Prof. Keely's Faculty Web ~ Clark College, Vancouver WA

MATH 111 College Algebra
Fall 2011 ~ Spring 2012

This is a vital document, a contract between student and instructor. Read it thoroughly! This syllabus contains class-specific information. It is supplemented by the MATH ONLINE SYLLABUS which contains information relevant to ALL of Prof. Keely's math online courses. You must read carefully and abide by both documents.

Course Description:

Class: College Algebra MATH 111, item #3323 section 1DL, 5 credits, fall 2011
Class: College Algebra MATH 111, item #0000 section 1DL, 5 credits, spring 2012

This is a challenging technical course primarily intended for those in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) majors. It is a preparatory class for the four-term STEM calculus sequence. Only those needing to take MATH& 151 should enroll. See Which Math Course is Right for Me? for more information.

The goal of the class is not only to learn college algebra but also to improve your critical thinking and problem solving abilities. This fast-paced course focuses on functions and graphs as an extension of that learned in an intermediate algebra class. We will study polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs. We will also cover systems of linear and nonlinear equations and inequalities, matrices, conic sections, sequences, and series.

The quantitative skills requirement of the general education distribution is met by this course.

Prerequisites:

This online course requires a basic knowledge of computers and the internet.

Prerequisite to Math 111: Intermediate Algebra (Clark's math 093 or 095) passed with a grade of at least "C" or qualifying score on the placement test. The mathematics division recommends that you have recently taken and passed Intermediate Algebra with a grade of at least "B".

Course Materials:

REQUIRED: MyMathLab Student Access Kit (ISBN 032119991X / 9780321199911)

MyMathLab access to the online text and testing center is REQUIRED. MyMathLab is an online course delivery system provided by the textbook publisher. In MyMathLab you can read the complete textbook online, watch video lectures, work interactive tutorial exercises, and take tests. See box below for purchasing options, registration directions, and MyMathLab course ID code.

ATTENTION NEW MYMATHLAB USERS: Once you open the package you may not be able to get a refund. Don't open the access kit until you are sure that you want to take this class.

ATTENTION PREVIOUS MYMATHLAB USERS: If you already have an unexpired MyMathLab access code from a previous course with the same textbook you do not need to buy another one. See the link in the box below for directions on how to change your course ID code.

OPTIONAL TEXT: College Algebra 5th edition by Robert Blitzer (ISBN 0321559835 / 9780321559838) The entire textbook is available online in printable electronic form through MyMathLab so buying a hard copy textbook is optional and unnecessary unless you really want one. If you do opt to buy the hard copy text new, it comes bundled with MyMathLab access. If you buy the hard copy text used you will have to purchase the MyMathLab Student Access Kit separately.

ATTENTION STUDENTS WHO HAVE THE STEWART TEXT: If you already have College Algebra by Stewart/Redlin/Watson (used in on-campus 111 classes), then you may use it to study from rather than the text listed above, but you are still required to have MyMathLab access since the tests are conducted in MyMathLab.

OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENT: GOLDen Mathematics: College Algebra by Sally Keely. Available from www.lulu.com/skeely downloadable by chapter/topic (under $20 total). See FAQs - GM ebooks for more detailed information.

FREE ONLINE OPEN SOURCE TEXTS: Free open source textbooks/notes are available online that may be useful in your studies including PurpleMath.com - Lessons (scroll down to "Advanced Algebra Topics") and The Math Page - Topics in Precalculus.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: See MathOL Syllabus - Tech Reqs.