Syllabus for Course of Instruction

I. Basic Information of the Course

Mathematics 111, College Algebra

Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or Intermediate Algebra

II. Course Instructor

Instructor: Dwayne Jennings, Associate Professor of Mathematics

Office: C-51

Telephone Extension: 661-5273

III. Primary Objectives of the Course

Students should be able to:

· Perform fundamental operations on complex numbers

· Apply properties of symmetry when plotting a variety of curves

· Find the domain of a given function

· Find the domain of a given composite function

· Find the inverse of a given one to one function

· Solve exponential and logarithmic equations

· Use synthetic division to assist in plotting functions and finding zeros

· Solve systems of equations by augmented matrix methods

· Solve nonlinear systems

· Perform fundamental operations on matrices

IV. Method of Instruction

The course will be taught by using a lecture-discussion method with problem solving and student participation as a major strategy of instruction.

V. Required Text, Supplies, Technology and Technology Policy

College Algebra, Alternate Edition by Lial, Hornsby, and Schneider.

.A calculator in the TI 83-84 family will be useful on some of the tests and assignments. Calculators in the TI-89-92 family will not be permitted on tests. No other types of technology are to be seen or heard during instructional periods or tests, including cell-phones and IPod devices, unless instructed to do so by the professor.

VI. Assigned Readings and Research

Selected parts of the course text and other texts in the library will be used.

VII. Special Projects and/or Activities

Special projects and activities will vary depending upon the availability of appropriate computer software and hardware resources for the course.

VIII. Method of Evaluation

There will be at least two announced unit (hour) exams, several 10-point quizzes and homework checks and a comprehensive final exam. The unit tests will each count 100 points; however, the final exam will count 200 points. The final grade will be determined by the ratio of (points earned)/(points possible) and using the published grading scale at Union University.

IX. Attendance Policy

Regular and successive attendance is expected of all students. In order to promote regular class attendance, quizzes will be given and attendance will be checked daily. An unexcused absence on a day where homework is checked, a quiz or unit test is given or an assignment is due will result in a score of zero on that particular day’s grade. Please note that all students are expected to be on time for class. Any student who misses an excessive number of times will be reported to the Academic Center.

X. Statement on Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating of any type will not be tolerated. If a professor observes cheating by a student, the student will receive a zero and will be reported to the Provost’s Office.

XI. The Last Day to Drop the Course without the special permission of the Registrar is: _______________________.

XII. Special Graduate Requirements: (Not Applicable)

XIII. Outline of Course

Topics selected from the following:

· Relations and Functions

· Polynomial and Rational Functions

· Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

· Systems of Equations and Inequalities

XIV. General

This syllabus is intended to serve as a general student guide to study this course and to give general information relative to the “mechanics” of the course. It is not a contract.