MTH 101: Intermediate Algebra

Spring2020

**Updated for Remote Instruction**




 

COURSE SECTIONS

 

All sections will now use a common Sakai page.

 

Course

Section

Day

Time

Location

Instructor

MTH 101

0001

TR

11AM - 12:30PM

Beaupre 100

Robin Schipritt

MTH 101

0002

TR

12:30PM - 1PM

Swan Hall 309

Connor O'loughlin

MTH 101

0200

M

7PM - 9:45PM

Prov (Shepard Bldg) 443

Juhyung Lee

 

 

 

IMPORTANT LINKS

Course Calendar

 

Click here to access our free online textbook: Intermediate Algebra by openstax

 

 

 

SYLLABUS

Purpose

This course is intended for students to become proficient in algebra, in order to build a firm foundation in preparation for MTH 111 Precalculus. Problem solving and applications will be emphasized throughout. MTH 111 requires a C- or better in MTH 101.

 

Course Description

LEC: (3 crs.) Introduction to: algebraic manipulation, solving equations and inequalities in one variable, plotting points and graphing elementary functions, interpreting and expressing mathematics. Intended for STEM majors who are not prepared to take MTH 111. Not for credit for mathematics majors, not for general education credit, and not open to students with a C- or better in MTH131 or MTH141.

 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

  • Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials using the rules of exponents;

  • Factor using GCF, difference of two squares, sum/difference of two cubes, trinomials and grouping;

  • Solve quadratic equations by factoring;

  • Perform arithmetic operations on rational and radical expressions and functions;

  • Solve rational and radical equations and solve quadratic equations by the quadratic formula;

  • Use the relationship between the equation of a line and its graph;

  • Solve relevant applications (exponents, quadratic equations, rational expressions).

Grade Distribution

Final grades will be based on completion of the AEP, class assignments, WebWork homework, participation in weekly Discussion Groups, three evening exams, and a comprehensive final exam. The grade distribution is as follows:


50pts Algebra Enhancement Project (AEP)

The AEP will be completed through Sakai.

**20pts** Class Assignments

Students are expected to be active participants in this course. This includes attending class regularly and completing any/all assignments. See your sections Sakai page for details on class assignments. Only class points given before Spring Break will count towards your final grade. No additional class points will be given.

**80pts** Weekly Discussion Groups

Participation in a weekly Discussion Group assignment is required. Repeated "absences" will negatively affect your grade.Discussion Groups scheduled for after Spring Break will be conducted through Sakai.

100pts Homework

Homework will be completed online through WebWork.

300pts Exams

There will be 3 exams.

Exam 1: Thursday, February 27, 6-7:30pm in CBLS100
Exam 2: Thursday, April 2, administered online
Exam 3: Thursday, April 23, administered online
Absolutely no calculators are allowed on any exams.

200pts Final Exam

There will be a cumulative final at the end of the semester covering ALL material learned in class throughout the semester. The date/time will be announced later in the semester.

**750pts** Total

To calculate your grade, take your cumulative points and divide by **750**.

 

Assignments will not be graded on a curve nor will any extra credit be made available.

 

Letter Grade Distribution

Final grades will be determined according to the following scale:


93.00 - 100.00 A

73.00 - 76.99 C

90.00 - 92.99 A-

70.00 - 72.99 C-

87.00 - 89.99 B+

67.00 - 69.99 D+

83.00 - 86.99 B

60.00 - 66.99 D

80.00 - 82.99 B-

0.00 - 59.99 F

77.00 - 79.99 C+

Algebra Enhancement Project (AEP)

On the first day of class, you will take an Algebra Diagnostic Test. This test is graded pass/fail. You must score a 70% or above to pass and receive 50 points toward your final grade. If you receive a score less than 70%, you will be automatically enrolled in the Algebra Enhancement Project (AEP) through Sakai where you will be given the opportunity to earn this portion of your grade back. Any student who passed the Diagnostic Test may choose to participate in the program for supplementary algebra review without penalty to their grade. If you have DSS accommodations, please send your paperwork to your instructor before the first day of class in order to receive accommodations for this test.


If you do not pass or do not take the Diagnostic Test, you will be automatically enrolled in the AEP Project. This project will be offered entirely online through the separate Sakai Project Site AEP for MTH101 Spring 2020. The AEP provides six mini online lessons that help to enhance your algebra skills. Each lesson is followed by a multiple choice quiz. Completing these quizzes gives you the opportunity to earn back the full 50 points toward your course grade. You need to complete the AEP with 70% or better to receive all 50pts. If you receive less than 70%, you will earn that equivalent percentage of points. For example, if you earn 60%, you will receive 60% of 50pts, or 30pts total.

Weekly Discussion Groups

You will be required to particpate in a weekly Discussion Group assignment which can be found and completed through Sakai.


Discussion Groups assignments will be required for each full week of scheduled classes. You will have the opportunity to earn up to 10 points each week. There are no makeups for missed work except in documented or approved situations, but there are some extra points built in as a way to help make up for any missed assignments.


You are expected to attempt the worksheet after you have reviewed the previous weeks content and attempted the homework for those sections.


Completion of these assignments is mandatory, and repeated or unexcused missed assignments will negatively impact your grade.

  • If you attempt all ten assignments, your lowest two scores will be dropped.



  • If you miss 1-2 assignments, you can still earn full credit for the Discussion Groups; those missed assignments will be your dropped grades.



  • If you miss more than two assignments you will need to meet with your instructor before being allowed to be graded for completed assignments.



  • Hannah and Ryan will continue to be available to assist you with your assignments through use of the Sakai Chatroom tool.



  • There are no makeups for missed Discussion Group Assignments.



WebWork Homework

Online homework will be administered using the free system WebWork. Log in at: https://webwork.math.uri.edu/webwork2.mth101_fall2019/


Your username is your URI student ID number, and your default password is the first eight letters your last name in all lowercase letters. Ignore spaces and characters other than letters. Use your entire last name if it contains eight or less letters.


Some examples:

Tim Smith, Jr., password: smithjr

Bob Jones-Smith, password: jonessmi

John O'Sullivan, password: osulliva

Please change your password as soon as you log in.


For all technival questions about WeBWork, please email: mth111webwork@gmail.com (note the email says mth111 even though we are mth101). Content questions should be taking to tutoring or your instructor.


Most weeks, scheduled assignments will be made available on Mondays at 12:00am and will be due ten days later on Wednesdays by 11:59pm. There are some weeks that homework is due on a Tuesday due to a holiday or semester schedule. Please see the course calendar for specific due dates. There is no late or partial credit for homework.

Policies for the Course

Attendance
Virtual "attendance" is a vital and necessary part of this course. You are expected to visit the new Sakai site regularly to view course lectures and to complete assignments.


Expectations

  • You are expected to view every lecture, and to submit your work on time.



  • It is your responsibility to communicate clearly when writing up solutions for assignments, quizzes, or exams. Your results must display your understanding well and be written in a correct, complete, coherent, and well organized fashion. The rules of language still apply in mathematics, and they apply even when symbols are used in formulas, equations, etc.



  • The rapid pace of the class requires that you spend time every day doing homework, reviewing notes, reading the textbook, and working out extra problems, all in addition to the time spent in class.


Makeup Policy

  • Makeup exams may be scheduled in the event you are unable to attend exams under the following conditions (A-B). In particular, if you must miss the exam because of a scheduling conflict, you must notify your instructor before, not after, the exam, and emergencies require you to contact your instructor within 24 hours. See University Manual sections 8.51.10 and 8.51.14 for guidelines.



  • A: If your reason for missing the exam as scheduled is (i) a University sanctioned event for which verifiable documentation can be provided (including another scheduled class), (ii) a responsibility to an employer that cannot be rescheduled (with documentation from your employer), or (iii) Religious holidays, then you MUST INFORM YOUR INSTRUCTOR 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE EXAM AND PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION IF REQUESTED. Makeup exams will be scheduled after the actual exam, and preferably before the class period when exams are to be handed back, but no later than one week after the original date.



  • B: If the reason for missing the exam as scheduled is due to (i) illness (with verifiable documentation from a medical provider), or (ii) an emergency (with appropriate documentation), then you MUST INFORM YOUR INSTRUCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE EXAM and provide documentation upon your return. Failure to notify your instructor within 24 hours will result in a 0 for the exam. No exceptions. Makeup exams may be scheduled no later than a week after the original date, unless the illness or emergency precludes this, in which case the makeup exam will be given on a common date during the last two weeks of the semester.



  • Students that miss course work (not exams) under the same the conditions mentioned above will be given the opportunity to make up the course work.


Electronic Devices
Reliable internet and a laptop, tablet, or other device with internet capabilities are essential for success in the course. Absolutely no calculators are permitted on exams.



Other Policies:

  • All class materials (e.g. notes, projects, exams, lectures, etc.) are property of URI and the instructor. Copying, video taping, taking pictures, or posting this material is not allowed without consent of the instructor and URI.



  • Please come to class prepared by reading over the text to be covered and by bringing your book, notebook and pencil.



  • You are here to learn, so give class your full attention, ask questions if you do not understand, and be respectful and courteous to your fellow students and professor.



  • There is no alternative credit in this course. Don't ask.

Academic Honesty Policy

Cheating is defined in the University Manual section 8.27.10 as the claiming of credit for work not done independently without giving credit for aid received, or any unauthorized communication during examinations. Students are expected to be honest in all academic work. The resolution of any charge of cheating or plagiarism will follow the guideline set forth in the University Manual 8.27.10-8.27.21, http://web.uri.edu/manual/chapter-8/chapter-8-2/.


Special Needs

Any student with a documented disability should contact your instructor early in the semester so that he or she may work out reasonable accommodations with you to support your success in this course. Students should also contact Disability Services for Students: Office of Student Life, 330 Memorial Union, 874-2098. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential.


Academic Enhancement Center

There is help available from the Academic Enhancement Center (AEC). The AEC offers tutoring (both walk-in and appointment-based types) and academic coaching. For more information on AEC services and study tips, visit the AEC website at http://web.uri.edu/aec/.


Incomplete Grade

University of Rhode Island regulations concerning incomplete grades will be followed. See University Manual sections 8.53.20 and 8.53.21 for details.


Religious Holidays

It is the policy of the University of Rhode Island to accord students, on an individual basis, the opportunity to observe their traditional religious holidays. Students desiring to observe a holiday of special importance must provide written notification to each instructor.


Standards of Behavior

Students are responsible for being familiar with and adhering to the published Community Standards of Behavior: University Policies and Regulations which can be accessed in the University Student Handbook (www.web.uri.edu/studentconduct/university-student-handbook/). If you must come in late, please do not disrupt the class. Please turn off all cell phones or any electronic devices.