This course is primarily designed for students who intend to continue to MATH 1150 or do not require calculus. Topics include polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; quadratic inequalities; and the Binomial Theorem.
My job is to help you to succeed in this class. I will be happy to discuss issues related to this course (or anything mathematical) in person or via email. In addition to the normal office hours listed above, alternative meeting time may be arranged (please give me at least 48hr advanced notice).
MATH-0800/0801 (Intermediate Algebra) OR an equivalent course OR an appropriate score on the AUM Mathematics Placement Test, ACT, or SAT.
Precalculus (10th Edition 2018) by Ron Larson (ISBN: 9781337271073)
Reading assignment and homework problems will be assigned from the textbook.
Selected topics from chapters 1, 2, 3, and 7. Upon successful completion of this course you will gain an understanding of and ability to apply each of the following topics.
Participation in in-class discussions and activities is an important part of the learning process. Therefore class attendance is expected and recorded. Students missing 6 or more classes without an approved excuse will receive an F grade.
Please be respectful of other people in the classroom and use common sense. In particular, please…
Scientific calculators or equivalent software programs can be helpful in doing homework problems. According to AUM Mathematics Department Calculator Policy, students are required to have a graphing calculator (TI-84 is recommended). The use of such calculators may be required for certain homework problems or in-class activities. However, all the quizzes and exams are designed so that no calculator will be needed. Therefore calculators or any smart devices with internet capabilities are not allowed on any of the quizzes and exams.
You are expected to read the book in preparation of each class meetings. Reading assignments, i.e., sections (from the required textbook) are listed on the Blackboard system.
After reading the textbook, you need to complete a short reading test through the Blackboard system. No late submission will be accepted. However, a missing reading test may be excused if valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency, etc) and proper documentation are provided in advance. Otherwise, a missing reading test receives a score of zero. It is recommended that you finish the reading test at least a few days before the due date.
Each reading test allows multiple attempts. Please see the test descriptions on the Blackboard system for detail.
You will complete short online tests on the Blackboard system that are designed to test your overall understanding of the subject. All concepts tests are due on the last day of classes, and no late submission will be accepted. However, it is strongly recommended that you complete them as early as possible.
Short in-class quizzes, designed to test our understanding of the material, will be given at beginning of class meetings. These quizzes will be a major part of your course grade. Since the solutions will be released on the same day, no makeup quiz will be offered. However, a missing quiz may be excused if valid reasons (official university events, illness or medical emergencies, death of immediate family, military orders, jury duty, religious holidays, or extreme weather conditions) and proper documentation are provided (preferably in advance). Otherwise, a missing quiz receives a score of zero.
In-class practice is a crucially important component of the learning process since this course focuses on actual programming skills. Your in-class worksheets will be collected and graded.
There will be a comprehensive Final Exam at the end of the semester. Being absent from the Final Exam results in a grade of FAN. You MUST have an AUM EXCUSED absence in order to take a make-up Final Exam. Final Exam is scheduled on the last day of class.
Your final grade is determined according to the following weighted average.
| Component | Points | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Reading tests | 20% | Blackboard |
| Concept tests | 10% | Blackboard |
| Quizzes | 44% | In-class |
| Worksheets | 16% | In-class |
| Final | 10% | In-class |
AUM COVID-19 updates. Please follow guidelines detailed in the AUM pandemic plan relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Technology equipment expectation. Access to computers and stable Internet connection are expected. Students who do not have their own equipment can use AUM open labs including labs found in the first floor of the Taylor center and the second floor of the library.
Syllabus contingency plan. Should the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Governor, or Chancellor determine the university discontinue face-to-face (in-person) instruction in the interest of safety, this course would be converted to a virtual-only format. If normal class and/or lab activities are disrupted due to illness, emergency, or crisis situation (such as a COVID-19 outbreak), the syllabus and other course plans and assignments may be modified to allow completion of the course. If this occurs, an addendum to the syllabus and/or course assignments will replace the original materials.
In case the instructor cannot attend due to COVID-related matter, a back-up instructor will be arranged by the Department of Mathematics.
Academic dishonesty. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. In particular, you cannot copy (totally or partially) someone else’s solutions or allow someone else to copy your solutions on quizzes or exams. If you do, you will receive an “F” in the course. Please consult Student Handbook for additional guidelines.
Disability accommodations. Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting during office hours to discuss your accommodations. If you have a conflict with my office hours, an alternate time can be arranged. To set up this meeting, please contact me by e-mail. If you have not registered for accommodation services through the Center for Disability Services (CDS), but need accommodations, make an appointment with CDS, 147 Taylor Center, or call 334-244-3631 or e-mail CDS at cds@aum.edu
Academic support. Student Success Advising in the WASC can be scheduled through Advisor Trac, email at wasc@aum.edu, or by calling our front desk at 334.244.3230. ISL: Tutoring appointments can be scheduled online by filling out the form at http://www.aum.edu/tutoringapp.
Student privacy policy. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (FERPA) requires institutions receiving federal monies to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. For details go to the AUM’s FERPA website: http://www.aum.edu/academics/Registrars-office