INSTRUCTOR: John Thompsen

COURSE DESCRIPTION: College Algebra I (3) - Quadratic equations; equations in quadratic form; word problems; graphing; algebraic fractions; integer and rational exponents; radicals; systems of equations.

PREREQUISITE: Math 4 or satisfactory performance on the math proficiency exam.

TEXT:  The text for this course is - Intermediate Algebra , 6th Ed.,  J. E. Kaufmann & K. Schwitters, PWS Publishing Co.,Boston (2000)

COURSE FORMAT: The material in this course is covered using lectures, class discussions and problem solving sessions.  The student is encouraged to be an active participant in the class by asking questions, and suggesting alternative solutions to problems.  Major emphasis is placed on the solution of word problems. 

HOMEWORK: The student is expected to do homework on a regular basis.  

EVALUATION:  The student will be graded based on the following criteria.

1. Attendance: Penn State policy is that class attendance is considered an important component of scheduled classes.  You will earn 7 points for each class meeting you attend, including the final exam, up to a maximum score of  100 points.
   
2. Quizzes: There will be five scheduled quizzes, given every other week. Each quiz is worth twenty points, for a maximum score of  100 points.
   
3. Final Exam:  There will be a Final Exam on May 8, 2003 worth 100 points.
   
4. Word Problem Notebook: A notebook containing  complete algebraic solutions to twenty five word problems will be collected at the fourteenth class meeting, and graded and returned to you during the last week of class. The maximum grade will be 50 points.
   
5. Homework and Class Notebook: A notebook containing class notes and completed homework assignments will be graded while you are taking the final exam. The maximum grade will be 50 points.

GRADES:  Final course grades, based on a total of 400 points, will be assigned as follows -

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