Intermediate Algebra (DSPM0850), D. Bryant

Welcome to Developmental Math II.  This web page will be a resource for you as you complete your developmental mathematics requirement.   

Challenge Test:  If you have never been enrolled in/received grade for this course, you are eligible to take the challenge test at the beginning of the semester.   The challenge test is similar to a final for the course, so you should study.   Challenge Test Information.

Some  handouts students have found useful in past semesters.

Tentative Syllabus

Office and Class SCHEDULE

**MANY HOURS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT!!!!!

NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to modify the course requirements, assignments, grading procedures and other related policies as circumstances may dictate.

DSPM 0850  Intermediate Algebra: a 3 semester hour credit course at the pre-freshman level.  It is similar to a high school Algebra II course.  The student who successfully completes this course will be prepared to enroll in the required math course for his/her major.        

Course Objectives/Topics Covered:  These objectives should be mastered as you review: concepts from elementary algebra; absolute value equations/inequalities; writing equations of linear functions; rational exponents and radicals; polynomial and exponential functions; systems of equations; and matrix algebra.

Prerequisites:  Students are placed in this course according to satisfactory ACT or COMPASS test scores, a grade of “C” or above in DSPM 0800, or a successful challenge of the DSPM 0800 course.  These prerequisites are required by TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents).

About the Instructor:  I have been with this program since 1990.  I have taught DSPM 0700, DSPM 0800, and DSPM 0850; also,  Math 1010,  Math 1630 and Math 1830 in the Math Department.  I came to TTU from Cookeville High School where I taught mathematics, chemistry and physics.  I earned my doctorate in mathematics education from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1998.  I entered the teaching field in the footsteps of my grandmother, mother, and aunt all of whom taught in the Jackson County school system. 
                My family has a close history with TTU.  My two sisters, myself, and my sisters' husbands all obtained one (or more) degrees here.  Our daughters, Heather (English ‘93) and Rachel (Accounting ‘04) are TTU alumni.

Office Hours:  Former students will tell you that I will try to be available to help you as necessary.  Additionally you may contact me in these ways:
Office: Foster Hall 404 by appointment or walk-in (open hours)
Telephone: (931)372-3668, will return messages within 48 hours M-F, unless a voice response advises delays.
Fax: (931)372-6275, M-F

Major teaching methods  Various learning activities will be used to accomplish the course goals.  

Chapters Covered  Review of elementary algebra along with Chapters 6-11, Appendix G, part of 12 (time permitting).

Grading and Evaluation Procedures   Students will be held to standards similar to those found in the workplace. Students are to complete their assignments on time with an open willingness to learn. To measure the extent to which students attain the objectives of the course the following will be graded:

Tests: The tests will be open response (problem solving), but may also include any or all of the following types of questions: objective (true/false, multiple choice, matching) and fill-in-the-blank.

Assignments: Complete assignments as given. 

Quizzes: A quiz may be given at any time to check for understanding.

Your grade for the course will be given at the end of the term and will be counted in the combined GPA calculations.  (The combined GPA is used in determining suspension and probation, financial aid eligibility, and athletic eligibility, but not in determining required GPA for graduation or for graduation or term honors).  This grade will remain a permanent part of your academic record.  Cheating, in any form, will not be permitted.  Evidence of cheating will result in the student's receiving an "F" for the semester.  Also, passing off as one's own the ideas or words of another without crediting the source is called plagiarism. To be liable for plagiarism it is not necessary to exactly duplicate another's work, it being sufficient if unfair use of such work is made by lifting a substantial portion thereof:

                Work is due on the date assigned and will not be accepted after that date.  There will be absolutely no make-up tests allowed, so don't even ask!!

                The term grade for this class will be based on the following:
                                A  =  90% and above             B  =  80% to less than 90%
                                C  =  70% to less than 80%     F  =  below 70%  
There will be no "D" given in the course.  You must have at least a "C" in order to pass.

Attendance policy  Attendance is required by the instructor, by the State Board of Regents and by TTU (See  TTU catalog):  "Unsatisfactory class attendance may result in the student's being dropped from a course with a grade of F.  Tardiness is recorded as an absence."  No absence will be excused.  The TTU Academic Development Program Faculty recognizes the necessity of regular classroom attendance as a basic cornerstone of the learning process.  The learning process will be enhanced by your preparation for and attendance/participation in class.  Inclement weather policy:  "General Statement: Tennessee Technological University offices will remain open during periods of inclement weather even though classes may be canceled. In accordance with TBR policy, faculty, administrators and staff of TTU are expected to make every reasonable effort to be at their work assignment on time, taking into consideration the personal risk involved.  Administrators or staff employees who anticipate arriving late, or not arriving at work at all, should notify their immediate supervisor of this fact as soon as possible and request annual leave for the period of absence.  If faculty members must be absent from assigned classes due to inclement weather, it is their responsibility to notify the appropriate chairperson and/or dean. If classes are not canceled despite inclement weather, students are responsible for any academic work they miss as a result of inclement weather.  It is the individual student’s responsibility to take the initiative in making up any missed work, and it is the faculty member’s responsibility to provide students a reasonable opportunity to make up missed work. " (resource: http://www.tntech.edu/studenthandbook/handbook_section2.asp). 

Sources for Assistance  Independent study groups (which may meet in the ADP learning center, library study rooms, etc.) seem to offer the best support for problem-solving.  Individual help is available in the learning center, Foster Hall 411; from me during office hours; and the Math Dept. tutoring lab in Bruner Hall 104.  Additionally you may access your CDs and MyMathLab. 

Withdrawals (drops)  Students will not be permitted to drop an DSPM course unless withdrawing officially from TTU.  The withdrawal process paperwork is handled in the Office of Student Affairs, Room 231 in the Roaden University Center, phone number (931)372-3411.

Lottery Scholarship  Questions about the lottery scholarship should be directed to  Financial Aid, University Center, Room 214, phone 372-3075.

Disabilities   Students with a disability requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS). An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the first week of the course. The ODS is located in the Roaden University Center, Room 112; phone 372-6119.

I UNDERSTAND THE POLICIES DESCRIBED ABOVE.  (This is your contract for your grade in DSPM 0850).

NAME:                                                                        DATE:                  

This is the homework policy effective from class #1!!

HOMEWORK: Homework assignments are important to your success and should be done with the following goals:

1.  Homework is assigned in order for you to master the concepts being taught.  It is not sufficient to “do” the problem, but to “do” the problem correctly and understand why your answer is correct.  Do not skip problems--get whatever help is necessary to complete every problem.  If you do not “BUY INTO” this goal--you will be very unhappy!

2.  Do your classroom homework neatly, on notebook paper using a pencil, with the sections CLEARLY marked and the problems worked in order. Circle or box your answers so that they are easy to find.  Staple your pages together if the section of homework uses more than one sheet of paper.  Start new sections on a clean sheet of notebook paper.  As you get your graded homework back, place your homework in a notebook that has dividers for each chapter.  You may also have a divider for quizzes and/or tests, or you may place the quizzes and tests in the appropriate chapter section.

3.  Put a question mark "?" beside problem numbers that you want to ask about in class (no more than two or you should be in lab and/or my office!), lab, or office.  Place your homework on my desk as you enter class.  It will be graded for completion and accuracy and returned next class period.   Do not fold your papers as it makes them more difficult to grade.  Note: Sloppy homework and/or homework not clearly marked with your name, section number, problems written out, and chapter and section number will be returned with a grade of "0".

4.  Homework is assigned in order for the instructor to check for mastery learning.  Thus, you  MUST write the problem and show all the steps leading to you answers.  HOMEWORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE NEXT CLASS BECAUSE THE PACE OF THE COURSE IS SWIFT!

5.  Homework is assigned in order for you to use the results to study for each chapter test and the final.  You MUST keep a notebook of homework assignments for use in studying for each test.  Homework will be collected and graded for accuracy, not just for completion.   

*Meetings take precedence over office hours.

Tentative Outline

This Class Final

University Final Schedule

This page is maintained by Debra D. Bryant

Last updated on Sunday, January 13, 2008