Syllabus
Math
090 Workshop
Rice
Office:
SEO 631
Phone: 312/413-3742 or call the Math Dept and leave a message – 312/996-3041
Web-site: www.math.uic.edu/~mrice
e-mail: mrice@math.uic.edu
The answers to most of your questions will be answered on my web-site or in
class. e-mail messages should be rare and in case of emergency. If absolutely
necessary, any e-mail to me should have under the subject: Math 090 Wkshop.
Otherwise there is a good chance it will be deleted without being read.
Text: Intermediate Algebra by K. Elayn Martin-Gay, 5th edition, Pearson-Prentice-Hall,
Software: MyMathLab. Required (Free with purchase of NEW text from UIC
bookstore.) Or it can be purchased separately by going to:
http://students.pearson.com Click “register” and follow the on-screen
directions. A major credit card is necessary. Your course I.D. will be sent to you
via e-mail or given to you in class.
Calculator: A scientific calculator is required
Course Description: Graphs of linear inequalities and systems of linear inequalities;
Absolute value; Systems of Equations, Rational expressions, Rational exponents,
Radicals and complex numbers; Quadratic Equations and functions; Exponential
and logarithmic functions; Circles; Nonlinear systems of equations
. No credit towards
graduation is given. However, a grade of S is required to obtain proficiency for
Math 090
Format of course: This course will not be run in the traditional manner. In a traditional
course, the student attends lecture classes, takes notes, listens and concentrates
attentively. The student then goes home to review the class notes, read the text
and do the written home work. In this class the procedure will be just reversed.
The student will view video lectures on MyMathLab before coming to class. The
student can view the videos as many times as necessary to fully understand the
material. The videos can be re-wound, or fast forwarded as desired to gain full
understanding. Notes will be taken on concepts and example problems (just as if
attending a lecture class). In class, students will be working on guided practice
problems via MyMathLab or in study groups with the instructor and T.A.’s
circulating to answer questions and give help. Although a sample calendar will be
given tracking sections to be completed on a daily basis in order to complete the
course on time, each student can progress at his/her own rate. Thus in class not
all students will be working on the same problems at the same time. It is
important to notice that all videos, practice problems and tests (with the exception
of the final exam) can be done on the computer based software, MyMathLab, and
thus can be done at home, in the dorm, on campus or anywhere there is a
computer, 24/7.
Time and Study Commitment:, Up to three or four sections in the text must be
mastered each class session. Thus a students must make a sincere time and study
commitment to be successful in the course. It is anticipated that a student will
have to devote a MINIMUM of 10 hours per week outside of class to the study of math.
Attendance: Regular attendance is required. If a student misses three or more classes the
instructor has the right to drop the student from the workshop.
Tests: There will be five tests plus a final exam. The tests will be done on MyMathLab.
The final exam will be written, not on MyMathLab.
Criteria To Pass: A grade of 72% or better must be achieved on each of the five chapter
tests, form B, on MyMathLab, submitted within the proper time frame. A grade of 72% or better on each of the five tests must be achieved in order to be eligible to take the final exam. Each test is worth 100 points. The final exam is worth 200 points, giving a total of 700 possible points. 490 points or more are required to pass.
Procedure: A calendar will be given showing which sections to master each class period.
Log on to MyMathLab
1) Click on “Taking a Test” and do the form A of a chapter test as a pre-test.
2) After taking the pre-test, click on “Submit” at the lower right hand corner of
the screen.
3) Return to MyMathLab home page. Click on “Study Plan”. Those sections
with a pencil icon next to it are the sections you need to work on in order to
master the material. You do not have to work on sections showing a graduation hat.
4) Watch the video lectures on MyMathLab, one at a time, for the sections
indicated in step 3.
5) After watching the video lecture for a section, do the guided practice problems
in Study Plan for that section until you feel you know the material. You only have to do what is necessary for you to understand and master the material.Make use of the options on the right of the screen: Help me solve this problem, show me a video presentation of the solutions, etc.
6) Proceed through the chapter in this manner.
7) Take the B form of the chapter test. Don’t forget to submit it. You must get 72% or
better on each form B test and it must be completed in a timely manner. Stay
abreast of the calendar given to you or, better, work ahead if possible.
8) If you did not get 72% or better on a B form of the chapter test, repeat steps 3 through
7. You can take a test as many times as necessary in order to get the grade you
want. We will record only the highest score of each form B test but the grade
must be 72% or higher (always strive for 100%).
Any time during the seven weeks, after you have presented each chapter
test, form B, with a grade of 72% or better, you can elect to take the final exam.
The final exam can be taken only once and must be taken under the direction of
your instructor. Make an appointment to take the final exam. Thus,
theoretically, you can complete the course in less than the prescribed 7 weeks if
you can complete all requirements. If the final is not taken during the first seven
weeks, it must be taken at the prescribed date and time in the eighth week (final
exam week) as directed by the instructor.
Students with disabilities: If you require accommodations for access and
participation in this course you must be registered with the Office of Disability
Services (ODS). Please contact ODS at 312/413-2103 (Voice) or
312/413-0123 (TTY)