Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Back to Syllabus Search | Browse by Department
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Math Essentials Combined (Face-to-Face)

MATH 0970-01

Course: MATH 0970-01
Credits: 4
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: MATH
CRN: 31573

Course Description

The course is an individualized, fast-paced, computerized math program using ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces), a web-based adaptive learning system. ALEKS quickly determines what a student knows and doesn’t know, then delivers instruction on topics the student is most ready to learn. As you progress, ALEKS periodically assesses mastery by objective (often weekly) and reintroduces unmastered topics as needed. The course spans material from Pre-Algebra through Intermediate Algebra and integrates independent online learning with classroom and one-on-one professional instruction.

In this class you will review and/or become proficient with signed numbers, linear equations and inequalities, fractions, decimals, percent problems, geometry, graphing, integer exponents, polynomials and factoring; it also includes an introduction to sequences, sets, and radicals. This course prepares students for Intermediate Algebra (Math 1010) as well as Math 1030 and 1040.

You will not receive college math credit for this class; however, for the purposes of financial aid and similar considerations, it is counted as a 4-credit class and a letter grade will appear on your transcript.

Required Texts

  • No textbook is required. Each student must create an ALEKS account and register for the course. The cost for the 18-week comprehensive ALEKS program will be automatically applied to student fees (see the Registrar’s Office for pricing). Please refer to the ALEKS Registration Instructions handout for setup.
  • Math journal (spiral or composition).
  • Pencils (preferred over pens).
  • No calculator purchase is needed. ALEKS will provide an onscreen calculator only when appropriate; otherwise, calculators and cell phones are prohibited. Students are expected to perform operations with negative numbers, fractions, and decimals without a calculator.
  • Daily lecture notes packet (available for purchase at the SUU bookstore).

Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, students will review and/or develop proficiency in:

  • Signed numbers and operations
  • Linear equations and inequalities
  • Fractions, decimals, and percent applications
  • Geometry fundamentals and graphing
  • Integer exponents
  • Polynomials and factoring
  • Introductions to sequences, sets, and radicals

The course is designed to prepare students for success in Intermediate Algebra (Math 1010) as well as Math 1030 and Math 1040.

Course Requirements

Grading Policy and Expectations

For each objective, you must satisfy both the ALEKS pie progress goal (PP Obj) and the module time goal as outlined in the Due Dates Calendar (posted in Canvas). Even if you are ahead on topics, you must still meet the time goal. If you finish the course early, remaining time goals will be dropped. If you have met the time goal but not the pie progress goal, you must continue working in ALEKS to meet the progress requirement so you can finish by semester’s end. Any pie progress or time goals not fully met will receive partial credit in Canvas.

It is important that you earn a grade of B- or higher to move on and be successful in the next math course.

Grade Components

  • ALEKS Module Time Goals / Lab Attendance – 10%
    Spend the specified number of active hours in ALEKS each module (varies by module as listed in the Due Dates Calendar). Time goals reset at midnight on the due date and cannot be made up. Each week also includes a required lab attendance score that can be fulfilled automatically by meeting the module pie progress goal or by attending the lab class. In-class lecture hours are not required but may count toward time goals if the module’s pie progress goal has been met. Failure to attend at least 80% of regularly scheduled lecture days may result in a UW course grade. The course requires a minimum of 100 total hours working in ALEKS across the term.
  • Module Written Assignments – 10%
    One paper-and-pencil assignment per module allows you to demonstrate understanding of that objective’s material. Show all work; calculators are not allowed. Submit via Canvas or as a hard copy by the end of the corresponding module, as outlined in the Due Dates Calendar. Failure to complete at least 80% of module written assignments may result in a UW course grade.
  • Last ALEKS Scheduled Knowledge Check (Proctored) – 80%
    There are four scheduled Knowledge Checks (including the final) on dates listed in the Due Dates Calendar (posted in Canvas). These must be taken in the SUU Testing Center (required for face-to-face students). Each Knowledge Check assesses 100% of course content; each new score replaces the previous Knowledge Check score. The last scheduled Knowledge Check counts for 80% of the Canvas grade. All MATH 0970 students must achieve at least an 80% overall Canvas grade to pass the course, which means at least 80% overall pie progress on a scheduled Knowledge Check. The final ALEKS Knowledge Check must be proctored for the score to be valid.

Letter Grade Scale

A94–100
A-90–93
B+87–89
B84–86
B-80–83
C+77–79
C74–76
C-70–73
D+67–69
D64–66
D-60–63
FBelow 60

Course Outline

     | Aleks Assignments and Due Dates Calendar Fall 2025 (Full)

 | The Schedule  |   |   | Math 0970   | 
 | ALEKS Objective Completion:  | Due:  |   | Suggested Pie Progress Goals:  | 
 | Objective 1:  Whole Numbers and Integers  | 3-Sep-25  |   | PP Obj 1 - 20% (100 topics)  | 3-Sep-25
 | Objective 2:  Fractions  | 12-Sep-25  |   | PP Obj 2 - 30% (150 topics)  | 12-Sep-25
 | Objective 3:  Solving Equations  | 19-Sep-25  |   | PP Obj 3 - 40% (200 topics)  | 19-Sep-25
 | Objective 4: Decimals  | 26-Sep-25  |   | PP Obj 4 - 50% (250 topics)  | 26-Sep-25
 | Objective 5:  Percents and Geometry  | 3-Oct-25  |   | PP Obj 5 - 60% (300 topics)  | 3-Oct-25
 | Objective 6:  Advanced Equations  | 17-Oct-25  |   | PP Obj 6 - 70% (350 topics)  | 17-Oct-25
 | Objective 7:  Sets and Inequalities  | 24-Oct-25  |   | PP Obj 7 - 75% (375 topics)  | 24-Oct-25
 | Objective 8:  Graphing  | 7-Nov-25  |   | PP Obj 8 - 85% (425 topics)  | 7-Nov-25
 | Objective 9:  Exponents and Polynomials  | 21-Nov-25  |   | PP Obj 9 - 95% (475 topics)  | 21-Nov-25
 | Objective 10:  Factoring  | 5-Dec-25  |   | PP Obj 10 - 100% (500 topics)  | 5-Dec-25
 
 | Written Assignments:  |   |   | Time Goals: (100 Total Hours)  | 
 | Module 1 Written Assignment  | 3-Sep-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 1 (8 hours)  | 3-Sep-25
 | Module 2 Written Assignment  | 12-Sep-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 2 (12 hours)  | 12-Sep-25
 | Module 3 Written Assignment  | 19-Sep-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 3 (8 hours)  | 19-Sep-25
 | Module 4 Written Assignment  | 26-Sep-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 4 (8 hours)  | 26-Sep-25
 | Module 5 Written Assignment  | 3-Oct-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 5 (8 hours)  | 3-Oct-25
 | Module 6 Written Assignment  | 17-Oct-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 6 (12 hours)  | 17-Oct-25
 | Module 7 Written Assignment  | 24-Oct-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 7 (8 hours)  | 24-Oct-25
 | Module 8 Written Assignment  | 7-Nov-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 8 (14 hours)  | 7-Nov-25
 | Module 9 Written Assignment  | 21-Nov-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 9 (14 hours)  | 21-Nov-25
 | Module 10 Written Assignment  | 5-Dec-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 10 (8 hours)  | 5-Dec-25

 | Proctored Assessments:  |   |   |   | 
 | Scheduled Assessment 1 (40%)  | 19-Sep-25  |   | Knowledge Check Pre-Test (25%)  | 5-Sep-25
 | Scheduled Assessment 2 (65%)  | 10-Oct-25  |   | Optional Early Final (95%)  | 21-Nov-25
 | Scheduled Assessment 3 (80%)  | 31-Oct-25  |   | Scheduled Assessment 4 (100%)  | 8-Dec-25

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  • Deadlines: Module time goals reset at midnight on the designated due date and cannot be made up. Written assignments are due at the end of each module as listed in the Due Dates Calendar; all assignments remain due on their designated date regardless of class attendance.
  • Academic integrity during assessments: For the Initial Knowledge Check and post-objective Knowledge Checks in ALEKS, do not use any outside resources or calculators (unless ALEKS provides the onscreen calculator). These objective checks are for accurate placement and practice.
  • Calculator and device use: Calculators are not allowed on written assignments, and calculators/cell phones are prohibited unless ALEKS provides the integrated tool. Keep distractions to a minimum during math work; cell phones, headphones, and other devices should be put away.
  • Proctoring: The last scheduled ALEKS Knowledge Check must be proctored. Face-to-face students are required to use the on-campus testing center option.
  • Communication and support: Seek help early and often. Ask questions immediately when they arise. Use available resources (ALEKS examples, explanations, videos, and ebook; tutoring; classmates for notes if absent). Please inform the instructor if you drop the course and why.

Attendance Policy

This is a face-to-face course delivered through both lecture and lab settings. Daily physical attendance is required and expected. Individual exceptions to allow non-attendance cannot be granted unless proof of COVID is provided to the instructor.

  • Plan to attend class daily to maximize success.
  • Each week includes a required lab attendance score that can be fulfilled automatically by meeting the module’s pie progress goal or by attending the lab class.
  • All assignments remain due on their designated dates regardless of attendance.
  • Failure to attend at least 80% of regularly scheduled lecture days may result in a UW course grade.
  • Failure to attend at least half of the semester’s in-class course lectures may result in a UW course grade.

Course Fees

  • ALEKS access: Required; the 18-week ALEKS license cost is automatically applied to student fees (see Registrar’s Office for pricing).
  • Lecture notes packet: Required; available for purchase at the SUU bookstore.
  • Testing center: Scheduled Knowledge Checks are taken in the SUU Testing Center at no additional cost (covered by student fees).
  • No calculator purchase required; ALEKS provides an onscreen calculator when appropriate.

Course Procedures and Learning Resources

Initial Knowledge Check: After registering your ALEKS account, you will complete an Initial Knowledge Check that assesses your mastery across the course content. Do your best without outside resources so ALEKS can create an accurate, personalized learning path.

Post-Objective Knowledge Checks: At the end of each module, ALEKS will administer an automated post-objective assessment. These serve as practice; treat them like tests and avoid outside resources. Missed topics will return to your learning path for re-mastery.

Online Resources: ALEKS and the integrated ebook provide examples, explanations, videos, and other supports aligned to each lesson. Use these resources regularly.

Tutoring: SUU offers free tutoring (including during summer with limited hours). Math tutors and computers are available for student use—take advantage of these services to support your progress.

Lecture Notes Packet Use: The daily lecture notes packet will be used in class to support learning and will serve as a reference when studying or reviewing for assessments.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.