MA109-50, FA 2001

Course Objectives:   Students should gain an understanding of the relationship between functions and their graphs, and in particular of linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, adequate for success in calculus.  Students should also improve their abilities to read, write, and discuss mathematics, and to model real-world phenomena mathematically.
Class Schedule:   Tuesday, Thursday 6:00 - 7:40 p.m., Howard Hall 544
Instructor:  B. Gold; Office Location:  HH C-6;  Office Telephone:  571-4451
Office Hours:  Monday 11 - noon, Tuesday 2:15 - 3:15p.m., Wednesday 1:00 - 2:00p.m., Thursday 4:45 - 5:45p.m., or by appointment or chance.
E-mail Address:  bgold@monmouth.edu
Required Text:  Bittinger, et al, Precalculus:  Graphs and Models, 2nd ed.
Course Requirements:  Computer labs, individual homework, group homework, homework quizes, 4 in-class exams, cumulative final exam.
Methods of Evaluation and Grading Policy:  In-class exams 10% each, final exam 20%, individual homework 10% group homework 10%, homework quizes 10%, in-class activities (reading assignments, computer laboratory and group projects) 10%.   Group homework is due on the Thursday of the following week, and you may ask questions on Tuesday.  Individual homework is due at the class following its assignment, and homework quizes from the previous week's homework will be given on Thursdays.  Laboratory projects not finished in class will be due on the following Tuesday.
On a scale of 0 to 100, grades of:
     A and A- will be assigned to scores of 90 and above
     B+, B and B- will be assigned to scores between 80 and 90
     C+, C and C- will be assigned to scores between 65 and 80
     D+, D and D- will be assigned to scores between 50 and 65
     F will be assigned to scores below 50.

Attendance Requirement:  Attendance is required.  I will drop the lowest 3 homework quizes, but will not give make-up quizes under any circumstances, so if you miss a quiz, it automatically becomes one of your 3 quizes dropped.
Examination Absences:  If you must miss an examination, you must let me know, by telephone, e-mail, or in person, before the examination, or the grade on the examination will be 0, with no exceptions!  Further, you must speak with me before the next class period to determine a time for a make-up examination.
Last date to Withdraw with automatic assignment of “W” grade:  November 7, 2001.

Statement on Academic Honesty:  You are welcome to consult others, whether students in the class or tutors in the Mathematics Learning Center.  However, whenever you have had assistance with a problem, you are to state that at the beginning of the solution to the problem.  Unless it becomes excessive, there will be no reduction in credit for getting such assistance.  This policy applies to both individual and group work. (Of course groups need only acknowledge help from outside the group.)
In accordance with the academic honesty policy of Monmouth University each exam will contain the following pledge:
“Examination Rules:  No student is permitted to have at his or her desk any books or papers that are not given out or expressly permitted by the instructor.  Possession of such material will be regarded as evidence of intent to use the information dishonestly.  No communication between students during the examination is permitted.  If there are questions, or if there is a need for additional material, the instructor should be asked. If there is a need for calculations or notes, they may be written on the pages of the exam. The following pledge must be signed and submitted with the examination:
I, ____________________________, certify that I have read the above rules for examinations, and that I have abided by them. By signing, I affirm that I have neither given nor received aid during this examination, and I understand that violation of this affirmation may result in suspension or expulsion from Monmouth University.”

Statement on Special Accomodations:  Students with disabilities who need special accommodations for this class are encouraged to meet with me or the appropriate disability service provider on campus as soon as possible.  In order to receive accommodations, students must be registered with the appropriate disability service provider on campus as set forth in the student handbook and must follow the University procedure for self-disclosure, which is stated in the University Guide to Services and Accomodations for Students with Disabilities.  Students will not be afforded any special accommodations for academic work completed prior to the disclosure of the disability, nor will they be afforded any special accommodations prior to the completion of the documentation process with the appropriate disability office.

Success in Mathematics:  At least a week in advance, I shall post the BATs for the sections for the upcoming chapter on the web.  BAT stands for Be Able To, and it's a list of what I expect you to be able to do once you've read, and done the homework, on that section.

Class will begin promptly, so plan to arrive at least 5 minutes early and be prepared to start work as soon as the period starts.  Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive to the class and is not appreciated.

I expect students to come to each class prepared to participate in the class work. This includes having read that day's section and bringing clean paper, a writing implement (or two), the textbook, and a calculator, as well as any assignments which are due.

You folks are now adults and I intend to treat you with respect and expect the same from you, towards both your instructor and your classmates.  I have no tolerance for students who laugh at or put down another student’s response.

You will occasionally need a “scientific” calculator (with values of trigonometric and other transcendental functions built in).  You may wish to buy a relatively inexpensive graphing calculator, as it will save you some trips to the computer lab outside class time, but it is not essential.  If you have a computer, I strongly recommend you buy a student version of Maple, as we will use it a lot and it will save you coming to the computer lab to do your homework.

A midterm grade will be generated based on the first two exams and other material turned in by October 20, and submitted to the Registrar’s Office on October 25.  Please note that the last date to withdraw from a course is November 7, so if your midterm grade is not satisfactory, please speak with me promptly about whether you should withdraw from the course.

If you are having difficulty in the course, your first step should be to come see me during office hours.  In addition, free tutoring is available in the Math Learning Center located in Room 543 on the top floor of Howard Hall.  The tutors are college students from a variety of majors who can explain the mathematical concepts clearly from a student’s point of view.  The tutors request that students bring their textbooks with them and that they come prepared with specific questions.

Exams from earlier in the semester
 

Study Guides:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Exam 4
Final exam:  Thursday, December 20, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., HH 544