Office Hours: 

Monday	9:30 AM to 10:20 AM
Tuesday	2:30 PM to 3:20 PM
Wednesday	9:30 AM to 10:20 AM
Thursday	2:30 PM to 3:20 PM
Friday	9:30 AM to 10:20 AM

Or by Appointment

Course Objectives: To provide the student with

1. A review of basic algebra concepts.
2. An opportunity to learn and apply new algebraic concepts.
3. An understanding and appreciation of the logical sequence of a mathematical system.
4. An opportunity to employ computing technology in learning and using algebra.
5. The mathematical preparation for higher level mathematics and science courses.

Couse Outline of Instruction: http://wids.matcmadison.edu/20804212.pdf

Attendance: This is the responsibility of each student. Any exam missed without adequate notification and explanation will result in an automatic grade of zero. Assignments which are due will not be accepted late. There are no Exceptions to these rules!!

Grading: Five separate sources will contribute to your grade in this course:

1. The four highest scores on five projects each worth 40 points.
2. Two group labs each worth 50 points.
3. The eight highest scores on ten in-class computing labs each worth 5 points.
4. Five hour exams each worth 100 points.
5. A comprehensive final exam worth 200 points.

Thus, the final grade will be based on a maximum of 1000 points as indicated on the scorecard.   Note: Any  exam missed counts as a score of zero, as does any assignment not handed in when due. Since the lowest project and the lowest two computing labs are dropped, these are all that you can afford to miss. Exams may always be taken early to avoid conflicts, but at least a three-day notice is required. Makeup exams will be available. Any student may take the makeup exam in my office by appointment within a specified time limit (usually one week) after the original exam. The makeup score will always replace the original score.

The following final point totals are guaranteed as minimum grade requirements:

These minimum values may be lowered if results warrant. In borderline situations class participation, attendance, the trend of exam scores, etc., may be used to justify the higher grade.

Assignments: This is not necessarily a difficult course. However, it does assume a working knowledge of basic algebra. It will also involve a good deal of work.. It will be nearly impossible for you to learn and master the content of this course without practice. In this regard, there will be two kinds of assignments.

1. Working assigned exercises associated with the sections of the text covered. It is your responsibility to keep current, as these problems will not be collected.

2. Five projects each worth 40 points, two group labs each worth 50 points, and ten in-class computing labs each worth 5 points. These should be completed as directed and need to be handed in by 2:30 PM of the stated due date.

At that time solutions will be posted at http://faculty.matcmadison.edu/alehnen/CollegeAlgebra/ProjectExamSolutions.htm . After solutions are posted, late assignments will not be accepted. Some assignments involve using Winplot. For help see http://faculty.matcmadison.edu/alehnen/winptut/winpltut.htm .

The file of assignments is available at  http://faculty.matcmadison.edu/alehnen/CollegeAlgebra/projcalf09.pdf .    
   
Calculator/Exam Policies: Handheld calculators should be used on both homework and exams. I strongly recommend, but don't require, a graphing calculator.

Course Content: Chapters R through 6 and Chapter 8 of the text are covered.
 

Unit of Study	Exam Date
I. Review of Basic Concepts and Equations: Chapter R and Sections 1.1 - 1.4	9/10/09
II. Quadratic Equations, Relations, Functions and Graphs: Sections 1.5 - 1.6 and Chapter 2	9/30/09
III. Polynomial and Rational Functions: Chapter 3	10/20/09
IV. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Chapter 4	11/03/09
V. Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Matrices and Matrix Equations: Chapter 5 and Chapter 6	11/25/09
VI. Sequences and Series: Sections 8.1 - 8.4 and 8.7	--------

The date and time of the comprehensive final exam will be announced later in the semester.

Due Dates:
 

Computing Lab 1 8/31/09	Project 1 9/09/09	Computing Lab 2 9/16/09	Computing Lab 3 9/21/09	Computing Lab 4 9/24/09	Project 2 9/29/09
Computing Lab 5 10/08/09	Computing Lab 6 10/15/09	Project 3 10/19/09	Computing Lab 7 10/26/09	Computing Lab 8 10/28/09	Project 4 11/02/09
Computing Lab 9 11/16/09	Group Lab 1 11/12/09	Computing Lab 10 11/23/09	Project 5 11/24/09	Group Lab 2 due at the Final Exam

It is my sincere desire that you will succeed in this course. I hope you will have questions, comments and suggestions! If you find yourself getting lost and/or behind please come see me for help before it is too late.