Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Sample Syllabus Math 20 Online

Course Syllabus

• Online Math 20 – Basic Math-4 credits

• ALEKS Class Code: _______

• Term and Year

• CRN# _____

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Diane Edwards

• Office and Mailbox: Rock Creek Campus, Bldg 2, room 244

• Phone: 971-722-7256

• Fax: 971-722-7887

• Campus Address: (For students coming to campus to take tests or to deliver handwritten homework)

 

Diane Edwards

Building 2, Room 244

Portland Community College

Rock Creek Campus

17705 NW Springville Road

Portland Or, 97229

• Mailing Address: (For Students Mailing Handwritten Homework)

 

Diane Edwards

Building 2, Room 244

Rock Creek Campus

PO Box 19000

Portland Or, 97280-0990

• Website: http://www.pcc.edu/staff/index.cfm/552,html

• Office Hours: Thursdays, 11:00 – 12:30pm

• Study Sessions: Math 20 Study Sessions in the Student Learning Center (7/218): Tuesdays, 11:30am – 12:20pm

Course Prerequisites

ABE 0782 or placement into MTH 20 and RD 80 or ESOL 250.

Course Description

Use of fractions, decimals, percents, integers, and measurements.  Manipulate, interpret and solve application and formula problems.  Introduce concepts of basic statistics.

 

This course is taught in an online format.  However, students will be required to take two on-site exams.  See, “Exams” below for details.

Intended Course Outcomes

1. Choose and perform accurate arithmetic computations in a variety of situations with and without a calculator.

2. Creatively and confidently apply mathematical problem solving strategies.

3. Meet the prerequisite for future course work.

Required Materials

• Basic College Mathematics.  ——-  Miller.  3rd edition bundled with Alex Access Code.

 

You may purchase the book in either e-book or hard copy form. To purchase the e-book (approximately $78) follow the Aleks directions on the week 1 learning module instructions, or, purchase the bundled text and Aleks access code (approximately $97.40) from the PCC Rock Creek bookstore. If you choose the e-book option and want a hard copy of the book, you can buy a loose leaf version online for an additional $15 directly from Aleks.

 

NOTE: You can sign into Aleks and have access to the e-book with a two-week temporary access code. If you do not have an Aleks code you can use the following temporary access code, and follow the directions in the login video (week 1 learning module) to begin work immediately: Code: _____.  You can use this two week temporary code when you initially sign up for Aleks. if you do not have a book yet, if you haven’t decided on whether you want the hard copy book or ebook, or if you are not sure if this is the class for you, even if you have the book.  You’ll have two weeks to either input the code that came with your purchased textbook, or to purchase Aleks access online, (which will include the ebook.)  If you bought the book, have the access code, and are sure you’re going to stay in this class, you can use your purchased code, instead of the temporary code when you first sign up for Aleks.

• Calculator: Scientific calculator with fraction capabilities required.  A TI-30X II is recommended.  A calculator will be needed for the final exam.  Calculators will generally not be used until after week 6, and then they will be used very selectively under specified circumstances.  The course is designed to be completed without relying on the calculator.

Communication (in Desire2Learn)

E-mail: We will be communicating via Desire2Learn e-mail. You are encouraged to contact me via e-mail.  There is a Mail link at the top right of this class homepage that is used to read and reply to messages. However, to send me an email, you would first click on “Classlist”, then choose my name and proceed.  I am online M-F.  I am not usually online during the weekend. Additionally, although I may reply promptly to your email, it will sometimes take 24 – 48 hours before I reply.  If it takes longer, please send me a reminder email.

 

Private e-mail is used when you want to communicate only with me. The Discussions link is used to participate in the Discussion of the Week topics.

 

Note:  In the event that Desire2Learn is unavailable, I can be reached through my MyPCC email account at dedwards@pcc.edu.

 

Online Etiquette:  It is expected that students use appropriate grammar, accurate spelling, punctuation and complete sentences when communicating. Keep in mind that you are in a college setting, communicating in an academic environment. Avoid any text message type communication.

Course Format and Routine Assignments

The class will be a combination of assigned work and Knowledge Checks using ALEKS online technology, Textbook Homework, Chapter Practice Quizzes, discussion posts in Desire2Learn, syllabus assessment and 2 on-site exams.   Students will be given specific deadlines for completing all required work.  All of your required work can be found in weekly learning modules in D2L-Content.

Handwritten Homework

Your Handwritten Homework will include textbook homework and practice quizzes as assigned in weekly learning modules.  You must show your work using proper formatting for full credit.

 

Handwritten Homework will be submitted and checked four times:  twice through the dl2 ASSIGNMENT and twice in person, at both on-site, proctored exams.   You must bring copies of your assigned Handwritten Homework to each onsite exam.  You will be expected to arrive early or to stay late for the on-site exams to meet with me to grade and go over your Handwritten Homework.  For full credit, all Handwritten Homework must be neat, orderly, use proper formatting and be corrected.

 

Any student who lives outside of the greater Portland/Vancouver area who is taking the exams off-site are required to submit copies of his/her Handwritten Homework by the exam date.  Handwritten Homework copies can be mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed.  Please my mailing address at the top of the syllabus.  NOTE:  Handwritten Homework must reach my office by the exam date in order to earn full credit.

 

Additional Assignments:  Other assignments may be assigned as determined by the instructor. For example, students scoring below 70% on the final will be assigned additional practice homework.  This assignment will be turned in at the final exam.

Discussion Posts (in Desire2Learn)

You will be required to participate on the Discussions Board located under Discussions in Desire2Learn. You need to post a thoughtful response under each discussion topic (5 points) and also respond to one other student’s response (5 points) by Sunday at 11:59pm (Pacific Standard Time) of each week.   If you have not responded during that week by the deadline, you will receive no credit. Be sure to use complete sentences, correct grammar and punctuation.

On-Site Exams – PCC Rock Creek Campus

There are two scheduled on-site exams as required by the Portland Community College Math Department.  The first on-site exam will be given Friday, February 17, at either 3pm or 6pm.  The second on-site exam is the final exam.  You may choose to take the final on either Tuesday, March 21, at 6:00pm or Wednesday, March 22, at 9:00am. Both exams will be taken on the Rock Creek Campus.

The first midterm exam is an approximately one hour, on-site, no-notes, no-calculator, proctored exam that covers whole numbers, and operations with fractions. The midterm will cover Chapters 1,2 3,4, & 10. Grading will take up to one week from the scheduled testing dates. Missed exams may not be made up.  The final exam percentage will be used for the both the midterm and the final if the midterm is missed.  Please inform me if you miss the final.

 

The final exam is a two hour, no-notes, on-site, proctored exam. It will consist of two parts, a no-calculator section and a calculator section. The final exam will cover Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. You may take the final exam early, with no penalty, if you have completed all of your required work.   You are responsible to arrange testing times and dates if you are taking your proctored tests in another location.  You must take your final exam by the posted exam dates.  The final exam is mandatory, no exceptions.

Students in the greater Portland/Vancouver area must take these exams during the given dates and times at PCC’s Rock Creek Campus, 17705 SW Springville Rd., Portland, Oregon.  If this is an extremely significant hardship, request to take the exams elsewhere may be made via email during the first two weeks of the term.  Requests will be considered on an individual basis.

 

Students  living significantly outside of this area are responsible for arranging an agreed upon site, such as a local college or library, to take both on-site exams.  These arrangements need to be made and an email to me with the name of the proctor, the institution, and their email address needs to be sent.   Your special testing accommodations need to be made by the third week of the term. Please email me via d2l email today with questions regarding this requirement.  Note:  Your Handwritten Homework must arrive in my mailbox by the exam dates.  See the top of the syllabus for my mailing address.

 

For all students living inside the greater Portland/Vancouver area:  Make certain that you can be at Rock Creek at the scheduled time to take your exams!

Course Grade

Values for Regular Class Assignments Points

Syllabus Assignment 10

Aleks Chapter Completion (9 at 20 points each) 180

Handwritten Homework

First Submission (D2L Dropbox) – Chapters 1 and 2 35

Second Submission (In-Person) – Chapters 3 and 4 40

Third Submission (D2L Dropbox) – Chapters 5 and 6 40

Fourth Submission (In-Person) – Chapters 7/8 and 9 35

150

Discussion Points (6 weekly posts at 10 points each) 60

On-site Proctored Midterm Exam 250

On-site Proctored Final Exam 350

Total Points Possible 1000

 

Grade Scale

• A: 90% to 100%

• B: 80% to 89%

• C: 70% to 79%

• D: 60% to 69%

• F: less than 60%

*NOTE: The onsite midterm and final account for 60% of your grade.

 

**NOTE:  A minimum 60% or above on the final exam is required to pass the class regardless of your total points and your grade going into the final.

Grade Options

It is strongly suggested that you meet with your advisor prior to choosing an audit, or pass/no pass grade option.

 

Audit: Students may choose to Audit this class no later than the Friday of the first week of class.

 

Pass/No Pass:  Students may choose the pass/no pass option by the last Friday of the eighth week of the term.

 

Incomplete:  This grade is only an option under extremely rare circumstances.  The student must have successfully completed most of the term, and an extreme event must have occurred that prevents the student from completing the last portion of the term.   Medical or other appropriate documentation will be requested upon the consideration of an incomplete grade.  Incomplete grades are not given to students who need more time to finish the term, or who are not currently passing.

See the PCC Grading Guidelines

See the PCC Add/Drop Deadlines

Option to Finish Term Early

Most of you will be working diligently to finish the term successfully on time.  However, some of you, (likely, those of you for whom the class is a recent review), may be in a position to finish the class early.  You may complete all of the work early and take the exams early to finish the class.  If algebra is also a review for you, you may even begin and finish math 60 work during this term.  Contact me via D2L email if you would like to consider this option.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is a course requirement. I encourage student collaboration and study groups but you must submit your own original work and exams

 

For further information, and to see PCC’s Academic Integrity Policy and the Code of Student Conduct.

Learning and Technical Resources

On-Campus Tutoring: All PCC campuses have student learning centers. The Student Learning Center at the Rock Creek Campus is in Bldg 7, room 218. Tutors are available at no charge to help students with math and other subjects.  DON’T WAIT TO GET HELP.  GET IT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU NEED IT.  Remember, there are weekly math 20 study sessions every Tuesday from 11:30-12:20pm in 7/218.

 

Online Tutoring: PCC offers free online math tutoring. This is a great resource to take advantage of!  The online tutoring link is:  http://www.pcc.edu/resources/tutoring/etutor/

 

Additional Online Resources: You can always search online for any specific topic on the web.   There are endless math videos and written documents that can help you to better understand any concept.

Technical Resources:

• Desire2Learn Technical Resource: 971-722-8222. It is a really wise idea to put this phone number on your textbook or computer!

• ALEKS Resources: 714-619-7090 http://support.aleks.com

Cellular Phone Statement

All cell phones and pagers should be turned off while testing. If you feel you have special circumstances, and need to leave your phone or pager on, it must be turned to vibrate or silent. Note also that cell phone calculators will not be allowed during the exams.

Disability Services (ADA)

Instructional ADA statement -Students who experience disability-related barriers should contact Disability Services [www.pcc.edu/disability]. If students elect to use approved academic adjustments, they must provide in advance formal notification from Disability Services to the instructor.

Title IX Statement

Title IX Statement: Portland Community College is committed to creating and fostering a learning and working environment based on open communication and mutual respect. If you believe you have encountered sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at (971) 722-5840 or equity.inclusion@pcc.edu

 

Equal Opportunity Link: www.pcc.edu/about/affirmative-action/EEOstatement.html

 

Children on PCC Properties Link: www.pcc.edu/about/policy/student-rights/student-rights.pdf#children

Final Notes

Aleks set-up: When you sign into Aleks for the first time, make sure to use your pcc.edu email in order to receive your ALEKS ID and Password.  Directions to sign up are in the week 1 learning module.

 

Chapter 10: We cover chapter 10 after chapter 4. Additionally, you will review material from chapter 10 continuously throughout the term. Material from chapter 10 will be on both the midterm and the final exam.

 

Flexibility Statement: The course content and requirements may be adjusted in response to institutional, weather, or class situations as needed.

 

Errors:  If you find errors anyplace in the course, please let me know. With this much information, there are sure to be some!