crucial to your success in college and on the job. Read the directions carefully BEFORE you begin any work. My directions, either written or oral, take precedence over any other directions. When in doubt, ASK. Only stupid people will not seek to understand what is required of them.

In-class Tests are comprehensive. You need to use a graphing calculator for homework, class work, tests, and quizzes. You may use one 3X5" note card for each test and the finalexam. Unit Test V will have NO extra credit. You should make a 70 or better on each test. If you want to improve your chapter test (NOT FINAL or Practice Final) grade, you may earn up to half the item value for extra credit by working (showing all steps and checking where applicable) items similar to the ones you missed on the test. See me after class on the day the grades are returned to receive your extra credit make-up items. Extra credit items are due the within one week from the date test scores are returned. NO Extra credit opportunity on the last In-class Test. Vocabulary will be tested during the in–class tests.

MyMathLab homework: (see assignments above). Each section, for example 1.6, counts as 1 only when you get 100% of the items in it correct. Whne you miss an item, click on the Show Me How To Work This Item button, makes notes on the process, and then click on the Similar Item button. DO NOT quit until the item is correct. The number of 100% correct sections divided by the total number of assigned sections (33) will determine the score for MML homework. Your MML homework totals 100 points, which is a letter grade. Consider this: without the homework, you would need to get everything else in the course exactly corrrect the first time (in class tests, vocabulary quizzes, and the Final Exam), to earn the 900 points needed for an A grade. If you missed even one question, you would make a B for the semester. I MIGHT be talked into a small bonus for the MML Final Exam Review if MML grades are good(ALL 100's) by 2 weeks before finals begin.

Attendance: If you miss more than a three class meetings FOR ANY REASONS, you receive an F. You will be considered tardy if you are not in class when I take roll at the beginning of class. Three times tardy counts as one absence. A class that has been made up does not count as an absence. Therefore, if you know you will miss a class, make an appointment with me to make it up BEFORE you are out. Only very extreme circumstances will be acceptable to excuse an absence that you do not let me know about ahead of time (example: medical emergency, accident, family crisis). Your failure to plan or follow your schedule does not constitute an emergency. University sanctioned events MUST be made up before your absence.

Grading: Unit tests count 500 points; On line MyMathLab homework counts 100; vocabulary and quizzes count 200; and the Final Exam counts 200. After taking the final examination, you must have a total of 700 or more points to pass. NOTE: Because of the lenient retake policy, a 699 point total is an F. Grades will be assigned on the following scale of total earned points:

900-1000 = A; 800-899 = B; 700-799 = C; 0-699 = F

No D grade is assigned in MATH 1000.  No plus- minus-grading will be used in MATH 1000.

The Final will be a 40 item multiple choice test. You MUST take the final to pass the course, AND you must get 28 items or more correct on it to pass the final.

At the class meeting following the test, you will receive a grade report form with your test score(s), test average, homework scores, and other pertinent information. It is your responsibility to make sure all information on this report is updated and correct.

Those of you who pass this course should be ready to make a C or better in your next required math course. Should you run into difficulties in that course, come see me for help.

Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible. Students may also contact the Office of Disabled Student Services (898-2783) with questions about such services.

Only students registered for this course may be in the classroom during class meetings. All others, children, pets, parents, bodyguards, etc., must remain outside the classroom. NO DISRUPTIONS OR DISTRACTIONS will be tolerated. You are clients, similar to patients of a physician, NOT consumers at a department store. I expect you to participate, be on time, and conduct yourselves with internal discipline.

Academic Misconduct Defined:
Academic Misconduct. Plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, or facilitating any such act. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Plagiarism. The adoption or reproduction of ideas, words, statements, images, or works of another person as one’s own without proper acknowledgment.

(2) Cheating. Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. The term academic exercise includes all forms of work submitted for credit or hours.

(3) Fabrication. Unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.

(4) Facilitation. Helping or attempting to help another to violate a provision of the institutional code of academic misconduct.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty, or facilitating any such act will not be tolerated. Academic misconduct is a disciplinary offense, and I punish such offenses to the highest degree allowed by the university. I will report allegations of academic misconduct to the head of the University Studies and to the assistant dean for Judicial Affairs (898-2750). I will attempt to inform you of the allegation and notify you that the information has been forwarded to the assistant dean. I will assign a grade of "F" for the exercise or examination for the first offence. If a second offense occurs, I will assign an "F" for the course.
see: http://www.mtsu.edu/judaff/integrity.shtml#policy

Classroom Misconduct: The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and can direct the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct which otherwise violates the general rules and regulations of the institution. The instructor may report such misconduct to the assistant dean for Judicial Affairs for implementation of such disciplinary sanctions as may be appropriate, including extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom.

Disruptive Behavior: Disruptive behavior is typically difficult to define as each situation has to be evaluated in context of the occurrence. In an effort to educate our campus community about what constitutes disruptive behavior, we have provided examples below. This list is not all-inclusive and is designed to serve as a tool in helping students and faculty identify unacceptable behavior. Many of the classroom behaviors described below are expected to be handled/addressed through effective classroom management practices not through the university disciplinary process. For example, tardiness may be disruptive, but it is typically not an issue addressed through the disciplinary process. An instructor should have a set of consequences in place for this behavior that is outlined in the syllabus. For a full list of prohibited behaviors please refer to the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Disruptive Classroom Behaviors
• Use of electronic devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, PDA’s while class is in session
• Inappropriate communication while class is in session – speaking while the instructor is speaking; mimicking or mocking the instructor or another student; constantly repeating an instructor’s words, etc.
• Personal attacks against another student or instructor – yelling at another person, abusive criticism of another person, challenging an instructor’s authority in front of the class, using profanity aimed at another person in the class
• Overt inattentiveness – sleeping in class, snoring in class, reading a newspaper or doing other homework in class, sitting with your back to the classroom, etc.
• Threatening behavior – using gestures or language in an attempt to intimidate another person
• Disrespectful behavior – persistent tardiness, persistent late arrivals or early departures without permission, etc.

The consequences in place for disruptive classroom behaviors include being exclusion from class counted as an unexcused absence withsubsequent loss of all grade points for the class meeting. If a second offense occurs, I will assign an "F" for the course.

Source: Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services at
http://www.mtsu.edu/judaff/disruptive.shtml

Financial Aid Statement: If you stop attending class, the last date attended will be reported to the Records Office and to Financial Aid. Your financial aid may be adversely impacted by nonattendance.

1. University Studies Laboratories are exclusively for the use of University Studies Students.  No visitors, family members, or pets (service animals welcome) allowed in the laboratories.
2. Students needing additional accommodations should notify a Laboratory Director.
3. Laboratory personnel and other students should be treated with respect.
4. No eating or drinking in the laboratories.
5. No use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances in the laboratory.
6. No use of audible telecommunications equipment, radios, personal televisions, or video games are allowed.
7. Disruptions will not be tolerated in the laboratories.  Continually disruptive students will be asked to leave.  Campus security will be contacted if necessary.
8. Electronic Equipment Acceptable Use Guidelines: Lab computers and other electronic equipment are reserved ONLY for appropriate learning tasks and University business.

Do you have a lottery scholarship?
Do you have a lottery scholarship? To retain Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship eligibility, you must earn a cumulative TELS GPA of 2.75 after 24 and 48 attempted hours and a cumulative TELS GPA of 3.0 thereafter. You may qualify with a 2.75 cumulative GPA after 72 attempted hours (and subsequent semesters), if you are enrolled full-time and maintain a semester GPA of at least 3.0. A grade of C, D, F, or I in this class may negatively impact TELS eligibility. Dropping a class after 14 days may also impact eligibility; if you withdraw from this class and it results in an enrollment status of less than full time, you may lose eligibility for your lottery scholarship. Lottery recipients are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of five years from the date of initial enrollment, or until a bachelor degree is earned; students who first received the lottery scholarship in Fall 2009 or later will additionally be limited to 120 TELS attempted hours. For additional Lottery rules, please refer to your Lottery Statement of Understanding form via RaiderNet, review lottery requirements on the web at www.mtsu.edu/scholarships/telsconteligibility_scholarships.shtml, or contact the Financial Aid Office at 898-2830.

Office hours and teaching schedule for Dr. Otts,  {Click Here and print}

Should you need to contact me when I'm not scheduled to be in my office in SAG 116, leave a message on my voice mail (2020) or send me an e-mail: dotts@mtsu.edu.