Course Description

This course is designed to build confidence and proficiency in using algebraic methods with a focus on visual representation of mathematical expressions. Algebraic and graphing techniques will be used to explore a variety of modeling and problem-solving scenarios. As students' mathematical confidence evolves throughout the course, we will explore a variety of applications including GPS navigation, graphic design, computer programming, and exponential growth.

Essential Employability Skills

This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:

EES 3 NUMERACY: Execute mathematical operations accurately. (T, P, E)
EES 4 CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. (T, P, E)
EES 5 CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. (T, P, E)
EES 10 PERSONAL: Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. (P, E)
Assessment Levels —T: Teach P: Practice E: Evaluate C: Culminate 

Optional Vocational Learning Outcomes

This course provides the opportunity for you to achieve the following outcomes.

R101 - General Arts and Science

VLO 1 R101/MTCU 54701 PLO1: Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society. (T, P)
VLO 2 R101/MTCU 54701 PLO2: Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry. (T, P)
VLO 3 R101/MTCU 54701 PLO3: Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving techniques. (T, P, E)
VLO 4 R101/MTCU 54701 PLO4: Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society. (T, P)

R104 - General Arts and Science - One-Year

VLO 1 R104/MTCU 44700 PLO1: Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society. (T, P)
VLO 2 R104/MTCU 44700 PLO2: Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry. (T, P)
VLO 3 R104/MTCU 44700 PLO3: Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving techniques. (T, P, E)
VLO 4 R104/MTCU 44700 PLO4: Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society. (T, P)
Assessment Levels —T: Teach P: Practice E: Evaluate C: Culminate 

Course Learning Outcomes

When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:

1.
Build mathematical confidene via mastry of algebraic methods: Evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions. Evaluate and manipulate rational, radical, and logarithmic expressions.
2.
Demonstrate proficiency in solving equations:: Solve and check linear equations. Solve linear systems of equations using a variety of methods. Solve quadratic equations by factoring and the quadratic formula. Solve rational, radical, and logarithmic equations.
3.
Use an algebraic approach to model and solve applications: Model and solve a variety of applications extending concepts learned.
4.
Represent algebraic expressions visually using graphs: Graph and interpret a variety of functions. Explore properties of slope and intercepts using various version of equations of straight lines. Use functional notation to evaluate, manipulate, and compose functions. Solve right triangles and their applications using the Pythagorean Theorem and the three fundamental trigonometric ratios. Solve oblique triangles and their applications using the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines.

Learning Activities

This course will be delivered via lectures, class demonstrations, and in-class student inquiry and discussion. Students are expected to be on-time and in attendance for:
  • Interactive exploration of new content
  • Group application trial and discovery
  • In-class review of homework sets
  • In-class group learning with peer support
  • In-class assessments

Learning Resources

LIST OF TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER TEACHING AIDS:
Required textbook:

Wade Ellis, Denny Burzynski: Elementary Algebra. OpenStax CNX. Aug 16, 2010. http://cnx.org/contents/7bd5c2b7-22c5-450f-b218-36d260eec58f@3.9
 
OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry: Algebra and Trigonometry. OpenStax CNX. Jan 9, 2018. http://cnx.org/contents/13ac107a-f15f-49d2-97e8-60ab2e3b519c@8.1
 

Course Related Information

No prerequisites or corequisites for this course

Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit

The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:

Test(s) (60%)
Tests 1-2 (30% each)

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5, EES 10

    R101  :   VLO 3

    R104  :   VLO 3

Assignment(s) (10%)
Review assignments of test content (5% each)

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5, EES 10

    R101  :   VLO 3

    R104  :   VLO 3

Assignment(s) (5%)
Trigonometry Assignment: Right-Angled Trigonometric Functions including Pythagorean Theorem, Law of Sines and Cosines, and applications.

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5, EES 10

    R101  :   VLO 3

    R104  :   VLO 3

Quiz / Quizzes (15%)
2 Quizzes (7.5% each) Assessments of course material completed in the Online Testing Lab E014 or alternate scenario.

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5, EES 10

    R101  :   VLO 3

    R104  :   VLO 3

Homework (10%)
Practice/Review of course material. Homework is completed to demonstrate mastery of course content.

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5, EES 10

    R101  :   VLO 3

    R104  :   VLO 3

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning outcomes. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:

  • This course is not PLAR eligible : Please see program Chair

Grade Scheme

The passing grade for this course is 50% / "D"
Final Grade Percentage Weight
A+ 90-100 4.0
A 86-89 4.0
A- 80-85 3.7
B+ 77-79 3.3
B 73-76 3.0
B- 70-72 2.7
C+ 67-69 2.3
C 63-66 2.0
C- 60-62 1.7
D+ 57-59 1.3
D 50-56 1.0
Below 50 0.0

Refer to the Evaluation System on this outline for information on how marks are distributed. More detailed information on assessments may also be found in your Course Section document.

As per Office of the Registrar Policies:

“A” Range = GPA 4.0-Consistently exceeds (course) requirements; shows evidence of being well-organized; shows original and creative thinking and a superior grasp of subject matter.

“B” Range = GPA 3.0-Shows consistent performance and evidence of being well-organized, shows elements of original and creative thinking; has a strong grasp of subject matter

“C” Range = GPA 2.0-Applies the subject matter appropriately; comprehends the subject matter.”

"D" Range = GPA 1.0-The student inconsistently applies and communicates knowledge of the subject matter

"F" Range = GPA 0.0-The student fails to apply and communicate an understanding of the subject matter.

Additional information regarding grading for this course may also be found in the "Course Related Information" section of this course outline.