Math Foundation Program

MAT 097
Pre-Math Level 1

FALL 2021

COURSE SYLLABUS
MAT 097 Level 1

Basic Course Information:

Semester & Fall 2021
Credits: 0 Cr
Year:
Course Title & Pre-Math Course Ervin Hoxha
Code: MAT-097 Coordinator:
Prerequisites: Placement test
Co-requisite: None

Course Description:
This course will introduce the student to basic math, modeling with equations and inequalities, tables,
graphs, linear functions, and graph of basic functions. The student will learn the language of
mathematics, mathematical symbols and different problem-solving techniques.

Textbook / Materials Required:

Pre-algebra and Introductory Algebra: An Applied Approach, Richard Aufmann, 3rd Edition

Course Outline:

Week Subject Assignment

d/m/y
Week 1
8/9/21- ¨ Course Introduction and Syllabus Explanation
9/9/21
Week 2 ¨ Fractions
12/9/21- • LCM GCF, Fractions conversion (2.1-2.2)
16/9/21 • Addition, Subtraction (2.3)
• Multiplication and Division (2.4) • Quiz 1: 15/9
¨ Decimals • HW 1: 16/9
• Rounding (2.5)
¨ Rational Numbers (3.1-3.4)
PD Day : 16/9
Week 3
¨ Order of operations (Handouts)
19/9/21- • HW 2: 22/9
¨ Variable Expressions (4.1-4.3)
23/9/21 • Quiz 2: 23/9
¨ Linear equations (5.1,5.2)
Week 4
¨ Linear equations (5.3-5.5)
26/9/21- • HW 3: 29/9
¨ Table Representation of Linear Equations
30/9/21 • Quiz 3: 30/9
(Handouts)
Week 5 ¨ Linear functions and graphs
3/10/21- • The rectangular coordinate system (12.1) • HW 4: 7/10
7/10/21 • Graphing linear equations in two variables • Quiz 4: 8/10
(12.2)
• Intercepts and slopes of lines (12.3)
• Equation of straight lines (12.4)
Week 6
¨ Solving quadratic equations by quadratic
10/10/21- • HW 5: 13/10
14/10/21
formula (16.1-16.3) • Quiz 5: 14/10

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Week 7
¨ Quadratic functions and graphs (16.4-16.5)
17/10/21- • HW 6: 20/10
21/10/21 • Quiz 6: 21/10
The Prophet’s Birthday : 19/10
Week 8
¨ Rule of exponents ( Handouts)
24/10/21- • HW 7: 26/10
28/10/21 • Quiz 7: 28/10
PD Day : 27/10
Week 9
31/10/21- • HW 8: 3/11
¨ Exponential functions and graphs ( Handouts)
4/11/21 • Quiz 8: 4/11

Week 10
7/11/21- • HW 9: 10/11
¨ Polynomial expressions ( 9.1-9.5)
11/11/21 • Quiz 9: 11/11

Week 11 ¨ Factoring ( 10.1-10.4)

14/11/21- ¨ Simplification of rational expressions (11.1- • HW 10: 17/11
18/11/21 11.4) • Quiz 10: 18/11

Week 12
¨ Solving rational expression (11.5-11.6) • HW 11: 24/11
21/11/21-
¨ Radical Expressions (15.1-15.4) • Quiz 11: 25/11
25/11/21
Week 13 • HW 12: 1/12
¨ Inequalities (14.1-14.3)
28/11/21- • Quiz 12: 2/12
¨ Geometry ( 7.1)
2/12/21
Week 14
¨ Geometry (7.2-7.3) • HW 13: 8/12
5/12/21-
¨ Trigonometric ratios • Quiz 13: 9/12
9/12/21
Week 15
¨ Review Classes
12/12/21- Final Exam
¨ Final Exam Period
16/12/21
Week 16
19/12/21-
¨ Review Final Grades
21/12/21

Holidays (No Class)

September 16, 2021 PD/Student Reading Day

October 19, 2021 (Tentative) The Prophet’s Birthday
October 27, 2021 PD/Student Reading Day
November 30, 2021 PD/Student Reading Day
December 16, 2021 Last day of classes

(For More Information, see the 2020 – 2021 Academic Calendar)

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Evaluation Methods:

Students will be provided with a variety of teaching methods in mathematics (formal problem solving,
estimation and approximation, optimization, use of patterns, visualization, representation, reasoning
and proof, making connections, mathematical communication etc.) to stimulate thinking and
deepen their understanding. They are expected to be very active during classes in discussion and
problem solving. Technology will be incorporated as a helpful tool to create a better learning
environment and to keep students stay engaged.

Grade Distribution (Passing score 60%):

Assessment Tool Weight Targeted Course Learning
Outcomes (CLOs)
Attendance 5%
Participation 5% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
13 HomeWorks 25% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
13 Quizzes 40% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Final Exam 25% 4,5,6,7
Total 100% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Note: at the discretion of the instructor, students may be assessed through various in-class activities
such as discussions and small group presentations.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

CLO1. Apply basic math rules to manipulate real numbers and follow the order of operations to
evaluate algebraic expressions.
CLO2. Solve linear equations and quadratic equations.
CLO3 Graph linear, quadratic and exponential functions.
CLO4 Simplify an expression involving exponents and radicals and solve rational and radical
equations.
CLO5 Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials.
CLO6 Use geometrical terminology and laws for angles and triangles.
CLO7 Identify trigonometric functions, apply basic trigonometric rules and use trigonometric
identities.

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Area Learning Outcomes (ALOs):

Individuals with competency in quantitative skills possess the ability to reason and solve
problems from a wide range of authentic contexts and everyday life situations. They can
interpret quantitative data and use that analysis to provide support for sophisticated
arguments. They can clearly communicate those arguments in a variety of formats as
appropriate. This requirement is aimed at developing those skills in all of our students.

After successful completion of this requirement, students will be able to demonstrate their
ability to:

A6-1 Apply mathematical models to real-world problems.

A6-2 Carry out and justify calculations.
A6-3 Draw conclusions based on quantitative evidence.
A6-4 Communicate arguments supported by quantitative evidence.

Mapping of CLOs with ALOs

Area Learning Outcomes A6-1 A6-2 A6-3 A6-4

(ALOs)
Course Learning CLO1 x
Outcomes
(CLOs) CLO2 x

CLO3 x

CLO4 x
CLO5 x
CLO6 x
CLO7 x x
% Course Contribution to 15% 40% 15% 10%
Area Learning Outcomes

Grading Structure:
All grading is done in accordance with AIU standards and Academy policies. Your final grade will
be based on the following:
The following grade scale will apply to this class:
Grading Scale
Grade Score

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S 60 - 100

U 0 - 59

I Incomplete

Additional Grades:
Withdrawal (W)
The grade of W on a course indicates that the student has dropped the course. While it has no
effect on the GPA, dropped courses are part of attempted course credits that serve as the basis
for the student's credit level.

A final grade of D (60% or higher) is required to pass each course.

Student Responsibilities:
As any course, this course requires your total commitment. Therefore, you are expected to:
• Come to class on time [See Attendance Policy]
• Bring the required materials, such as textbooks, notebooks, a dictionary, and any other tools
(as specified by individual instructors)
• Be prepared, having read, written and studied the assigned lessons.
• Be ready to write assignments in class that will be graded.
• Work cooperatively with other students.

Academic Honesty & Conduct:

Plagiarism and Cheating
Plagiarism is a serious academic offense, and it is using someone else’s ideas, words, projects,
artwork, phrasing, sentence structure or other work without properly acknowledging the ownership
(source) of the property (item). Depending on the level and extent of copying, for example, 25%,
50% and total 100% word for word copying.
Plagiarism includes the following examples, and it applies to all student assignments or submitted
work:
• Copying another person’s work to make it seems as one’s own.
• Use of another person’s words, writing, or ideas without their permission.
• Use of someone else's words, writing, or ideas without using quotation marks.

Cheating on the other hand is an act of lying or imposition. One form of cheating is using other
people’s knowledge to one’s own advantage or sending and receiving assistance from others
during exams.
Students found cheating or submitting plagiarized content will receive a zero (0) grade for that
assignment and could be also dismissed from the course or AIU depending on the severity of each
case.
The instructor has the right to penalize the assignment in a way appropriate to the offense. In such
cases, the student can make an appeal to the college.
Classroom Decorum:

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A positive learning experience depends upon respect among all members of this classroom
community. Common courtesy and respect for others is expected at all times.
• Cell phones should be turned off during class
• No disrespect will be tolerated in class—whether it is student to student or student to teacher
disrespect. If this occurs, you will be asked to leave the class. Never talk in class when someone else
is speaking.
• Do not be late for class. Attendance will be taken at each class. Chronic tardiness and/or
leaving class early will impact your grade. If you are more than 10 minutes late for class, credit for
attendance will not be given.
• Students are expected to be prepared for class, to have books, pens and writing journals at
every class, to have read the materials assigned, and completed any homework.

Attendance Policy:
Students are held accountable for meeting all class requirements and AIU policies as outlined in the
course syllabus and the Academic Catalog.

1. Students are expected to attend all course meetings, exams, presentations, tests, labs, and any
other mandated course requirements.
2. Students who are absent for 2 or more sessions of a laboratory or one-unit class will receive a
0% for the attendance portion of their grade. (An absence is also recorded when a student is
15 minutes or more late).
3. Students who are absent for 5 or more sessions of any other class will receive a 0% for the
attendance portion of their grade. (An absence is also recorded when a student is 15 minutes
or more late).
4. Additional absences may incur additional penalties, at the discretion of the University or Course
Instructor.
5. The University may notify the Private University Council (PUC) when any PUC scholarship student
is in violation of the Student Attendance Policy. Scholarship students with excessive absences
may be required to freeze their scholarship or have their scholarship revoked by PUC.
6. Students who miss class due to a serious medical emergency or due to a death in the
immediate family must provide documentary evidence to support their case for excused
absence. The Special Circumstances Panel will consider the evidence and determine whether
the absence(s) may be excused. The Student Attendance Administrator will provide students
with the form to be submitted in such cases. The student’s intention to submit an appeal of an
absence must be declared to the Attendance Administrator within one week of the date of
absence.
7. Absences for any other reason will not be excused.

Attendance Warning Levels for Students

An Early Warning is issued when a student is recorded absent for:

• 3 meetings of any other university class.
The student will receive an early warning notice via an official email message. The parent/guardian
may be contacted, and the student may be required to meet with the Student Attendance
Administrator.

A Final Notice is issued when a student is recorded absent for:

• 2 meetings of a laboratory or one-unit class, or
• 5 meetings of a standard university class
The student will receive an official notice via an official email message, and the parent/guardian may
also be contacted. The student will be required to meet with the Student Attendance Administrator

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and/or an Academic Advisor.

Student Tardiness
Students are expected to arrive on time to all course meetings, exams, presentations, tests, labs, and
any other mandated course requirements. A student who arrives late for any reason will be considered
tardy (students late by more than 15 minutes will be considered absent for that session). The course
instructor will not accept any reasons or excuses for student tardiness when recording the student’s
late arrival to a class meeting or lab.
University students are expected to plan ahead to account for travel times and arrangements,
campus parking, and other possible delays that could negatively affect attendance. Students who
are late to class due to a serious medical emergency or due to a death in the immediate family must
provide documentary evidence to support their case for excused absence. The Special
Circumstances Panel will consider the evidence and determine whether the instance(s) or tardiness
may be excused.

Student tardiness will be regarded as an absence according to the following table:

• 3 instances of tardiness = 1 Absence
• 5 instances of tardiness = 2 Absences and a required meeting with the Student
Attendance Administrator
• Students with 6 or more instances of tardiness may be subject to additional penalties as
determined by the Course Instructor and the University.

Assessment Policy

1. Examinations

1. The University examination schedule is produced centrally by the Registrar Office and the final
version of the examination schedule is published through AIU communications.

2. Students are required to present themselves for examinations at the times and places
specified by the University. Absence or non-submission of scripts shall result in failure of the
examination, except where the Extenuating Circumstances Panel approves a claim relating to
the assessment.

2. Coursework Assessments

1. Students are required to submit coursework at the times and places formally notified to them.
Students are required to keep an electronic copy of any Coursework. This may be requested by
a member of faculty for plagiarism detection purposes. Students shall keep all returned
assessments until after the final assessment of the award and must re-submit any work to
authorised staff if required.

2. Where students experience unexpected and exceptional difficulties in preparing for, or

completing coursework, and have evidence for this, they may apply to the
University Extenuating Circumstances Panel to have a lateness penalty removed or allow an
opportunity for make-up assessment.

3. Late submissions shall be penalised. The penalty shall consist of a reduction in the mark of 10
percentage points for each whole or partial day late. For the avoidance of doubt, this regulation

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means 10 percentage points of the marks available for the coursework and not ten per cent of
the marks awarded to a student based on the merits of the coursework submitted. For example,
where a coursework warranting a merit mark of 82% is submitted one day late, then a mark
of 72% shall be recorded. No mark less than zero shall result from the application of this
regulation. The lateness penalty may be removed following an approved claim from
the Extenuating Circumstances Panel.

3. Reassessment Opportunities

1. Reassessment shall only be allowed as an attempt to retrieve an initial failure and shall not be
allowed with a view to improving performance in any component of assessment where the pass
standard has been met.

2. One opportunity only to retake any failed course shall be allowed, whether on the original
program of study or following transfer to another program. Where students are
retaking courses, any marks previously awarded shall be void and the student shall be required to
submit every assessment for that course.

3. Retaking courses that have previously been passed will only be allowed in exceptional cases
and with the approval of the relevant Dean.

Extenuating Circumstances Policy

1. Extenuating circumstances are extenuating and unforeseen circumstances, beyond a

student’s control, which may have had a serious and adverse effect upon their assessed work or
class attendance.

Examples of circumstances that the University is likely to accept include:

• Significant short-term illness or injury.

• A long-term or chronic health condition, which has recently worsened temporarily or
permanently.
• Death or serious illness of a first-degree relative.

Examples of circumstances that the University is unlikely to accept include:

• A long-term or chronic health condition which has not worsened recently, or for which the
University has already made a reasonable adjustment.
• A minor short-term illness or injury (e.g., a common cold), which would not reasonably have
had a significant adverse impact on assessment.
• Circumstances which were foreseeable or preventable.
• Holidays.
• Pressure of academic work.
• Poor time-management.
• Lack of awareness of dates or times of assessment submission or examination.
• Failure, loss or theft of data, a computer or other equipment.
• Commitments to paid or voluntary employment.

2. It is the responsibility of the student to attend examinations, submit coursework for assessment
as required and by the due date, and to provide the University Extenuating Circumstances Panel,

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with any relevant information on extenuating and unforeseen circumstances that may have
adversely affected their assessment performance.

3. It is the responsibility of the student to attend classes according to their class schedule and
arrive at the time stated. Students who miss classes or arrive late will be dealt with according to
the University Attendance Policy. Where students feel that extenuating circumstances have led
to their absence, they can apply to the Extenuating Circumstances Panel to have their absence
excused. Instructors are not authorised to excuse student absences.

4. If a student claims that their performance in assessments has been adversely affected
by Extenuating circumstances, it is their responsibility to ensure that the evidence of
such Extenuating circumstances is provided, documented, and independently substantiated at
the earliest possible opportunity.

5. Students should apply for Extenuating circumstances a maximum of ten working days after
the submission deadline or examination date and prior to the release of marks.

6. Where there are known and documented circumstances that will take place at a future date
(for example, a hospital appointment for an operation which coincides with a formal
examination) students should submit these applications in advance.

7. A claim for Extenuating circumstances, regardless of circumstances, cannot be made

following final publication of semester results by the university.

8. Circumstances approved by the University Extenuating Circumstances Panel

are communicated to the student and forwarded to the relevant instructor and Dean.

9. A claim for Extenuating circumstances shall not be available to a student to avoid allegations
of having committed an academic offence.

10. If a student wishes to apply for Extenuating circumstances, they are strongly advised to talk
this through with an Academic Advisor in the first instance.

11. Applications can be withdrawn by the student at any time up until the meeting of the
University Extenuating Circumstances Panel and after they have been approved by the Panel.

12. Where a claim for Extenuating circumstances is not approved as valid by the
University Extenuating Circumstances Panel the student will have a maximum of fifteen working
days following notification of the outcome of their initial claim to provide further evidence.
Resubmission of the same evidence to the Extenuating Circumstances Panel will not be
permitted.

13. If a student fails to attend make-up examinations, without good cause, the university
will deem the student to have failed the examination concerned and no further opportunity will
be provided. Late submission of make-up coursework will be subject to the normal lateness
penalty.

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