Math 140 - Precalculus Online - Syllabus

Fall 2007

Course Description:

Major emphasis is on the concept of functions.  The students will study polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, their properties, graphs, and related equations and applications. Additional topics include systems of equations, matrices, conic sections, sequences and series, and probability.  A graphing calculator is required and will be used extensively.

Prerequisite(s):    

Math 131 or equivalent

Course Goals:

The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of functions, advanced concepts of algebra

and trigonometry. We will also learn to use problem solving techniques to obtain a sense of how and why

algebra is used, and to be able to relate these problems and use the learned problem solving techniques

to real life applications.  This course also will have an extensive use of the TI-83 Plus graphing

calculator. Great emphasis will be placed on understanding of terms, concepts, principles and theories

rather than cramming and memorization.

Performance Objectives:

I.    Core Course Objectives

     Simplify polynomial, radical , and rational expressions, and algebraic expressions involving radicals, integer exponents, rational exponents, trigonometric functions, combinations, permutations, factorials, series, sequences, and matrices  using appropriate algebraic properties, algebraic skills, and algorithmic processes. (ADO 3)

   Use appropriate algorithmic processes (this includes processes that involve matrices) to

       solve:  (ADO 3)

              •    linear, absolute value, quadratic, radical, rational, exponential, and logarithmic

                   equations

                        •    linear, absolute value,  polynomial, and rational inequalities

                        •    linear and nonlinear systems of equations

                        •    trigonometric and inverse trigonometric equations

   Manipulate and identify functions graphically, symbolically, and numerically. (ADO 3)

   Solve application problems involving many different subject areas using algebraic processes,

       counting techniques, and the binomial theorem. (ADO 7)

    Apply fundamentals of right triangle trigonometry and solve application problems.

        (ADO 3 and ADO 7)

    Use appropriate technology (such as a graphing calculator) to enhance the understanding of objectives.

            (ADO 3)

             Have knowledge of science and technology used in this area of study.

II.   Associate Degree Outcomes

      The Board of Trustees has determined that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance certain

          essential skills while enrolled in the college.  All courses at Jackson Community College address

          one or more institutionally defined Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs).

MATH 140 addresses several of these Associate Degree Outcomes (see below) :

    Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical reasoning.  (ADO 3)

    Critical thinking and problem solving  (ADO 7)

    Associate Degree Outcomes: Mathematics is required for graduation from Jackson Community

      College and is a component of general education. General education promotes essential skills and

      understandings that collectively define the educated person. One aspect of general education is the

      development of practical skills which is guided by the associate degree outcomes (ADOs). 

     A graduate from JCC should possess the following skills (associate degree outcomes):

ADO 1: Write clearly, concisely and intelligibly (3 credits)

ADO 2: Speak clearly, concisely and intelligibly

ADO 3: Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical reasoning (3-5 credits)

ADO 4: Demonstrate scientific reasoning (4-5 credits)

ADO 5: Understand human behavior and social systems the principles which govern them,

          and their implications for the present and future  (3-4 credits)

ADO 6: Understand aesthetic experience and artistic creativity (3 credits)

ADO 7: Think critically

ADO 8: Make responsible decisions in personal and professional contexts

ADO 9: Work productively with others, recognizing individual contributions to group success

ADO 10: Understand and respect the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures

 

Materials Needed for the Course

         Course Materials

Available Help

         Tutors (plus additional services for academic success) can be accessed by calling 796-8415

                  or by stopping by the Center for Student Success, Bert Walker Hall Room 123

         Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with

                 Disabilities Act) should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in

                 acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning.

             Where do I go to get help with this class?

Course Topics and Assignments

                    See Class Calendar with Assignments and Due Dates for timeline of topics covered,

                    Homework, Quizzes, Discussion Forums/Link Analysis Paper, Unit Exams, and Final Exam

          See Grading Procedures (What do I have to do to get a grade for this class?) for course requirements and scoring.

            What do I have to do to get a grade for this class?

Late Work Policy

                Homework is to be completed on or before the due dates on the

                    Class Calendar with Assignments and Due Dates. 

                Quizzes are to be completed on or before the due dates on the

                    Class Calendar with Assignments and Due Dates. 

                   Class Calendar with Assignments and Due Dates

            Unit Exams are to be completed on or before the

                    due dates on the Class Calendar with Assignments and Due Dates

                Midterm Exam and the Final Exam are to be completed,

                    mailed to me by US Mail and postmarked on or before the due dates on the

                    Class Calendar with Assignments and Due Dates. 

                    Also, they may be completed and turned in, at the JCC Testing Lab, if you chose that as

                     your Proctored environment.  You need to fill out the Proctor Selection Form within

                    the first two weeks of the semester.

                    Remember that the due dates are postmark dates for the Midterm Exam and Final Exam.

                Discussion Forum and Link-analysis Paper are to be completed on or before the due dates

                    on the Class Calendar with Assignments and Due Dates. 

            What is the Grading Scale? 

         Class Calendar with Assignments and Due Dates

                Instructional Philosophy: Education is a self-initiated, active, goal-directed process,

                     leading to a change and/or expansion of the students understanding of and ability to use

                     the subject material. The student is expected to be accountable for the learning process.

                     The instructor should be viewed as a facilitator and resource person to assist in the

                     process.

            Academic Honesty: (Excerpt from JCC policy; see instructor for a copy of the

                     complete policy.) Academic Honesty is expected of all students. It is the ethical behavior

                     that includes producing their own work and not representing others’ their own, either by

                     plagiarism, by cheating or by helping others to do so. Faculty members who suspect a

                     student of academic dishonesty may penalize the student by…assigning a failing grade for

                     the paper, project, report, exam or the course itself.

           Audits: Must be registered during the first week of class. You will not receive a grade

                     or credit for the course.

           Drop and Withdraw deadlines are on the Academic Calendar website. If you do not

                     wish to complete the class and receive a grade, because you are not happy with your

                     grade or for any other reason, you must withdraw by this date. The instructor may

                     withdraw any student who does not complete assignments and/or tests in a timely manner.

                     However, do not assume that I will withdraw you.

           Incompletes will be given only in accordance with JCC policy. (Excerpt from JCC policy;

                     see instructor for a copy of the complete policy.) A student may request an incomplete

                     from the instructor. The incomplete will be granted only if the student can provide

                     documentation that his or her work up to that point is sufficient in quality, but lacking in

                     quantity, due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. Furthermore, a written plan

                     for making up the missing work within one semester must be completed by the student.

                     Final determination of whether an incomplete will be given is the instructor’s decision.

           General College Policies: You should read the policies and procedures of the college as

                     specified in the "Student Handbook" which is included in your package of information

                     sent with this course.