Course Description:

Basic Mathematics is a course for students whose placement and diagnostic tests indicate a need to review and strengthen basic mathematics skills.  The course will consist of a study of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, exponents and order of operations, ratio and proportion, percent, measurement and the metric system, introductory statistics, and graphs.  Emphasis will be placed on word problems that involve applications of the above topics.  To exit this course you must earn a minimum grade of C.  The next required course would then be DSPM 0800 Elementary Algebra.

Course Objectives:

These objectives will be evaluated by the student's performance on tests and a comprehensive final examination after classroom explanation and examples.  On the successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1.

 round a whole number or decimal number.

2.

 add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers.

3.

 evaluate expression involving powers and roots.

4.

 use the distributive property to write equivalent expressions.

5.

 simplify expressions using the order of operations.

6.

 add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions.

7.

 add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals.

8.

 add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers.

9.

 evaluate algebraic expressions when given values for the variables.

10.

 solve a linear equation in one variable involving two operations.

11.

 write a ratio, a proportion, and solve a proportion for an unknown value.

12.

 determine the other equivalent forms of the number when given a fraction, decimal number, or percent.

13.

 solve problems involving a percent.

14.

 determine the area, volume, and perimeter (or circumference) of simple geometric figures.

15.

 determine the mean, median, mode, and range for a given set of data.

16.

 interpret the meaning of a bar, circle, or line graph.

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

 Satisfactory ACT or placement test scores

Student Responsibilities and Conduct

1.

Each student is expected to attend class and to be on time for each class meeting. Entering or leaving a class during class time is inconsiderate to the instructor and other class members please avoid any unnecessary disturbances. All pagers and cell phones should be silenced during class.  Attendance will be checked at various times during the class. 

2.

No tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

3.

Each student is expected to read the textbook and complete all homework assignments

4

A student needing additional help should talk to the instructor to set up an appointment for help.  Do not allow yourself to get behind.  A student who needs additional help can:

a.

study the solutions manual located at each site in the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) or Library (LRC)

b.

view the video tapes located at each site in the TLC or LRC

c.

Seek tutorial support in the TLC

4.

As a general rule, you will not be allowed to drop this course or any other Developmental Studies course.  Before dropping, seek the advice of your Financial Aid Counselor, your instructor and/or the Director of the Developmental Studies Program. A student not completing the course will receive a grade of "F" if official withdrawal procedures are not followed.  Please see the CoSCC Catalog for instructions.  The last date to withdraw without a failing mark is published in the course schedule.

5.

If an error in grading is suspected, please talk to the instructor at the end of the class period.  Mistakes can occur and should be brought to the instructor's attention.  Students have the responsibility of keeping all graded material that is returned, in case there is a question.

6.

A student not completing the course will receive a grade of "F" if official withdrawal procedures are not followed.  Please see the CoSCC Catalog for instructions.  The last date to withdraw without a failing mark is published in the course schedule.

7.

Cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.  The instructor has the authority to assign a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an "F" in the course if there is academic misconduct.  Please see the CoSCC Catalog.

8.

Five announced tests will be given during the semester.  If you know in advance of an absence on test day (especially on a school-related trip), please contact the instructor.  If you have extenuating circumstances on the day of a test and are unable to take the test, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor prior to the test.  There are NO make-ups!

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks

Prealgebra by Lial and Hestwood published by Addison Wesley 3rd Edition with MyMathLab, 2006. ISBN 0321279336

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures

On test day, you will be asked to leave your book bags, purses, and books along the walls of the classroom.  You should only have your pencils, erasers, and calculator to your seat.  You will also be asked to leave an empty seat between you and your neighbor.

Grading Procedure

Grading Scale

The grades in this class will have these components:

ë     5%   Attendance

ë     A    90 – 100%

ë     10%  Homework

ë     B    80 – 89%

ë     10%  Quizzes

ë     C   70 – 79%

ë     75%  Tests/  Final Exam

ë     F    0 – 69%

Assignments and Participation

Attendance and Participation:

Each student will receive 5 points for each day that you are in class on time, 3 points if you are reasonably tardy (i.e. 10 minutes).   

(5% of 100 possible points)

Homework:

Homework will be checked on a daily basis.  For each section covered in class, there are assigned homework problems.  Complete homework assignments will receive 10 points.  Incomplete homework will receive a zero.  Homework can be turned in anytime prior to the test in order to earn credit. Homework can be completed using your book and working with paper and pen OR online.  Late homework is unacceptable.

(10% of 100 possible points)

Quizzes:

There will be daily quizzes.  These quizzes will consist of no more than two (2) homework problems.  Each question is worth 5 points.  There are NO MAKEUP quizzes.  Quizzes can be completed in class or online.

(10% of 100 possible points)

Tests

Courtesies

Each student is responsible for his/her own conduct.  Students are expected to be respectful of the instructor and classmates at all times.

The taking of all announced tests and the final examination is required to pass the course.

Grades are not mailed to students.  You must access grades through Web for Students (www.Columbiastate.edu) five (5) working days after grades are required in Admissions.  Students needing official copies of grades must request it in writing from the Office of Admissions and Records.  Call the transcript information line at (931) 540-2550 for detailed instructions.   Students may print a copy of their grades from Web for Students. 

In the event of an emergency, please follow the instructions of the instructor.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students are encouraged to register with Counseling/Disability Services (931-540-2572) for possible assistance with accommodations.  It is the student’s responsibility to voluntarily and confidentially provide appropriate documentation regarding the nature and extent of a disability.  Students requesting special accommodations are (strongly) encouraged to contact Counseling/Disability Services at the beginning of the semester