Syllabus

CLICKERS: We will be using the Turning Technologies Response Units (Clickers) in this course to foster interaction, active learning, and rapid feedback (for both the instructor and students).   You are required to acquire a clicker as a learning resource (just like an access code or textbook).  We will use the clickers for in-class participation and to take attendance.  You should register your clicker via the link on the Blackboard Learn site for this course.  You need to do so by the end of the first week of class.  You are expected to bring your clicker to every lecture session and will not receive participation credit otherwise.

QUIZZES and HOMEWORK:  There will be a quiz and a graded homework assignment given on each section covered. Each must be completed before its deadline.  The homework grades will be averaged together and the quiz grades will be averaged together.  Three homework assignments and three quizzes will be automatically dropped at the end of the semester.  Homework can be worked on until all questions are correct.  You have unlimited tries on each homework, but only 2 tries for each quiz.  Only the higher quiz score will be used for grade calculation.  You will not be given help during your quizzes or tests, but help may be given when you are reviewing a quiz or test.  Tests must be taken in the MTLC.

CALCULATOR:    For tests, you will be allowed to use the CASIO FX-260-School (available at the University bookstores) or the calculator that is available on the computer.  Using another calculator is considered academic misconduct. 

REPLACEMENT POLICY:  The Final Exam for Math 110 is NOT REQUIRED.  However, Math 110 students will have the OPTION of taking a comprehensive final exam to have the final exam score replace their lowest test score. Zeros due to an unexcused absence or academic misconduct will not be replaced.

WORKING FROM HOME: Course work can be done on your personal computer with internet access.
• Log into MyBama go to your Blackboard Learn courses, and click on Math 110.
• The course software WILL NOT WORK with Safari; use a different internet browser.
• If you get a “timeout error” when using the software, delete your browser’s cookies and/or try a new browser.
• No deadline extensions will be given because of issues with a home computer. To be safe, work well ahead of the deadlines at home, so that if there is any problem you will be able to go to the MTLC and complete the assignment before the deadline.
• Tests must be taken in the MTLC.

MTLC RULES

1. The MTLC is a math classroom. Please be quiet during your visit to the MTLC.
2. Cell phones, food, drinks (including water), tobacco products, and companions are NOT allowed in the Center. A cell phone violation will cause your cell phone to be detained until you leave the MTLC.   Your cell phone needs to be out of sight and turned off.
3. Other than mathematics, no activities such as talking, surfing the Internet, playing computer games, typing a paper, sleeping, etc. are allowed in the MTLC.  If these activities are observed, you will be asked to leave the MTLC.
4. The use of a computer in the MTLC is on a first-come first-serve basis; no reservation can be made for normal course work. (Reservations are required for tests.  See Test Rules below.)
5. Please do not hesitate to ask questions in the MTLC.  Staff members in the MTLC are there to help you.

    

   TEST RULES:  Tests must be taken in the MTLC.  

   1. There are four 70-minute tests and a 150-minute comprehensive final exam. Test dates are listed on the front page of the syllabus.
   2. You may take your tests early:  “Early” means before the close of online registration for that exam.  No registration is needed and no penalties will apply for early tests.  However, no tests will be given on Sundays. You may not begin a test if the MTLC is scheduled to close before the end of your full allotted time: usually you must begin by 8pm (7pm for a final exam), or on Fridays by 3pm (2pm for a final exam).
   3. You must reserve a time in order to take an exam on a test deadline day.  The front page of the syllabus lists beginning and ending dates/times for online registration for each exam.  To register online, go to the MTLC website (www.mtlc.ua.edu), select link Test Registration, log in as instructed, select link Register, then choose an available date and time.  You may freely cancel or change your test time while online registration is active.  Be sure to verify your registration: log back in to the test registration site or check your confirmation email message.
   4. After online registration closes (at 5pm on Friday before the deadline week), you must come in person to the MTLC to register or to change your test time.  You must sign up manually with the instructor on duty; no phone calls or email arrangements can be accepted.  In this case, points will be deducted from your test grade as follows:

   10 points if you did not register online, 10 points if you change your test time after online registration closes but before your scheduled test time, 10 points if you miss your test time and reschedule, or if no open seats remain when you come to register

   These penalties are CUMULATIVE.  You may fill out a petition request form to have the penalty waived if you have a valid excuse.

   1. If you miss a test and your course’s testing period has NOT ended, come to the MTLC to reschedule.  If the testing period is over, see MAKE-UP POLICY above.
   2. Arrive on time for your test.  Tardiness will cost you working time on the test.  Bring your ID and pencils with you.  Swipe your ACT card at the MTLC entrance and then follow signs to the back hallway.  Staff will check your ID and give you a personalized test paper (which is your initial scratch paper), then direct you to your seat.
   3. Absolutely NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES other than a scientific calculator may be active in the testing area.  All cell phones, texting devices, iPods, MP3 players, etc must be turned off and put away before you pick up your test paper.  Use of any electronic device during a test will be treated as academic misconduct. 
   4. When you sit down at your computer, place your cellphone face down on the table with your ID on top of it. Cellphones must be turned completely off and all other belongings must be placed on the floor. As soon as you are seated, you may begin your exam.  The MTLC will give you additional scratch paper as needed; no other paper is allowed. When you are finished, staff will collect all papers. Warning: do NOT touch the browser’s BACK button, your test will close and you will have to start over.
   5. You will be allowed to review your test before you leave the lab.  You may not write down any information pertaining to test questions to take with you when you leave the MTLC after an exam.  You may not share any test information with anyone who hasn’t taken the test.  Violators will be charged with academic misconduct.
   6. During test weeks, the MTLC will be available for studying, reviewing, and or working assignments during normal hours on Monday and 9-10 PM on Tuesday-Thursday for last minute questions.  The lab will be closed for testing only for the final exam.
   7. No one may leave during a test without permission.  This includes getting water and using the restroom. 

    

   EARLY COURSE COMPLETION:  You are encouraged to work ahead of the syllabus deadlines, and to take tests and the final exam early.  Once you have taken the final, you do not need to continue coming to class or coming to the MTLC to work.  All the remaining attendance requirements are automatically counted for full credit.