Math 121 College Algebra

General Information: Math 121-College Algebra includes the study of equations, inequalities and systems of equations. Functions and their graphs are introduced including polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic. Prerequisite: Math 120 with a minimum grade of CR or adequate score on placement exam.

Textbook: The textbook used in this course is College Algebra 3^rd Edition, by Robert Blitzer, Pearson Education, 2004. We will also make use of Texas Instruments (TI) graphing calculators. The instructor will use the TI-83 or TI-83 Plus. It is possible for you to use a graphing calculator of a different kind provided you know how to use it. I am not familiar with all the calculators out there, and I can only guarantee that I can help you use the calculator if you use the ones I use. If you do not have a graphing calculator the one you should purchase is the TI-83+ or TI-84. The UNM VC Math Department has a classroom limited number of TI-83's that can be checked out by students during the semester. If you would like to check out a calculator for the semester, please notify me right away. These calculators are available on a first-come, first-serve basis as long as they last and are available to all students in courses which require the calculators, so you need to ask quickly if you want to check one out. The UNM-VC Library and Learning Center have graphing calculators that can be checked out on reserve and must be used on the premises (yes, that means you cannot take them home). If you choose to use these calculators instead of purchasing your own, you will be responsible for making the time to use them in the Library or Learning Center when graphing calculators are required for homework.

Math 121 Online will make use of My Math Lab to access the course online. My Math Lab access codes are included with new textbooks, but if you have purchased a used textbook you can still purchase My Math Lab separately at the bookstore. My Math Lab is not optional. You will need the access codes to access the course online.

Course Objectives: 1. Students will develop an understanding of the presented mathematical concepts and improve their skills in algebraic manipulation; 2. Students will improve their ability to organize material and present it in an orderly manner; 3. Students will develop and improve their ability to set up and solve a variety of problems through the use of problem-solving skills and techniques.

Course Requirements:
Instructional Methods: Online Resources for practice, homework, and chapter exams. On campus Mid-Term and Final Exams.

Attendance: Students do not need to attend a class. This is intended as a online course where students follow the prescribed course of study from their personal computers.

Homework	10% of grade	Grading Scale	91-100 A
Chapter Tests	10% of grade		81-90 B
Textbook Assignments	20% of grade		71-80 C
Mid-Term Exam	20% of grade		60-70 D
Final Exam	40% of grade		Below 60 F
A minimum grade of 60% must be earned on the Final Exam in order to receive a grade of C or better in the course.

Homework exercises are available online. Additional suggested exercises from the textbook are provided at the end of this syllabus. Homework will be available to be completed one week past the due date. Any homework completed later than one week past the due date will not be accepted.

Textbook Assignments are listed at the end of this syllabus. They can be completed by sending email or by turning them in to the instructor (or to the front desk in the academic office) on the due date. Late assignments will not be accepted.

The Mid-Term Exam will evaluate course objectives covered through the first half of the semester. Students must come in to the Learning Center to take the Mid-Term Exam. You should contact Lucille Farrington at 925-8931 to set up an appointment to take the Mid-Term Exam.

The Final Exam will be cumulative and will evaluate all course objectives covered throughout the semester. Students must come in to the Learning Center to take the Final Exam. You should contact Lucille Farrington at 925-8931 to set up an appointment to take the Final Exam.

Students with Special Needs: If you have a special need, please inform me as soon as possible to ensure that those needs are met in a timely manner.

Other Assistance Facilities: The UNM Valencia Campus Library provides a quiet atmosphere for study as well as research materials and equipment. In addition, The Learning Center (TLC) and the Open Computer Lab (V123) provide free access to word processors, email, Internet access and other software that students may find useful in the course of their studies. Both the UNM-VC Library and the Learning Center have Video CD's with lectures from your textbook available for your use should you need additional instruction. TLC also provides tutoring at no charge for all Valencia Campus students. If you feel you need a tutor, you may set up a regular time for tutoring, make occasional appointments for tutoring, or ask to see a tutor on a walk-in basis without an appointment. The Learning Center phone number is 925-8900. Please make it a point to become familiar with all of these facilities and the assistance they have to offer you, particularly in connection with this course. I believe you will find them extremely helpful.