Intermediate Algebra    
DSPM 0850
3 credit hours 

Course Information
Course Description: This course is final  preparation for college level mathematics. The student learns tools of intermediate algebra including application (word) problems. This is accomplished  through completing homework assignments, quizzes, participating in discussions and optional chat sessions, taking two exams, and using outside links to help and tutorial sites and/or using local college tutors. 
Course Objectives: Each student will learn to:
  1. Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions and solve rational equations
  2. Solve quadratic equations by factoring and the quadratic formula
  3. Solve absolute value equations 
  4. Review slope, factoring, formulas, and other topics
  5. Graph lines and parabolas
  6. Graph linear inequalities
  7. Solve Exponential Equations and Graph Exponential Functions
  8. Simplify radicals and simplify fractional exponents
  9. Learn Complex Numbers
  10. Graph and solve systems of linear equations
Prerequisites and Corequisites:

 Prerequisite: Completion of elementary algebra, DSPM 0800,  two years of high school algebra, or placement scores

The above are necessary background for understanding the challenging topics of Intermediate Algebra.

Course Topics:

1. Review of Factoring and Linear Equations, Formulas, and Lines

2. Various Graphs and Functions 

3. Systems of Linear Equations

4. Rational Expressions and Equations

5. Radical Simplification and Fractional Exponents

6. Complex Numbers

7. Quadratic Equations and Graphs

8. Use of Equations of a Line and Computing Distance

9. Linear Inequalities and Graphs

10. Solving Exponential Equations and Graphing Exponential Functions

11. Applications of Several Types

Specific Course Requirements: None
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:

See package at the RODP virtual bookstore, go to http://rodp.bkstr.com 

Note: This is probably not your college's  intermediate algebra textbook.

Supplementary Materials: None
Hardware Requirements: See the Regents' recommendations
Software Requirements: See the Regents' recommendations, also other free downloads
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:

All exams and quizzes are online and are to be submitted to the instructor. Each student must use a proctor for his or her Midterm and Final Exams.

Note: In Summer semester the Midterm Exam is unproctored.

Proctors are available at all TBR colleges. The proctor must check a picture ID at each proctored Exam.

Grading Procedure: Grades will be based upon:

50%  two exams

15%  participation on the course website

35% homework and quizzes on the textbook website

Grading Scale: 90-100---A
80-89---B
70-79---C

69 and below F  

Note: There are no D's in developmental mathematics.

Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects: All assignments with due dates are posted on the textbook and course websites.
Class Participation: Students must participate in all interactive aspects of the course. Students must communicate with other students on discussion. Students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource. Students must login and check the course announcements frequently.  Students must read the website, the calendar, and use the textbook website for completing Quizzes and homework. Students must write a progress report for each lesson to the instructor. Participation and attendance will be monitored through Elearn.

Note: Online chats meeting at fixed hours are optional.

Punctuality: There are strict due dates for homework, for online quizzes, and for the Midterm and Final Exams.
Course Ground Rules

Your instructor will choose the homework assignments, and they will be graded. 

Regular participation is required. Students must navigate the E-Learn site, keep abreast of course announcements, use the discussion areas, and use E-Learn email as opposed to a personal e-mail address except in emergency. Completing homework and taking exams and quizzes on time is also required.

Please report any technical problems to the technical staff at the RODP help number.

Always observe online course netiquette. 

Guidelines for Communications
Email:

Always include a subject line.

Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.

Use standard fonts.

Do not send large attachments without permission.

Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.

Respect the privacy of other class members.

Do not use offensive words.

Discussion Groups:

Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discusser.

Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.

Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.

Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.

Be positive and constructive in group discussions.

Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Chat (if used):

Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.

Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.

Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.

Be prepared to go to the chat session at the scheduled time.

Be constructive in your comments and suggestions.

Web Resources:

Columbia Guide to Online Style by Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor

Citation Styles Online http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html

Library

The Tennessee Board of Regents Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus if necessary due to time constraints or other unforeseen events.   If this is necessary, members of the class will be notified as soon as possible by email or discussion. A posting will also appear on the homepage announcements block.

Technical Support

For help with

  • TECHNICAL PROBLEMS please visit the AskRODP Customer Support web page at http://askrodp.custhelp.com or

  • call the AskRODP Help Desk at -- 1-866-550-RODP (1-866-550-7637)

  • REGISTRATION PROBLEMS contact your home school RODP Campus Contact

  • TBR-RODP RELATED ISSUES contact RODP Help Desk at 1-888-223-0023

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