Normandale Community College

Course Syllabus1
Math 1100-17, College Algebra and Probability, 4 credits
Spring Semester 2010
TH 1:00pm – 3:50pm, C3053

Instructor: Victor Padron

E-mail: Victor.Padron@normandale.edu
Office: C 3120
Phone: (952) 487-7199
Office hours: MWF 2:00pm - 2:50pm, TH 3:00pm – 3:50pm, or by appointment

Course Description: College-level algebra course with analysis and graphing of

functions and emphasis on applications. Linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational,
exponential, and logarithmic functions; combinatorics, probability, inequalities, and
systems of equations. Course is prerequisite for MATH 1200 (Finite Math), MATH 1400
(Survey of Calculus), and MATH 1500 (Pre-Calculus). Not sufficient prerequisite for
calculus sequence (MATH 1510, 1520). This course does not include trigonometry or
conic sections.
Prerequisites: MATH 0700 or 0670 with a grade of C or higher or scoring at MATH
1100 level on placement exam.

Textbook: 1) College Algebra: Graphs & Models by Bittinger, Beecher, et al., 4th
edition, Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.
2) The Probability Supplement by Miller, Heeren, and Hornsby, 11th edition.

The order of the topics and associated chapters in the textbook are as follows:
a) Graphs, Functions, and Models (Chapter 1)
b) More on Functions (Chapter 2)
c) Quadratic Functions and Equations; Inequalities (Chapter 3)
d) Polynomials and Rational Functions (Chapter 4)
e) Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (Chapter 5)
f) Systems of Equations and Matrices (Chapter 6)
g) Sequences and Series (Chapter 8)
h) Counting Methods and Probabilities (Probability Supplement)

Calculators: You will need a programmable graphing calculator for this course. I recommend a
TI-
Test 1: Thursday, February 4
Test 2: Tuesday, March 2
Test 3: Thursday, April 1
Final Exam: 2 PM, Tuesday May 11, C3053

A tentative schedule of readings, and a list of recommended problems, will be distributed.

Homework problems will be assigned and graded on MyMathLab. Quizzes based on
problems similar to some of the recommended problems will be given in almost every
class. Late homework will not be accepted or graded.
The values of the evaluations are broken down as follows:

Homework 10%
Quizzes 10%
Tests 80%

Approximate Grading Scale: A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=65-79%, D=50-64%, F=Below 50%.

Policy on incompletes: A grade of I (incomplete) is a rare occurrence and is reserved for

cases in which a student has completed most of the course work at a C level or better, but
is prevented from completing the course due to extraordinary circumstances.
Makeup policy: Makeup test will be given only for absence due to unavoidable or
legitimate circumstances. Such circumstances include verified illness, subpoenas, jury
duty, military service, and religious observances. Students are responsible for notifying
me of such circumstances as far in advance as possible and for providing documentation
to verify the reason for the absence. There will be not make up for missing homework or
quizzes. Instead, we will drop the two lowest scores of your homework and the three
lowest scores of quizzes.
Drop Dates: Students may withdraw from any course prior the withdrawal deadline
(April 20). If you drop during the first five days of the semester, no mention of the course
appears on your transcript. Otherwise, you receive a "W." Students are encouraged to
confer with their professors and their counselor as part of the official withdrawal process.
Classroom computer use policy: The use of laptop computers and other electronic
devices is not permitted in class without the instructor’s prior approval or a need
documented by the Office of Students Disabilities (OSD.)
Classroom behavior: Civil, respectful classroom behavior is expected at all times.
Behavior which disrupts other students or the instructor is not acceptable. Engaging in
this behavior will result in penalty at my discretion. Disciplinary action may even include
removal from the course or a lowered course grade. Disruptive behavior includes among
other things, inappropriate talking during class, eating noisy or smelly foods, and use of
profanity or aggressive actions. All phones and pagers are to be TURNED OFF during
class.
Academic honesty: Students are expected to be familiar with the Student Code of
Conduct of Normandale Community College: http://www.normandale.edu/conduct/,
including the consequences for students who violate standards of academic honesty.

Other Information
Disability Services and Accessibility: If you qualify to receive classroom
accommodations based on a disability, you must contact the Office for Students with
Disabilities Director, Debbie Tillman, at 952-487-7035 or 952-487-7037 to discuss how
accommodations may be implemented in all of your Normandale classes. The syllabus is
available in alternate format upon request.
Academic Calendar: Be aware of the official Normandale Community College calendar
for: http://www.normandale.edu/calendar/