College Algebra
MATH-143

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Classroom: STEM Room 37

Phone: (208) 687-8002

This class meets from 11:20am-12:25pm, Monday - Thursday in Room 37 (STEM)

This course covers the definition of functions and their properties and notation in both algebraic and graphical contexts. Students will be able to apply principles of polynomial and rational equations, functions and their inverses, graphs, systems of equations, complex numbers, sequences, and exponential and logarithmic functions. MATH-143 along with MATH-144 prepares students for traditional calculus courses which are required for degrees in mathematics, engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, and other STEM related fields. Note: The combination of MATH-143 and MATH-144 may be used in place of MATH-147 as the prerequisite for MATH-170.

• TI-84 Plus Calculator or equivalent (REQUIRED)
• MyLabMath subscription purchased either at the NIC bookstore or online (REQUIRED)
• The textbook for this class is PreCalculus, Concepts Through Functions, A Unit Circle Approach 4 by Sullivan, Prentice Hall 2019.
• The textbook is not required.  The online textbook is included with your MyLabMath subscription.

Students will be able to

• Compare and contrast functions on continuous and discrete domains such as polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic with respect to their graphs, inverses, and/or roots
• Apply multi-step processes to solve various problems
• Utilize higher order functions to more accurately model real-world problems.

MyLabMath Assignments: MyLabMath assignments will be given for each chapter throughout the semester. The assignments will open up on the day of the corresponding lecture and be due the day prior to each exam at 11:59pm. If you fail to complete any assignment by its due date, you will receive a zero. There will be no exceptions.

Exams: There will be four exams given throughout the course and a comprehensive final exam. Your lowest exam score will be dropped. The comprehensive final is mandatory and will not be the dropped exam. The exams will be evaluated for strategy and process as well as for the final answers. If you have an extenuating circumstance which prevents you from taking an exam, you must make an arrangement with the instructor prior to the time when the exam is given. If you fail to make an arrangement in time, your exam grade will be 0. There will be no exceptions.

Grading: The following grading scale will be used:

90% - 100% A          Final Course Grade:
87% - 89% B+          Average of Assignments = 20%
80% - 86% B            Average of Exams = 60%
77% - 79% C+          Final Exam = 20%
70% - 76% C
67% - 69% D+
60% - 66% D
0% - 59% F

Classroom Etiquette:
There are expected classroom behaviors to ensure that each student has the opportunity to learn. Anything that distracts from the learning experience cannot be tolerated. Some common classroom distractions that will not be tolerated are listed below:

Cell Phones - Keep your cell phone in your locker.

Private Discussions - If you have a question, please ask the instructor. Carrying on private conversations during a lecture is inconsiderate and interferes with concentration. Do not carry on private conversations in the classroom once the lecture has begun.

IPODS, Headphones, etc. - Using headphones or various other listening devices is not allowed during lectures or exams. This course is a designated Gateway course. Gateway courses are good early indicators of student readiness for further study. Successful completion of this course will provide a solid foundation for next steps in your studies so be sure to take every advantage of the available support and resources provided to you.

Math Education Center:
The Math Education Center provides Math support for all courses and skill levels. Math tutoring, study groups, workshops, academic coaching, and other resources are available Free to NIC students. Stop by the Cardinal Learning Commons in LKH 118 or visit us online at [www.nic.edu/clc/mec]www.nic.edu/clc/mec to learn more about these and other opportunities to help students succeed in their Math coursework.

The instructor reserves the right to revise class calendar, modify content, and/or substitute assignments in response to institutional, weather, or class situations. Changes will be announced. Students will be held responsible for all changes.

Academic Dishonesty 
Violations of academic integrity involve using or attempting to use any method that enables an individual to misrepresent the quality or integrity of his or her work at North Idaho College. These violations include the following:

• Cheating: using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study in any academic exercise.
• Fabrication: falsifying or inventing any information or citation in an academic exercise.
• Plagiarism: knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in an academic exercise.
• Violation of Intellectual Property: stealing, altering, or destroying the academic work of other members of the community or the educational resources, materials, or official documents of the college.
• Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: knowingly helping another to attempt to violate any provisions of this policy.”

Violations of academic integrity may result in failure of an assignment, failure of the course, or more serious sanctions.

“For a complete explanation of the North Idaho College Statement on Academic Honesty & Academic Integrity please refer to Policy 5.06 & Procedure 5.06.01: http://www.nic.edu/policy/ 

Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct applies to any student enrolled at North Idaho College.  This includes, but is not limited to, face-to-face classes and Internet classes.

NIC shall maintain a Student Code of Conduct that specifically addresses prohibited behavior and assures due process for alleged violations. The Code of Conduct shall make clear possible sanctions for such actions. Policy Manual (See 5.06)

Disability Support Services and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504/508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, North Idaho College provides accommodations to eligible students who experience barriers in the educational setting due to learning, emotional / mental, physical, visual, or hearing disabilities. Instructors will provide accommodations to students only after having received a Letter of Accommodation from Disability Support Services (DSS).

If a student would like to request accommodations, he or she must contact DSS so that a Letter of Accommodation may be sent to the instructor. Students requesting accommodations should contact DSS as early in the semester as possible to avoid delay of accommodation due to student load.  Accommodations are not retroactive. DSS provides academic accommodations, access, assistance and services at NIC and at the North Idaho Consortium of Higher Education campus.

Contact:
Disability Support Services Website
(208) 769-5947

Withdrawal
Please check the NIC Calendar for the last day students can withdraw from full-length courses.

Instructor-Initiated Withdrawal: An instructor has the right to withdraw a student for academic reasons. For more information, see the Instructor-Initiated Withdrawal Procedure.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress (SAP):Federal Regulations require North Idaho College to establish Satisfactory Academic Progress standards (SAP) for all financial aid recipients. The purpose of SAP standards are meant to ensure that students and academic institutions are held accountable to the taxpayer-funded federal student aid programs while students complete their academic goals in a timely manner. This process monitors student performance in all terms of enrollment, including terms in which the student did not receive financial aid. For more information, see the Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress website.

For more information on withdrawals, see the NIC Student Accounts website.

Title IX
North Idaho College seeks to provide an environment that is free of bias, discrimination, and harassment.  If you have been the victim of sexual harassment/misconduct/assault we encourage you to report this.   If you report this to any college employee, (except for a licensed counselor or health care professional) she or he must notify our college's Title IX coordinator about the basic facts of the incident (you may choose whether you or anyone involved is identified by name).  For more information about your options at NIC, please go to: www.nic.edu/titleIX or call (208) 676-7156

Removal From Class For Non-Attendance 
Attendance is based on your participation in this class. Failure to attend will result in your being removed from this class and may result in your financial aid award being reduced. You are responsible for confirming the accuracy of your attendance record.

SPECIAL STATEMENT ON COVID-19
Your safety, health, well-being, and that of our faculty and staff are our primary concerns. Everyone is expected to abide by college measures to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID.  This is a challenging time to meet your academic goals. Please use the Student Resources for information and resources on basic needs such as housing, food, financial aid, and medical and mental health.

Circumstances can change rapidly, which may require a change in the delivery method of courses, for example a move from face-to-face to hybrid or online. Continue to visit the North Idaho College COVID-19 webpage for the latest information on official College communications, access to technology, and student support services. 

Wearing Masks is Mandated
Face coverings over the nose and mouth are required, regardless of vaccination status, beginning 8/23 in classrooms, laboratories, and all other spaces where in-person instruction occurs, as well as in public areas on campus. The mandate will be in place for two weeks and be evaluated for discontinuation.  

If the mandate is discontinued, wearing masks will be strongly recommended, regardless of vaccination status.

Students experiencing symptoms related to Covid-19 should not attend class and contact the NIC Student Monitoring and Support Team at [email protected] for further guidance.

Students in healthcare programs experiencing symptoms related to Covid-19 should not attend class and contact the Healthcare Programs Student Covid Response Team  [email protected] for further guidance.

Students enrolled in programs associated with healthcare may have different requirements for masking in the lab and clinical settings.

Technology Requirements
Please also visit the Access to Computers, Internet & E-Learning Support webpage for information on the technology and resources you will need to be successful. 

For general questions about technology, contact the IT Help Desk at [email protected] or 208.769.3280.

NIC leadership will continue to monitor CDC recommendations, engage in weekly discussions with Panhandle Health District, and track local indicators for changes in conditions that may lead to greater risk.