Kingwood College Mathematics Department

Math 0308 Introductory Algebra Course Document
Fall 2009

Credit Hours - Three semester hours

Transferability - Not transferable

Prerequisites - Math 0306 or placement by testing

Course Description - Topics for all formats include basic algebraic operations, elementary equations, laws of integral exponents, factoring and radical notation, rational expressions and an introduction to the Cartesian coordinate system. This course carries institutional credit but will not transfer and will not be used to meet degree requirements.

Textbooks

Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4rd. ed., K. Elayn Martin-Gay, Pearson / Prentice Hall, 2008. Textbook ISBN-10: 0136007317

Textbook ISBN-13: 9780136007319

Course Outcomes - Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

  • solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable including applications of percent and ratio,
  • simplify expressions using definitions and laws of integer exponents,
  • perform basic operations on polynomials and factor quadratics,
  • solve equations using the factoring method,
  • solve systems of linear equations in two variables including applications.

NOTE: Some of the topics involved in reaching these outcomes may have been taught in a prerequisite course.

Instructor: Jim Alleman
Office: LIB206-D
Phone Number: (281)312-1637
E-Mail: james.e.alleman@lonestar.edu
URL: http://wwwappskc.nhmccd.edu/employee/jalleman/index.html

1. Assignments: There will be daily assignments, sometimes called modules, and exams.
Assignments must be completed in a timely manner. Getting ahead is acceptable. Falling behind is not acceptable. Since the assignments are to be submitted online via Lone Star College eCollege (LSC eCollege) they will be available several days after the due date. This period that the assignments are available after the due date will be a grace period. The grace period is a safety net in the event there is a computer or system problem on the day that the assignment is due or in the case of illness or other emergency. No excuse will be accepted for missing an assignment once the due date has elapsed, including computer or system problems. All assignments, including exams must be satisfactorily completed (score greater than 50% correct) timely and will not be accepted after the grace period. Students accumulating 5 missed assignments will be dropped from the course and/or will receive the grade of "F" for the course. The grace period should not be abused or thought of as the "due date" and is NOT guaranteed. In the event of an extended illness or emergency, it is in the best interest of a student to withdraw from all classes and start again when they are ready to continue their education.
All exams will be taken via a LSC testing center near you. You will need a picture ID to take exams. Failure to take the final exam will result in a grade of F for the course.
2. Grading: Your grade will be determined by the following:
15% - exam 1
15% - exam 2
15% - exam 3
15% - exam 4
20% - daily assignments
20% - final exam

90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
Below 70 = F
You must receive a grade of A, B or C in order to proceed to the next class.

In addition: To pass the course students must receive a score on the final exam of 50% or greater as well as have an overall course average of 70% or greater.
3. Attendance: This is an online, independent study class. Students are not required to attend class at a LSC campus. Students are required to submit assignments in a timely manner as stated above, as well as take all exams at a LSC campus. In the event a student is taking a course that requires this course as a corequisite, if the student is dropped from this course, they will also be dropped from the class that requires this class as a corequisite. Students, who do not successfully complete this class, will not be considered for future independent study classes.