MATH 0214 - Foundations of Algebra: STEM

Description
This developmental algebra course is designed for students planning to major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field. It covers the content of both Beginning and Intermediate Algebra in a single semester. Topics include linear equations and inequalities, graphing and finding equations of lines, function concepts (including domain and range, notation, evaluation, and graphing), solving systems of linear equations in two variables, exponential properties, polynomial operations, factoring, working with rational, radical, and quadratic expressions and equations, and interwoven modeling and problem-solving. Some previous algebra background is recommended.

Pre-Requisite
Completion of MATH 0013 with a grade greater than or equal to C or received an appropriate placement score (see placement chart).

4 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
60 lecture hours

4 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring

ACTS Equivalent
N/A

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes

Students will solve single variable linear equations, inequalities, and related applications.
Students will graph and write linear equations in two variables. Students will graph linear inequalities in two variables and their intersections.
Students will solve linear systems and applications in two variables.
Students will simplify expressions with integer exponents, perform operations on polynomials, and work with linear and polynomial functions.
Students will factor polynomials, and solve equations and applications by factoring.
Students will multiply and divide rational expressions and functions, solve rational equations, graph rational functions, and solve applications that involve rational equations.
Students will graph radical functions, work with rational exponents, simplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide radical expressions, solve equations with radicals, and work with complex numbers.
Students will solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula, solve quadratic applications, and graph quadratic functions.

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students can achieve mathematical literacy.

Standard Practices
Topics list

Linear Equations, Inequalities, & Applications
Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables
Linear Systems & Applications in Two Variables
Exponents, Polynomials, & Functions
Factoring Polynomials, Solving Equations & Applications
Rational Expressions, Equations, & Functions
Radical Expressions, Equations, & Functions
Quadratic Equations, Functions, & Applications

Learning activities

Courses must, at a minimum, cover the core learning outcomes for each topic. Faculty may add to these outcomes, but may not omit any of them.

Assessments

Each instructor will include a set of departmental final exam questions on their final exam.
Approval to include the questions on another end-of-semester assessment tool may be granted if inclusion on the final exam is not possible.
These questions will be in direct support of the Learning Outcomes. Department-wide results for these questions will be reported when final grades are submitted.

Grading guidelines

At least 70% of the grade should come from proctored work.