MA103: College Algebra
Syllabus

Course Description





Course Objectives







Instructor



Text Book

Test




Homework



Grading












Academic Honesty











Attendance




















Getting Help

Algebra knowledge and skills for college studies: Sets and real number system; exponents and polynomials, rational and radical expressions and systems of equations; beginning analytic geometry and functions; the binomial theorem, and progressions.  Fulfills Track B general education requirement in mathematics.  Not open to students with credits in MA 110, MA 210, or other higher numbered mathematics courses
Offered every semester.  Prerequisite: MA 102 or placement

• To give the student a firm foundation in the fundamentals of algebra.
• To prepare the student for entry into MA110 Precalculus.
• To allow students to develop skills in
  • Understanding basic mathematical concepts
  • Manupulating algebraic expressions (polynomials, rational expressions, radical expressions)
  • Solving equations and inequalities
  • Computing exponential and logarithmic functions and probability expressions

Bro. Robert K. Maruyama, S.M.
Office: Henrey 123-4
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (808)739-4605

Algebra for College Students 6th edition; by Robert Blitzer. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009

There are a number of  tests scheduled for the term, in addition to the final exam.  The format and contents of such tests will be described in the class. Their dates are indicated in the Class Schedule. (The format for the final exam will be announced later in the term.) In general, there will be no make-up tests. Special cases will be considered when there are valid reasons, but arrangements must be made before the scheduled test dates.

For each section being covered, a number of exercise problems will be assigned as on-your-own exercises. You need not turn them in; however, there will be pop quizzes based on these problems.Try your best to work out most of these problems, so that you can keep up with the progress of the course.

The semester grade will be based on the following elements of your course responsibilities: (Points in various categories and total points are subject to change.) 

*These numbers are subject to change, depending on number of quizzes, test maximums, etc. The following guidelines will be used in determining the final grades: A: >= 90; B: >= 80; C: >= 70; D: >= 60; F: < 60

The University Student Handbook defines plagiariasm as follows: "Plagiarism is the offering of another as one's own. Plagiarism is a serious offense and may include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Complete or partial copying directly from a published or unpublished source without proper acknowledgement to the author. Minor changes in wording or ayntax are not sufficient to avoid charges of plagiarism. Proper acknowledgment of the source of a text is always madatory.
2. Paraphrasing the work of another without proper author acknowledgment.
3. Submitting as one's own original work (however freely given or purchased) the original exam, research paper, manuscript, report, computer file, or other assignment that has been prepared by another individual."

Each student is expected to complete his or her own assignments.  Although modern work environments require extensive teamwork, one of the main goals in this class is that each student learn the basic skills in computer usage through individual practicing. You are encouraged to consult each other in your class work.  But you must distinguish between consulting your friends and discussing problems with them from copying other people's work.

Whatever you submit for grading must be your own work.  The penalty for copying in tests, project assignments, or lab exercises is, for the first offense, a grade of F for all parties involved; for the second offense, an F for the course. 

Regular class attendance is important for several reasons.

• First, you are responsible for all materials discussed in the class.
• Second, you should use the assigned lab time as effectively as you can, while a direct help from the instructor is available.
• Third, coming to class regularly is a good motivation for practicing with software packages, even if you are learning them mostly by yourself.
• Lastly, you contribute to the learning of fellow students by your attendance.

Attendance will be taken at all class sessions. (See the section on Grading for attendance scores.) Generally speaking, there will be no make-up tests or quizzes.  Exceptions  will be considered, with prior arrangements, only for excused absences because of serious reasons. Be sure to inform the instructor when you foresee that you must miss a test. A missed test or quiz due to an unexcused absence receives a grade of 0. 

Feel free to drop in at my office during office hours or to set up an appointments outside those hours. It would be better to let me know when you are coming to insure that I will be in my office when you come.