Course Information for Math 105

Who Should Take Math 105?

College Algebra and Trigonometry (Math 105) is a new online course that is being developed this semester. It will serve well to prepare students for Calculus for Business (Math 120) or Calculus for the Life Sciences (Math 121/122). Students needing preparation for Calculus (Math 150/151/252) should take Precalculus (Math 141). (Note: Students are not allowed to take both Math 105 and Math 141 for credit.)

Text: Rockswold: Algebra and Trigonometry by Pearson Publishing

How students enroll

Register for Math 105 - Spring 2013 by going to the MyLab and Mastering website. Details are provided on this process to register on my website Enrolling in Math 105.

Course Description

This course covers basic principles of algebra and trigonometry. Since this course is designed to prepare students for the Calculus for Business (Math 120) and Calculus for the Life Sciences (Math 121/122), there will be an emphasis on applications of algebra and trigonometry and mathematical modeling. Algebra is primarily concerned with functions and their study. This course begins with linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. These functions are studied graphically, solved for zeros, and have their inverses determined. The course also examines some properties of rational, logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions. The course ends with systems of equations with two and three variables.

This course is designed to be taken on-line, using Pearson's MyMathLab, with most of the course managed through internet learning. Students are responsible for keeping up with the regular course deadlines (which will be critical for passing the course). For each section in the book there will be an assignment of several media links, which the student must open before starting the homework problems. These media assignments give lecture material to prepare for the homework, which is the most important part of the course. (If a student knows the material well, then simply opening the material is adequate to move to the homework assignment.) Students are encouraged to use other web resources, such as the Khan Academy or West Texas A&M's Virtual Math Lab, if these help learning the material. At the end of each chapter there will be a Chapter Quiz, which will be taken on-line with limited attempts (2) in a restricted time period (4 days). This on-line portion of the course accounts for 50% of the grade. The remaining portion of the grade is determined by two midterms and a final, which will be taken on campus with proctoring. (Specific dates are listed below.)

Course Grading

The course grade will be determined by performance on the homework, chapter quizzes, two midterms, and a final. The midterms and final will be given in classrooms on campus at times to be determined soon, and Red IDs will be checked. In addition, the hyperlinked page contains information on tutoring and other grading related policies.

Tentative Schedule is available

A weekly schedule of topics covered in the text with the chapters and sections is provided. This schedule also include approximate times for the chapter quizzes, the Midterm exams, and the final.

Midterms and Final:

Midterm 1 - Thursday, February 28 at 7 PM
Midterm 2 - Thursday, April 18 at 7 PM
Final - Saturday, May 11 at 6-8 PM