1. M098-002 – Introductory & Intermediate Algebra Fall 2011
9:20 – 10:20 Monday – Friday MathXL Course ID: XL0R-11Z5-401Y-4XS2
ASC 6, 7, 8 & COE 421/319 (Be careful to distinguish between the letter O and the number 0.)
Andrea Payne Chairsty Stewart Lance Mouser
Instructors: Learning Lab Office Learning Lab Office Learning Lab
apayne@msubillings.edu cstewart@msubillings.edu lmouser@msubillings.edu
Miranda Schmitt Wendy Weiland
Learning Lab Learning Lab
miranda.schmitt@msubillings.edu wweiland@msubillings.edu
Text &  Elementary and Intermediate Algebra 3e by Carson, Gillespie and Jordan REQUIRED
Materials:  MathXL Access Code REQUIRED
 Carson Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/CarsonCombinedAlg#g/u
 Additional Resources available in D2L: http://www.msubillings.edu/elearning/D2LLogin.htm
Catalog Prerequisite: Proficiency in basic mathematics.
Description:
Covers basic algebra concepts including terminology, operations on rational numbers,
solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables,
determining equations of lines, polynomial and function operations, operations on
exponential and radical expressions, factoring, solving rational, absolute value, radical
and systems of equations, solving and graphing quadratic equations.
This is a modularized course based on mastery learning in which students earn credit for each
module (A - E) by examination.
Credits do not apply toward graduation requirements and do not fulfill General Education
requirements. However, the credits do count towards enrollment status for financial aid.
Student MODULE A MODULE C
Learning  Perform arithmetic operations with real  Factor polynomial expressions
Outcomes: numbers  Simplify rational expressions
 Simplify linear expressions  Solve rational equations
 Set up and solve application problems using  Solve a system of two equations with two
ratios and proportions unknowns
 Solve linear equations in one variable
 Solve and graph linear inequalities in one
variable
 Solve absolute value equations
MODULE B MODULE D
 Graph linear equations and inequalities in  Simplify radical expressions
two variables  Use the rules of exponents with rational
 Determine the equation of a line exponents
 Determine the equation of a parallel/  Solve radical equations
perpendicular line  Simplify complex number expressions
 Recognize functions and state the domain  Solve quadratic equations
and range  Graph quadratic functions
 Evaluate and perform operations on  Solve a formula for a variable
functions
 Use the rules of exponents with integer MODULE E
exponents  Comprehensive final exam
 Simplify polynomial expressions
Attendance While no grade is given specifically for attendance, written assignments missed due to absences cannot
Policy: be made up. 10% of each module grade is based on in-class activities.
Calculators: CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN MODULE A! They may be used in other modules but are not
required. Cell phone calculators are not allowed on exams.
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2. Cell Phone NO TEXTING IN CLASS. We want students to be successful in this course and if they are focusing
Etiquette: on other things, it is difficult to learn. Please respect the learning process by silencing all electronic
devices during class.
Course The semester is divided into a Review & Assessment period and four time blocks of 15 days each. The
Design: course content is divided into 5 modules.
Time blocks: Modules:
Review & Assessment (4 days): September 7 – Module A: Chapters 1, 2, 3
September 12 Module B: Chapters 4, 5, 8
Block 1 (15 days): September 13 – October 3 Module C: Chapters 6, 7, 9
Block 2 (16 days): October 4 – October 24 Module D: Chapters 10, 11
Block 3 (15 days): October 25 – November 15 Module E: Comprehensive Final Exam
Block 4 (15 days): November 16 – December 9
REVIEW & ASSESSMENT BLOCK: Students have 4 days (plus the weekend) to review and refresh skills
using MathXL’s Pretests and Personalized Practice features.
 All students begin with the Module A Pretest Part 1; 80% mastery required. Students are
encouraged to master as many pretests as possible during the Review Block.
 Refresher sessions are offered by instructors.
 Review period ends Monday, September 12 at 2:00.
 Credit for a module can be earned during the Review & Assessment Block by successfully
completing all parts of a module pretest.
 If a module pretest consists of more than one part, the module grade will be based on the average
of the pretest scores.
 “Testing out” of a module can only be done during the Review & Assessment Block.
MODULES: At the end of the Review Period, students will be assigned to the appropriate module.
 A score of 100% is required on all MathXL homework assignments. All MathXL homework has the
completion of the previous section as a prerequisite.
 There will be quizzes after every 3 or 4 sections with 80% mastery required and a limit of 2
attempts.
 The Module Exam may only be taken if ALL module assignments are completed by the due date.
A minimum score of 80% is required on the paper/pencil exam administered at the end of each
module; therefore, a module exam score below 80% is recorded as a 0 grade.
 At the end of the Module time block, those students who have successfully completed their
module’s requirements move to the next module. The other students reschedule into the same
module; all assignments begin again.
Assessment Students receive 1 credit for each module mastered. Module grades are determined as follows:
& Module REVIEW BLOCK:
 When testing out of a module, pretest scores determine module grade. (Minimum score 80%)
Grades Modules A – D:
 Module exam (Minimum score 80%): 90% of module grade
 In-class assignments: 10% of module grade
Module E:
 The final exam grade determines the grade. (Minimum score 70%)
Grading A: 93 – 100% B-: 80 – 82% D+: 68 – 69%
Scale: A-: 90 – 92% C+: 78 – 79% D: 63 – 67%
B+: 88 – 89% C: 73 – 77% D-: 60 – 62%
B: 83 – 87% C-: 70 – 72% F: Below 60%
** University policy dictates that a grade of C- or better must be achieved to register for subsequent math courses.**
Students MSU Billings is committed to providing equal access. If you anticipate barriers related to the format or
with requirements of this course, please meet with me so that we can discuss ways to ensure your full
participation in the course. If you determine that disability-related accommodations are necessary,
Disabilities: please contact Disability Support Services (657-2283; located in the Academic Support Center). We can
then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.
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