Math 0920 Syllabus

Spring 2015
INSTRUCTOR: Celestina N. Punzalan (Cellie)
E-MAIL: c.punzalan@slcc.edu
punzalce@yahoo.com
SECTION/ROOM: 009/TB 426
OFFICE: TB 316 J

PHONE: 801-957-4527 (W)

801-840-0964 (H)
TIME/DAYS: 1:00 2:20 pm/MTWTh
OFFICE HOURS: 10:30 11:20 am, MTWTh

TEXT:
Pre-Algebra, 7th Edition Mckeagues textbook (ISBN #9781305319264) bundled with the Printed
Access Code Card AND Fundamental Operations on Fractions by Celestina Punzalan and John Close.
The Practice Test packet (strongly recommended) is available for purchase at the bookstore or available
for free to download at: http://slccmathdepartment.weebly.com/fall-2014-math-0920.html
CALCULATORS:
No calculators are permitted on Chapter 1 and Fractions Booklet Exams. Students are allowed (as per
instructors restrictions) to use calculators provided they show clear/precise work on every problem on
the chapter tests in order to receive full credit for correct answers. No cell phones or devices with
internet connectivity may be used on an exam. Graphing calculators may not also be used on an exam.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course includes whole numbers, fractions, decimals, proportions, percentages and basic geometry.
It also includes integers, linear equations, polynomials, and graphing. Computer-assisted instruction is
available.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Students will demonstrate competency in:
a. adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, integers, fractions, and
decimals;
b. solving problems on proportions and percents;
c. adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials;
d. adding, subtracting, and simplifying square roots;
e. solving and graphing linear equations;
f. applying basic algebraic procedures to solve problems from daily life.
2.
Students will develop confidence and comfort in dealing with mathematical concepts and
symbols.
3.
Students will develop concise analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in
their daily lives.
PREREQUISITE:

None

ATTENDANCE:
Daily attendance is recorded. Attendance is required by some sponsoring agencies (e.g., VA). There is a
very high correlation between attendance and success in any mathematics class. Hence, students should
avoid missing class.

Math 920 Spring 2015 Syllabus

HOMEWORK:
Homework will be all the odd-numbered exercises/application or story problems at the end of each
section covered in class. It is expected that the students work enough problems in each section to gain an
adequate skill level for each topic.
ONLINE PRACTICE:
All students have access to online practice by purchasing the textbook. Your instructor will determine
whether to give points for this online practice. Please check with your instructor for their class key.
If your instructor does not grade the online practice, you can still use the resource course for this class
by going to the following website: www.webassign.net and using the class key: slcc 7911 4398.
WARNING!!! Do not use this class key if your instructor grades online work!! Your instructor will
not have access to this resource course!!
TESTING:
There will be eight chapter tests and a comprehensive committee authorized final exam. All tests will be
taken in class. Students may retake any two of the chapter tests. (The final exam cannot be retaken.)
Retakes must be done BEFORE the final exam. Any test NOT taken in class at the scheduled time,
without prior arrangement with the instructor, will be counted as a retake. Any test can be retaken
only once. The higher of the two scores will count toward the students grade.
GRADING:
80% of the final course grade is determined by tests, homework, and/or quizzes. A maximum of 10% of
the grade will come from homework and/or quizzes, but is determined by the individual instructor. A
comprehensive final exam will account for the other 20% of the grade. Students must earn a minimum
score of 50% on their final exam in order to receive a grade of C- or higher. A weighted percent will be
computed and the final grade will be determined using the following scale:
93 100%
90 - 92%
87 - 89%
83 - 86%

=
=
=
=

A
AB+
B

Math 920 Spring 2015 Syllabus

80 82%
77 79%
73 76%
70 72%

=
=
=
=

BC+
C
C-

67 69% = D+
63 66% = D
60 62% = DBelow 60% = E

LEARNING ASSISTANCE:
When you are struggling with a concept, you have several options:
Your Instructor: Please contact your instructor using the information provided at the top of this
syllabus to arrange time for help.
Learning Center Tutoring: Free drop-in tutoring is available in the Learning Center (Library
Basement on Taylorsville-Redwood campus, 3-174 at South City, and 102 HTC at Jordan).
Focused Tutoring: For extra assistance, consider signing up for Focused Tutoring. Focused
tutoring is a free one-to-one tutoring program for SLCC students offering extra help in math and
science. Students must commit to meet weekly with a tutor. Applications for Focused Tutoring
are available in the Taylorsville-Redwood Learning Center at the Taylorsville-Redwood campus
or contact focusedtutoring@slcc.edu. For more information, go to:
www.slcc.edu/focusedtutoring.
Online tutoring: Online tutoring is availablecontact the Learning Center (801.957.4172) for
more information.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:
All students at SLCC must comply with the Salt Lake Community College Student Code of Conduct:
http://www.slcc.edu/policies/docs/Student_Code_of_Conduct.pdf. In particular, note the Academic
Standards on pages 41 and 42 with regards to cheating, misrepresentation, out-of-class work, and
plagiarism. In compliance with this document, a student who is academically dishonest will receive an E
for this course.
CHEATING:
If you cheat you will lose all possible points on the assignment or for the course, and a letter discussing
the matter may be placed in your student file. Do not cheat, give the appearance of cheating or help
someone else cheat. Cheating is a huge hassle that can result in the loss of points, and/or expulsion from
the class or the college, and can cause problems for you when you try to transfer or seek employment.
CLASSROOM DEPORTMENT:
Each student is responsible for his/her own behavior. Any student who shows a pattern of disrespect for
others, or who at any time displays egregious disrespect for others, will be subject to penalties as per the
Student Code of Conduct.
CELL PHONES:
Please turn off your cell phone during class time. DO NOT accept phone calls while in the classroom.
NO TEXTING!
TRANSFER/ WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
Students may drop the course up through February 2nd, 2015 for a full refund. Students wishing to
transfer to Math 0001 (before February 20th, 2014) can find a transfer form at website:
http://slccmathdepartment.weebly.com. Students may withdraw (with no refund) from the course
through March 24, 2015. No withdrawals will be approved after that date.
PAST FINAL EXAMS:
Copies of past final exams are available on the department site:
http://slccmathdepartment.weebly.com/past-final-exams.html.

INCOMPLETE GRADE:
An incomplete grade is given only if a student has completed a substantial portion of the course work
with a passing grade and is unable to complete the course due to events beyond his/her control.
Documentation will be required for any student seeking an incomplete.
STUDENT SURVEY:
A student survey will be administered at the end of the semester to get feedback from students regarding
their overall perception of what they have learned.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring accommodations or
services under ADA, should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC). The DRC determines
eligibility for and authorizes the provision of these accommodations and services for the college.
Please contact the DRC at the Student Center, Suite 244, Redwood Campus, 4600 So. Redwood
Rd, 84123. Phone: (801) 957-4659, TTY: 957-4646, Fax: 957- 4947 or by drc@slcc.edu.