Course Syllabus
Overview
This course involves a combination of college algebra and trigonometry. This course is intended to prepare students for calculus or other math and science courses. College algebra topics include elementary analysis of functions having discrete or connected domains, theory of equations, and methods for solving equations. Trigonometric topics include triangle relationships, graphs, identities, inverse trigonometric functions, and applications.
Requirements
Prerequisites
A score of 23 or higher on the ACT math portion or an SAT math score of 540 or higher or Math 101 with a grade of B or higher or at least 55 on the ALEKS test.
Required Resources
This course uses a low-cost, auto-access textbook. Read the information in the Textbook Information module to learn how to access your textbook, and how to opt-out of this automatic purchase, if desired.
IMPORTANT: This course requires ALEKS to complete the assignments and assessments. Please do not opt-out of materials for this course. It is necessary for the integration to properly work.
| Resource Title/Description (books, software, etc.) | Author/Provider | Ed./Vol. | 13-Digit ISBN (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precalculus (comes with course; charged the first day of class) |
Miller, Julie and Gerken, Donna Delivered through ALEKS which is integrated throughout the course. |
2nd Edition | 9781260260458 |
| Scientific Calculator |
NOTE: There is a calculator built into the software for the course that students can use on homework and assessments. If the student plans to take Calculus I (MATH 112X) online, a TI 36X Pro will be required, so it is suggested that students use it for both classes. No graphing calculator or web-based graphic calculators will be allowed on quizzes and ALEKS Knowledge Checks. |
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| Microphone and webcam | Used for online discussions. A headset or earphones along with a microphone is preferred. | ||
Structure
Course Outcomes
- Evaluate and simplify the difference quotient for a given polynomial function.
- Understand functions by identifying key features of the function (e.g., basic graph, vertex, asymptotes, intercepts, use transformations).
- Identify, create and strategically use equivalent expressions and equations (e.g., have a reason/strategy for choosing the form that is best for that situation (including transformational form)).
- Perform, identify, and analyze function operations. (e.g., add/sub, composition)
- Identify, use, and change the form of functions given data, equation, graph, or application, explaining the role of inputs and outputs.
- Set up and solve application problems for different functions.
- Use mathematical language and notation accurately and appropriately, both in general and in specific problems with complete and correct steps.
Weekly Patterns
The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions.
| Due Date | Learning Model | Activity Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midweek Wednesday | Prepare | Prepare Assignment | Study topics to prepare you for your group meeting. |
| Midweek Friday | Teach One Another | Group Meeting | Meet with your group using Zoom to talk through the team discussion and complete the extension problems. |
| Midweek Friday | Ponder and Prove | Group Quiz | Complete a weekly group quiz to help you see if you understand what you have learned on your homework. |
| End of the Week | Ponder and Prove | ALEKS Homework | Complete weekly homework in ALEKS to help you develop and demonstrate competency. |
| End of the Week | Ponder and Prove | ALEKS Knowledge Check | Complete Knowledge Checks in ALEKS (W04, W06, W08, W12, and W14) |
| End of the Week | Ponder and Prove and Teach One Another | Video Teaching Assignments |
Create a video teaching a topic and share it with your classmates (W03, W05, W07, and W10). This will help you develop and demonstrate a deep or conceptual understanding. |
*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.
Weekly Topics Covered
The table below displays the topics and activities for each week.
Each week, you will complete homework in the ALEKS software.
This is a 5-credit course. You need to be prepared to cover multiple topics and assignments each week. Expect to spend 20 hours a week on this course.
| Week | Topics Covered and Activities |
Textbook Sections |
| 01 |
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| 02 |
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Learning Model
The course follows a weekly cycle of Prepare, Teach One Another, and Ponder and Prove activities. This structure helps students prepare and provides opportunities to learn course material further and share what they have learned during group activities. Homework assignments allow students to Ponder and Prove their learning.
The course is not an independent study course, and the group meeting and learning activities require students to cover material simultaneously and at the same pace.
This course will cover the same material with approximately the same time commitment as the on-campus course.
Expectations
Feedback
You can expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the due date for all assignments.
Workload
Principle five of the BYU-Idaho Learning Model states, “Learners and teachers at BYU-Idaho love, serve, and teach one another.” To incorporate this aspect of the Learning Model in our course, all students must prepare and participate. Adequately prepared students should expect to spend 20 hours per week for Math 109. Many of the concepts taught in Math 109 require a solid background in high school algebra or Math 101 (a grade of B or higher). If the student has not met this requirement, they should consider a different course or be willing to put in extra time to succeed in this course.
Group Work
Beginning in Week 02, group work will be required. There will be one group meeting and one group quiz per week. There will also be discussion boards to share your Video Teaching Assignments. Group work will allow each group member to understand the concepts introduced in the preparation assignment and learn extension problems together, which will help you prepare for the upcoming ALEKS Knowledge Checks.
Teaching Assistant
This class will utilize a teaching assistant to assist the instructor in providing a learning experience that meets the Course Objectives. The TA will attend 2–3 group meetings per week. The TA will grade the group meeting videos and provide feedback for the weekly group quizzes.
Late Work
You should complete your work on time as a sign of professionalism and respect. However, your instructor has the discretion to accept late work or extend due dates as appropriate.
Unit Knowledge Checks, the exams for this course, cannot be made up, redone, or taken at other times. If there are extenuating circumstances, the instructor can adjust the due date of the Unit Knowledge Checks.
Grading Policies
| Preparation/Group Meetings | 10% |
| Quizzes | 10% |
| ALEKS Homework | 15% |
| Video Teaching Assignments | 10% |
| ALEKS Knowledge Checks (5) | 55% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Scale
| A | 100%–93% |
| A- | 92%–90% |
| B+ | 89%–87% |
| B | 86%–83% |
| B- | 82%–80% |
| C+ | 79%–77% |
| C | 76%–73% |
| C- | 72%–70% |
| D+ | 69%–67% |
| D | 66%–63% |
| D- | 62%–60% |
| F | 59% and lower |
ALEKS Knowledge Checks (55%)
Five Knowledge Checks will be completed in ALEKS during the semester (see the schedule for the dates), worth 55% of the overall grade.
Group Quizzes (10%)
Group Quizzes will be given every week, except the weeks a Knowledge Check is given. Students can use their book, notes, and calculator, but they cannot use any outside resource for help on these (such as tutors, the internet, etc.).
Homework (15%)
Homework will be assigned for each lesson in ALEKS, and homework will be automatically graded upon submission. Work consistently throughout the week and plan to complete five or more objectives or an hour and a half every day. Students are strongly encouraged to study together and work together on homework assignments. However, each student must submit their assignment in their own words and thoroughly understand everything they submit. Although students will submit their homework online, it is recommended that they keep a homework notebook. This notebook should include structured and written-out solutions to the homework problems to help students organize their mathematical thoughts and use them as a study guide for quizzes and ALEKS Knowledge Checks.
Video Teaching Assignments (10%)
Students will create a video teaching an assigned topic to help develop and demonstrate a deep or conceptual understanding. Students will post their videos on a discussion board to share with other students.
Preparation (10%)
Before each Zoom group meeting (see Group Work below), students will complete a preparation assignment designed to enable them to teach one another during group work. Directions and materials for these assingments will be in the modules. Resources to learn the materials will be provided on the Prepare pages.
Group Work
Each week, students will meet with their group one time using Zoom to ensure each group member understands the concepts introduced in the preparation assignment. Also, completing the extension problems together will help you prepare for the upcoming ALEKS Knowledge Checks. These meetings will be recorded and submitted along with the access password. The group meetings include participating in a team discussion, completing extension problems, and submitting a group quiz. The instructor and TA will occasionally attend group meetings.
Getting Help
The best way to be prepared is to do the homework and/or preparation assignment. Math is something a student will learn by doing, so it is critical to do the homework. The student won’t know what they understand and where to improve until they step out in faith and try the problems. The following strategies are recommended for obtaining math assistance: review all materials and resources provided for the course, take advantage of the time during group meetings, get together regularly with your group to do homework and discuss material for the class, visit the instructor and TA during their office hours, take advantage of online tutoring available through the Academic Support Center, Students can use the drop in on-campus math tutoring center. See the Academic Support Center page to sign up for one-on-one tutoring.
AI Policy
AI programs include tools like ChatGPT and Gemini as well as math specific tools like Photomath, MathGPT, etc. You may use AI to further explain course content, summarize course content, and to quiz yourself about course content. Using AI to produce content that is to be turned in for a grade is not an appropriate use of AI. You should not use AI to answer homework or quiz questions. Use of these tools in this way will interfere with key learning outcomes.
University Policies
Students with Disabilities
Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.
This course includes required synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.
Other University Policies
Student Honor and Other Policies
Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:
- Student Honor
- Academic Honesty
- Student Conduct
- Sexual Harassment
- Student with Disabilities
- Complaints and Grievances
- Copyright Notice
Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|