NORTHWEST- SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GENERAL SYLLABUS

           

TITLE OF COURSE:  Basic Mathematics (MTH 090)

 

DIVISION:  Mathematics, Science, & Technology

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This is a developmental course reviewing arithmetical principles and computations designed to help the student’s mathematical proficiency for selected curriculum entrance. 

 

Hours:

            Credit: 3         Contact: 3       Lecture: 3       Clinical: 0       Lab: 0

 

PRE-REQUISITE(S):   None

 

CO-REQUISITE(S):  None

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S):  Introductory Algebra with Basic Mathematics by Aufmann, Barker & Lockwood, 2nd edition, Houghton Mifflin Co., 1996.

 

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS:  None

 

SUPPLIES:  Any basic scientific calculator is recommended

 

GENERAL EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE(S):     

 

All associate degree graduates would be able to use the mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations needed in their field of study or occupation.  (3)

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  Upon successfully completing Basic Mathematics, the student should be able to:

 

1.      Perform arithmetic operations and use the Order of Operations Agreement on integers.

 

2.      Perform arithmetic operations and use the Order of Operations Agreement on fractions.

 

3.      Perform arithmetic operations and use the Order of Operations Agreement on decimals.

 

4.      Convert between fractions, decimals, and percents.

 

5.      Solve proportions and problems involving percents.

 

6.      Evaluate variable expressions to solve related applied problems such as perimeter and area of a plane geometric figure.

 

7.      Simplify variable expressions.

 

8.      Solve one-step and two-step equations using: Addition, Multiplication, and Distributive Properties.

 

9.      Add and subtract polynomials.

 

METHODS OF EVALUATION: 

 

  1. Course Grade Evaluation: (Minimum of 4 measurements)

A comprehensive final exam will be given and counted toward the student’s final average.  Make-up examinations, as such, will not generally be given. 

                        

  1. Evaluation of General Educational Objectives:  Student success on the General Educational Objective (3) is measured by student performance on each of the course objectives, which require use of mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations.  Performance on each course objective will be evaluated using appropriate problems from the final exam.  Results will be tallied for each course objective.

 

  1. Use of Findings: Instructors will analyze data gathered from the assessment(s) for each course objective and changes will be made based on identified weaknesses.  The math department will meet once every two years to discuss findings and implement strategies to improve department and student performance.

 

OUTLINE OF COURSE TOPICS: 

 

I.          Whole Numbers and Variable Expressions

            A.        Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers

            B.         Exponents

            C.        Rounding and Estimation

            D.        Prime Factorization

            E.         LCM and GCF

            F.         The Order of Operations Agreement

II.         Integers and Variable Expressions

            A.        Order Relations, Opposites & Absolute Value

            B.         Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing Integers

            C.        The Order of Operations Agreement

III.       Fractions

            A.        Proper fractions, improper fractions and mixed numbers.

B.                 Equivalent fractions

C.                 Operations on fractions

D.                 Exponents and the Order of Operations Agreement

IV.       Decimals and Real Numbers

A.                 Place Value

B.                 Operations with decimals.

C.                 Percents, fractions and decimals.

D.                 Real numbers

V.        Variable Expressions

            A.        Simplifying a variable expression

B.         Perimeter and Area

VI.       Solving Equations        

            A.        Addition Property of Equality

            B.         Multiplication Property of Equality

            C.        The Basic Percent Equation

            D.        Rates and Proportions

VII.      Polynomials

            A.        Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials

            B.         Multiplication of Polynomials (Optional)

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT POLICY: It is the policy of Northwest-Shoals Community College to comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. Any student covered under this act needing and desiring reasonable accommodations for this class should notify Linda Waide at 331-5321. See NWSCC catalog for additional details.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Because class attendance is considered to be essential to the accomplishment of course objectives, excessive absences are discouraged. At no time should a student miss more than 20% of the class meetings for a course. These absences also include any absences accrued during late registration. Failure to adhere to the 20% policy may result in a failing grade based on academic performance. Students should discuss with the instructor what is considered “excessive” for a particular course. Any variation of this policy must be approved through the Chief Instructional Officer. A student who is absent due to required participation in a school activity must be allowed to make up work, according to guidelines issued by individual instructors.

 

 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY:  A student who is unable to complete a course is expected to withdraw from that course by the end of 60% of class meetings.  A student who withdraws by the date published in the schedule will receive a grade of “W” for the course.  This withdrawal is done only by student request.  The grade of “W” is allowed regardless of the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal. 

 

After the designated date of class withdrawal, the approval of the Chief Instructional Officer is required prior to allowing a student to withdraw. The determination of “WP” (withdrawal passing) or “WF” (withdrawal failing) will be made by the instructor for the course and is based on the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal.