DEVRY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
NORTH BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY
PHONE: (732) 435-4880 Ext:3967
FAX: (732) 435-4861
E-Mail: dchelst@nj.devry.edu
Course Materials On the Web: http://bb.devry.edu

COURSE SYLLABUS MATH 178: Spring 2003

Course: College Algebra
Instructor: Dr. Dov Chelst
Course Number:Math 178
Contact Hrs:4
Prerequisite: Math 100 (Intermediate Algebra) or placement exam
Credit Hrs: 4

Office Hours in Room 966: TBA

COURSE SPECIFICS (Very Important!)

• Pass Intermediate Algebra (Math 100) and obtain a minimum grade of "C".
• Score 76 or above on the Algebra portion of the CPT test.

It is extremely important that one of the above requirements be met before attending this course. If not, add/drop must be completed by the first week of the semester to place each student in the proper level math course.

First term students may take a proficiency exam for this courses without a fee by Thursday of Week 1.

Required Textbook: College Algebra, 7th ed., Gustafson, Frisk, Brooks Cole Publishers (2001)

Reference Books: Technical Mathematics, 2nd ed., P. Calter, Prentice Hall, NJ (1990)
Basic Technical Mathematics, 4th ed., A.J.Washington, Benjamin Cummings, Menlo Park (1985)
Algebra, I. Gelfand and A. Shen, Birkhauser

Other Sources: Software-MATHPRO is available in Educational Services Room 240.
Free tutoring is available at Educational Services, Room 240.
Video tapes for Algebra review are available from the DeVry library.

Course Overview: This course covers college-level algebra. It begins with a review of the fundamental topics covered in Math 100 and advances to topics such as solving rational, radical and exponential equations and understanding quadratic, sinusoidal and exponential (logarithmic) functions. It treats real-world applications along the way to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Course Objectives: By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Find the composition of two given functions--polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic or sinusoidal.
2. Sketch the graph of a polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic or sinusoidal function indicating any intercepts and asymptotes when appropriate.
3. Find the inverse of a given one-to-one function.
4. Formulate and solve an appropriate linear, polynomial or rational equation after analyzing an applied (business) problem such as maximizing revenue, break-even analysis, or linear interpolation.
5. Formulate and solve an appropriate exponential equation after analyzing an applied involving determinine the time or rate for a population's growth or for compound interest.
6. Evaluate the sum of a specified number of terms in an arithmetic or geometric series.
7. Use a matrix to solve a system of linear equation. Also, determine when a unique solution exists.

(Tentative) Weekly Outline

Homework

All homework assignments will be posted at the Web Course Web Page (http://bb.devry.edu). Check the page at least once a week for the latest information about quizzes, homework, and exams. Homework will be assigned daily and will not be collected. Students are encouraged to keep a notebook of worked homework problems. Throughout the semester, the instructor reserves the right to examine these homework problems and assign course credit and/or extra credit based upon a student's homework.

Quizzes

There will be short weekly quizzes (15-20 minutes) during this semester. Quiz problems will closely resemble homework problems of moderate difficulty. The lowest quiz grade(s) will be dropped. Up to two quizzes may be taken late subject to the following two rules:

• A student must have a reasonable excuse and/or have informed the instructor of an expected absence.
• A student may NOT make up a quiz after the next class period has begun.
• A student must contact the instructor as early as possible to meet the make-up quiz deadline.

Exams

There will be 3 major exams during the semester (week 5, 10, and 15). Make-up exams will not be allowed unless the instructor is notified in advance and a valid written excuse is provided. Any indication that a student did not act swiftly to explain a missed exam, will disqualify him/her from receiving a make-up.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to behave in a manner that maintains the honesty and integrity of the classroom. Consequently, students should not attempt to gain an advantage by lying to the instructor. Students must refrain from all attempts to benefit unfairly from another student's work. While students are encouraged to discuss homework problems and course material together, they must share only ideas. The following examples illustrate what constitutes academic dishonesty:

• Involvement in the fabricating an excuse to obtain a new or late exam.
• Buying another student's assignment and handing it in as your own work. (Both students are considered responsible)
• Using another student's computer file to hand in as your own work, EVEN IF IT IS PERSONALIZED AFTER IT IS ORIGINALLY COPIED.
• Copying the answers to any problem from another student on an exam or quiz.
• "Cooperating" in the solution of an assignment that results in two or more students generating multiple copies of (essentially) a single document attributed to the entire "team."

There will be NO FURTHER WARNINGS regarding this issue. Students who do not follow these guidelines may incur a severe penalty that may include: no credit on a particular assignment, failing the course, and dismissal from DeVry (at the discretion of the appropriate deans). While the reasons for this policy appear obvious, I would be happy to discuss/clarify this issue with any concerned student BEFORE an actual problem arises.

School Policies

• School attendance policy will be followed.
• Students are responsible for all work missed due to absences and tardiness.
• No food or beverages are allowed in the classroom.
• All cellular phones and beepers must be turned off during all classes.
• Students are expected to be in class on time. Also, students are not expected to leave in the middle of class unless they have given the instructor notice at the beginning of class. Students who wish to be disruptive will be asked to leave and counted absent.

Keys To Success

• Attend class regularly
• Work diligently on each assignment. This will allow you to recognize what topics you have already mastered, and which ones still require more practice.
• Seek help from your instructor at the FIRST sign of trouble.
• If you have problems with homework assignments send an email message to me (dchelst@nj.devry.edu) briefly describing the problem and I will respond with hints about the assignments. I read my email several times a day.
• Make Friends!!! - This cannot be overstated