Essentials in Mathematics I and II: Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

Course Overview

Essentials in Mathematics I and II (MAT 0022 3205)

This course is designed to prepare students for Intermediate Algebra (MAT1033) by covering foundational arithmetic and introductory algebra topics. It is a compressed course combining material from Basic Mathematics and Elementary Algebra, suitable for students with some prior experience but needing further review before advancing.

• Credit Hours: 5

• Session Length: 12 Weeks

• Course Format: Online, with lectures, discussions, cooperative learning, and lab-enhanced activities

• Prerequisite: Appropriate score on a college placement test

Major Topics Covered

• Operations with Whole Numbers, Integers, Fractions, Decimals (including order of operations and absolute value)

• Real Numbers and Their Properties

• Exponents and Polynomials (including factoring)

• Linear Equations and Linear Inequalities

• Applications: Ratios, proportions, percent, and geometry

• Introduction to Rational Expressions, Radicals (Square Roots), and Graphing in Two Variables

Course Learning Outcomes

• Perform operations on real numbers

• Solve linear equations in one variable

• Solve linear inequalities in one variable

• Perform operations on polynomials

• Graph linear equations in two variables

• Perform operations on rational expressions

• Perform operations on square roots

• Solve quadratic equations by factoring

• Apply mathematical concepts to real-world situations

Course Calendar and Weekly Structure

Week	Topics	Assignments
1	Whole Numbers & Integers	Homework, Quiz
2	Fractions & Mixed Numbers	Homework, Quiz
3	Decimals & Percent	Homework, Quiz, Discussion
4	Review & Proctored Exam 1	Practice Test, Test
5-6	Polynomials, Exponents & Factoring	Homework, Quizzes
7	Rational Expressions & Radicals	Homework, Quizzes, Discussion
8	Review & Proctored Exam 2	Practice Test, Test
9-10	Solving Equations & Inequalities	Homework, Quizzes
11	Graphing	Homework, Quiz, Discussion
12	Review & Final Exam	Practice Final, Final Exam

Assessment and Grading

• Discussion Boards: 3 @ 5 points each

• Homework Assignments: 20 @ 10 points each

• Quizzes: 10 @ 20 points each

• Practice Exams: 2 midterm @ 10 points, 1 final @ 15 points

• Proctored Tests: 2 @ 150 points each

• Proctored Final Exam: 1 @ 250 points

• Total Points Possible: 1,000

Grading Scale:

• 90–100 = A

• 80–89 = B

• 70–79 = C

• 60–69 = D

• <59 = F

Policies and Resources

• Attendance: Regular participation required; academic engagement in the first week is mandatory.

• Late/Missed Work: Two-week window for tests; homework must be completed on time.

• Academic Honesty: Cheating, plagiarism, and other dishonest behaviors are prohibited.

• Accessibility: Accommodations available for students with disabilities; contact Student Support Services.

• Library and Tutoring: Free services available on campus and online (Brainfuse).

• Technology Requirements: Reliable computer, internet, access to Canvas LMS, and FSCJ email.

Course Outline: Weekly Topics

• Week 1: Whole Numbers & Integers (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Exponents, Order of Operations)

• Week 2: Fractions & Mixed Numbers (Reducing, Multiplying, Dividing, Least Common Multiple, Adding, Subtracting)

• Week 3: Decimals & Percent (Rounding, Arithmetic, Ratios, Percents)

• Week 5-6: Polynomials, Exponents & Factoring (Properties, Simplifying, Arithmetic, Factoring)

• Week 7: Rational Expressions & Radicals (Simplifying, Arithmetic, Introduction to Radicals)

• Week 9-10: Solving Equations & Inequalities (Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations by Factoring, Linear Inequalities)

• Week 11: Graphing (Introduction, Slope, Graphing in Two Variables)

Support and Contact Information

• Instructor: Adina Vintu

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office Hours: MW: 11:15am - 12:15pm & 3:00pm - 5:30pm (Downtown Campus); TR: 4:30pm - 6:00pm (Online)

• Office Location: Downtown Campus - A2002

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, policies, and resources. The course content aligns with foundational topics in College Algebra, including arithmetic, algebraic operations, equations, inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, radicals, and graphing.