Frederick Community College
MA 090
PRE-ALGEBRA
Instructor:
Office: Office Hours:
Phone Number:
e-mail:
Last day to drop:
Course Description: Develops basic arithmetic and pre-algebra skills. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ration and proportion, integers, algebraic expressions and linear equations.
Credits: 0
Prerequisites:
Core Learning Outcomes: You will be able to
1. perform calculations with fractions
2. perform calculations with decimals
3. solve ratio and proportion problems
4. solve percent problems
5. perform calculations with integers
6. solve linear equations
7. apply algebraic methods to problem solving
Course Texts and Resources: Developmental Mathematics : 6th edition Bittinger and Beecher
A. Read each section of text and work the margin exercises when directed to do so. Work the assigned problems in each exercise set. If you are having trouble, see your instructor. DO NOT GO ON TO THE NEXT SECTION IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THE SECTION YOU ARE WORKING ON.
B. Answers to margin exercises are in the back of the text.
C. Answers to all odd numbered exercises and all problems in the chapter review and test are in the back of the book. Answers to even numbered exercises are available in the Math Lab.
D. Solutions to the problems are in the Student's Solution Manual, (available in the bookstore or the Math Lab) and the Instructor Solution Manual (available in the Math Lab).
E. Video tapes may be viewed in the math lab or checked out.
F. Extra practice sheets are available for purchase in the book store or may be accessed online at http://frederick.blackboard.com login: mathlab password: algebra
G. Online tutoring and practice site, videos are available at www.mymathlab.com . You must use the pass code packaged with your textbook.
H. Drop-in tutoring is available. The schedule is posted in the math lab.
Instructional Methods: This course is a self‑pacing, individualized instruction course with a minimum mastery level of 80% of the material.
Evaluation:
Completion of chapters 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 which includes 6 tests and a final exam with a cumulative average of 80%. See separate sheet MA 090 Topical Outline for material covered on each test.
You may be required to do other chapters and take those chapter tests based on a diagnostic pretest given the first day of class.
You may be exempted from specific chapter sections and tests based on a diagnostic pretest given the first day of class.
Testing:
After finishing the assigned problems and review work for a chapter, you are ready to take a test in the lab.
A. Tests may be taken at any time the lab is open. However, sufficient time should be allowed for completion, since the test will be graded on the work completed.
B. A cumulative average of 80% is required to pass this course. You may retest on a chapter if you are not satisfied with your grade. You have one retake per chapter. Depending on the number of chapters you are required to do, this could be up to 7 retakes. You may use your retakes any way you choose, but once they are used, you may not retake any other tests. Use them wisely. The highest grade for each chapter will be used to calculate your class average.
C. Answers to test questions are to be written on a separate sheet of paper. All written work done to obtain an answer must be turned in with your test. Number each problem on the work sheet.
D. Write your name, instructors name and class day/time and Chapter number and test form on all papers.
Final Grades:
You must have a cumulative average of 80% to pass this course.
Final grades will be assigned as follows: A, B, Z, or F
A. To receive a grade of A or B, complete all of the chapter tests and final exam. A: 90‑100, B: 80‑89
B. If you complete all required tests and your cumulative average is less than 80%, you may use all retests remaining to try to raise your average by retaking any chapter test(s). If the semester is over, you will get a Z grade and will need to enroll in the completion workshop or register for the next semester to retake tests that are less than 80%. In the following semester, you will again have 2 opportunities to test on each chapter.
C. A grade of Z will be given at the instructor's discretion to students who have not completed the course but who have met the following conditions:
1. Student has completed at least 4 tests.
2. Student has missed no more than 5 hours of class.
3. Student has put forth extra effort to complete the work (used class time and math lab resources effectively, asked for extra help, etc.).
E. The grade of F is assigned when fewer than four tests are completed or when a student does not satisfy the requirements for a Z grade.
F. A student who withdraws, fails, or receives a Z grade may enroll for the course the following semester and start where/he she left off, complete the remaining tests and then receive the grade earned. The student will have 2 opportunities to test on each chapter. If the course is not completed within the following 2 semesters, the student must start over again at the beginning of the course.
NOTE: Your grade in this course does not count in your GPA. However, this course is subject to satisfactory academic progress standards. Students who are identified as not having made satisfactory academic progress will be placed on academic probation.
Progress Report: You should be keeping a record of your tests scores on the attached form so that you have a record of your progress in the course. If you follow the topical outline, you should have 3 test grades before the 6th week of class.
Attendance Policy: The College attendance policy states: "Students are expected to attend all class sessions except in cases of emergency, religious holidays or participation in official College functions. In these cases, notification or verification, if requested, well be given to the instructor by the student."
You are expected to attend every class so that you can receive help from your instructor and stay on schedule. Missing more than 5 hours of class will affect your grade if you do not finish the course.
RECORD OF TESTS AND
GRADES
Retests used 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (cross off as retests are taken)
CHAPTER TESTS RETESTS
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Highest Grade |
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Chap 2 |
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Chap 3 |
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Chap 4 |
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Chap 7 |
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Chap 8-1 |
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Chap 8-2 |
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Final |
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Fall
2003