INSTRUCTOR:  Cathy Godbey                                      EMAIL: godbey@columbiastate.edu 
OFFICE LOCATION:  W235                                          HOME EMAIL: godbey@tnweb.com 
DSPM0700A – MW 8:00 – 9:20; W103                           OFFICE PHONE: (931)540-2703
WEBSITE: http://www.columbiastate.edu/godbey           FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004
                                                                                                                 8:00 – 9:50

COURSE DESCRIPTION – Basic Mathematics
Topics for instruction include operations involving fractions, decimals, and integers; and problems         involving percent, ratio and proportion, graphs, basic geometry, systems of measurement, and basic statistics.  Algebra is introduced through evaluation of expressions and solutions of equations.  Methods for solving real-world applications are integrated throughout the course contents.  Upon earning a grade of “C” or better, the student advances to Elementary Algebra, DSPM0800.   (Prerequisite: DSPM0700 or entry assessment.)

REQUIRED TEXT Basic Mathematics, Marvin L. Bittinger, 9 ed., 2003, Addison/Wesley (publishers), a 
                       scientific calculator with fractions is recommended.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
On the successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1.

perform operations on fractions

2.

perform operations on integers

3.

evaluate numeric expressions involving powers and roots                                                                                

4.

use the distributive law to write equivalent expressions

5.

evaluate numeric expressions using the order of operations

6.

evaluate algebraic expressions when given values for the variables

7.

solve linear equations in one variable involving two operations

8.

write ratios, proportions, and solve proportions for an unknown value

9.

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

10.

solve problems involving a percent

11.

determine the area and perimeter (or circumference) of triangles, rectangles, and circles

12.

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

13.

interpret the meaning of bar, circle, and line graphs

14.

determine equivalent measures of length, weight or mass, volume, or time within the same system when given either customary or metric units of measurement

15.

write an equal number in standard notation when given a number in scientific notation and vice versa

16.

solve real-world applications that are integrated throughout the course content

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Attendance:  Regular class attendance is required and is necessary for success in any mathematics classroom.  Students are expected to attend class and to be on time for each class meeting. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each instructional period.  Three late arrivals to class (tardies) will constitute one absence.  Points will be deducted for any absence.  Please refer to GRADING section below.  In case of inclement weather, please call the Columbia State closing line at
(931) 540-2515. 
2. Homework is an important commitment in a mathematics classroom. Homework is assigned daily following each instructional session.  Students are responsible for completing all homework assignments, including the chapter test assignment, prior to the test date.  Failure to complete all homework exercises will result in no homework points for that chapter.  Work that is incomplete, messy or unreadable, or that consists of answers only will be given a grade of zero (0). 
3. Internet Lab Assignments:   There are five "extra credit" laboratory assignments that are posted on an Internet web site.  The five labs, which correspond to the five units of instruction, may be attempted multiple times.  If a student scores 70 or above on any attempt, that student will earn a maximum of 5 points for that unit Internet lab.  If a student attempts all five unit labs during the semester, regardless of any individual score on the unit lab assignment, then the student will receive a "bonus" 5 points.  The maximum extra credit points attainable are 30.   In order to complete these exercises an access code must be purchased.  This access code is included at no charge with the purchase of a new textbook.  The lab assignments are timed and will expire on the day of the unit test. There is no provision for a “make-up” of any missed laboratory assignment.
4. Testing:  A calculator is allowed in Basic Math on Tests 3 through 5 and on the final.  You will not be allowed to use a graphing calculator on any test that requires graphing.  Scratch paper will not be allowed during tests.  There are no provisions for make-up tests.  If you must be absent on test day, you will be permitted to substitute your final exam grade for one test.  Any additional tests missed will receive a grade of zero.
5. Student Conduct:  Cheating and other forms of academic misconduct, including plagiarism, are prohibited.  The instructor has the authority to assign a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an F in the course in the case of academic misconduct.  Disruptive behavior in the classroom   (e.g., offensive language, repeated outbursts from a student causing disruption in the flow of instruction or concentration on the subject taught, disturbing noises from electronic devices) will not be tolerated.  Please read the Columbia State student handbook in the back of the catalog, p. 88.
6. As a general rule, you will not be allowed to drop this course or any other Developmental Studies course.  You may be allowed to drop only in the case of an extenuating circumstance.  Before you will be allowed to drop, you must consult with your instructor (adjunct faculty must see a site coordinator) and the coordinator of Developmental Math. A student not completing the course will receive a grade of "F" if official withdrawal procedures are not followed.  Please check the current schedule book for the last date to withdraw without a failing grade. Financial Aid is based on 12 credit hours of classes.   Scholarships are sometimes lost when a student drops below the 12 credit hour minimum.

7.
Students with Disabilities:
  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students are encouraged to register with the counseling/disability services office (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 the counseling/disability services office at the beginning of the semester.
8. Crisis Management Plan:  Students should follow the instructor’s instructions in the event of an emergency. The Security Emergency Cell Phone number is (931)619-4310.

 

GRADING

The taking of all five tests and a comprehensive final examination is required.  In addition to the tests/final exam there will be five extra credit Internet assignment opportunities.  You will have penalty points deducted from your score for any absence.  There are no “excused” absences.  The attendance penalty will be the number of absences squared.  For example, 1 absence = 12 = 1 point deduction, 2 absences = 22 = 4 points deduction, 3 absences = 32 = 9 points deduction, 4 absences = 42 = 16 points deduction and so forth.  Please take the attendance policy seriously.  Your grade will be calculated as follows:

 

Five Tests (100 points each)* = 500
Final Examination                  = 200
Total Points Possible              = 700

*Each test is worth 95 points + 5 points for completed homework = 100 total.

<subtract any attendance penalty and add up to 30 extra credit points for Lab>

Grading Scale

630 - 700 points = A
560 - 629 points = B
490 - 559 points = C
    0 - 489 points = F
(see below for grade of PR)

 

A student who earns a grade of PR must retake the course the next semester that the student enrolls in this college.  The criteria for a PR (Progress) grade is as follows:

1. You must complete all homework assignments,
2. You must have 250 test points (out of the possible 500 test points),
3. You must attend class regularly with 2 or less absences,
4. You must not have previously received a PR in this course.

 

Note: Grades are not mailed to students.  You may 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.
 

he views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of Cathy Godbey.
The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by Columbia State Community College.

This page was edited on 15-Apr-2005