Math 102

College Algebra, Spring 09
Class Number: 15102

Location: MZ 130
MWF 1:00PM-1:50PM

Dr. B. Al Sethuraman
( http://www.csun.edu/~asethura )


Office Information
Office: Room 126, Santa Susana Hall (red brick building by the bookstore).
Office Hours: Mon 2:00--2:50 PM, and
                         Wed 2:00--2:50 PM
Telephone: 818-677-2701.
Fax: (818)-677-3634.
        
Email: al.sethuraman@csun.edu

Text: College Algebra (8th edition) by Sullivan.  See the attached file for your options for buying this book. (If you use Option 3 of this document, note that the Course ID for our course is "sethuraman72135".)

Additional Requirement: Course Compass. See below.

Syllabus: 3.1--3.6; 4.1--4.5; 5.1--5.6; 6.1--6.6, 6.8; 8.1, 8.2, 8.6--8.8; 9.4. 

About the class:  Math 102 is the algebra portion of pre-calculus.  Along with Math 104 (trigonometry) it is designed to prepare students for a rigorous study of calculus.  In Math 102 students will learn to:

The prerequisite for Math 102 is a passing score on or an exemption from the ELM, or Credit in Math 093. 

Calculators:  will not be allowed on the midterm test, or the final exam. It is in your best interest to not use calculators while doing your homework or your quizzes (you don't really need them!)

Quizzes and Tests:
Quizzes will be assigned via Course Compass. There will be one midterm test for the course, and it is scheduled for Friday March 6th. The final is on Saturday May 9th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Homework: Will be assigned every week, often more than one per week, and will be done via Course Compass (see below).

Grading:
The course grade will computed based on the following percentages:

Final Exam                        35%            (cumulative common final)
Midterm Test                  30%                 

Quizzes                             25%            (I will drop the lowest two quiz grades)

Homework ( Course Compass)       10%
           ( I will drop the lowest two homework grades)

Final grades will be assigned according the following percentage ranges:

A:    91--100    A-:    90
B+:   87--89      B:   81--86      B-:   80
C+:   77--79      C:   70--76     
D:    55--69
F:    Below 55

Makeup Exams: In general, there will be no makeups on homework or quizzes.  As for the midterm test and the final, if there are any dire situations such as emergencies, then I will consider on a case-by-case basis, but do not expect to get a makeup.


Course Compass:  

Course Compass is an online program that comes with the book (or can be purchased separately if you use Option 3 in the Textbook Pricing Options file). All homeworks and quizzes will be done via Course Compass, and therefore, it is essential that you have access to Course Compass.

To log on to Course Compass, see the attached file.

As we proceed through the semester, I will be turning on assignments and quizzes in Course Compass. Note that you can attempt your homework as many times as you want. You have only two attempts (and a total of 45 minutes) for each quiz. The deadlines for the quizzes will be the same as that for the homeworks, and it is expected that you do the homework first and then the quizzes.