Meeting Times: Tuesdays 5:30 – 8:20 PM  

Classroom: Pickard Hall 302       

Instructor: Prof. Shipman, Pickard Hall 437 

Office Hours: Mon 6:50 – 7:30, Tue and Wed 4:30 – 5:15, and by appointment 

Phone: (817) 272-2606 (office) 817 272-3261 (Department of Mathematics) 

E-mail: bshipman@uta.edu 

Text: There is no textbook for the course. Materials will be handed out.

College Algebra, Precalculus, and good Problem-Solving Skills  

This course continues a conceptual understanding of algebra through in-depth problem solving for the purpose of strengthening, broadening, and deepening teachers’ grasp on algebraic concepts. Class will be a combination of student presentations of homework problems and collaborative work on new problems, including applications. Topics include transformations of functions, linear functions and rates of change, matrix transformations, systems of linear inequalities, quadratic and square root functions, power, polynomial and rational functions, exponentials and logarithms, and conic sections.

1. Presentations:  A set of homework problems will be given each week to be prepared for the next class meeting.  During the first half of class, each student will be asked to present a solution to a given homework problem, with about ten minutes of presentation and five or ten minutes of discussion.  The presentations will be evaluated according to the criteria below.
2.  Problem analyses: Four assignments of challenging multi-faceted problems in algebra will be given for you to solve and explain in writing. These should be prepared according to the guidelines below.
3.  Midterm exam:  A written midterm exam will be given during the first half of class on October 13. 
4. Oral final exam: On Tuesday, December 8, you will have a 25-minute time slot (between 5:30 and 7 PM) for an oral exam with the instructor.  You will be asked questions on the material studied in the course and will be expected to explain your answers in a clear and organized fashion at the board.      

YYour work will be graded on correctness, completeness, and clarity. 

     Problem analyses:    30% 

     Presentations:         30%

     Midterm:                 20%

             Final Exam:             20%

A course average of at least 90% guarantees an A, at least 80% a B, and at least 70% a C.

Aug 25            First class 

Sep 15            Problem Analysis 1 due 

Sep 29            Problem Analysis 2 due 

Oct 13             Midterm 

Oct 30           Last day to drop a class 

Nov 3             Problem Analysis 3 due

Nov 24           Problem Analysis 4 due 

Dec 1             Last class
Dec 8            Oral Final Exams (Tuesday) 5:30 – 7 PM

Each assigned problem analysis should be written according to these guidelines: 

• Write or type neatly on one side of the paper only. 
• Define all variables that you use. 
• Before setting up an equation, state what is given and what is to be found, in terms of the variables that you have defined.  
• Explain the reasoning behind any equation that you introduce. 
• Show all steps of the solution.  
• Interpret, in words, all answers that you obtain. 
• Give units in your solutions whenever they are given in the problem.  
• Clearly label all diagrams and graphs that you present.

Americans With Disabilities Act:
The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.

The instructor will provide "reasonable accommodations" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. It is the student’s responsibility to informing the instructor of his or her need for accommodation by providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels.  Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at www.uta.edu/disability.   Also, you may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.

Academic Integrity:
It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)

Student Support Services Available:
The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.