COURSE EVALUATION/GRADING SCHEME

Grades are computed from three exams (10% of total grade for the first exam, 20% of total grade each for the next two exams), a comprehensive final exam (30% of total grade), closed-book quizzes (10% of total grade), and homework/participation (10% of total grade). Letter grades are given as follows: A: 90-100%, B: 80-90%, C: 70-80%, D: 60-70%.  Borderline grades are not rounded up, except possibly under special circumstances, for example when the student has demonstrated extra effort and improvement during the semester.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required in this course.  Students who miss more than 4 classes may be dropped from the roster. Attendance will be verified using a sign-in sheet every class period.

Homework Policy

Homework is assigned every Thursday and is due in class the following Thursday.  The appropriate cover sheet (available in class and/or in Blackboard) must accompany each handed-in homework assignment (or else the homework will not be accepted).  10 percentage points are deducted from the homework grade each day it is late.  Homework six (6) days late or more will not be accepted.

Quiz Policy

Closed-book quizzes are given on a regular basis to help the student prepare for exams and to assess understanding of the material.  No make up of missed quizzes will be allowed.  One quiz (with the lowest score) will be dropped when computing the final course grade.

Missed Exam Policy

Some exams (not the final) may be given in the testing center.  Makeup exams will only be given with priorinstructor approval or for genuine emergencies.  Make-up exams will not be given for any other reason.  Because there are only four exams given in this course, no exam grade is dropped when computing the final course grade.

Class Participation Policy

Students will occasionally be called upon to answer questions about the subject material, and you are strongly encouraged to ask questions if you don’t understand something.  Remember, if you don’t understand something, chances are that someone else doesn’t understand it either.

Withdrawal Policy

The final withdrawal date is August 1, 2012.  It is the student's responsibility to initiate all withdrawals in this course.  The instructor may withdraw students for excessive absences (more than 4) but makes no commitment to do this for the student. After the final withdrawal date, neither the student nor the instructor may initiate a withdrawal.

Incomplete Grade Policy

Incomplete grades (I) will be given only in very rare circumstances.  Generally, to receive a grade of "I", a student must have taken all examinations, be passing, and after the last date to withdraw, have a personal tragedy occur which prevents course completion.

Common Courtesies

Snacks are only allowed in the classroom if they are eaten quietly, and if they don’t smell. Talking out of turn, or other distractive behavior, will not be tolerated.  Students may not use personal laptop computers, cell phones, etc, without the instructor’s permission.  Excessive coming and going from the classroom without the instructor’s permission will be counted as an absence.
Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, work, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations; and homework.

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty Penalty  

Students who violate the rules concerning scholastic dishonesty will be assessed an academic penalty that the instructor determines is in keeping with the seriousness of the offense. This academic penalty may range from a grade penalty on the particular assignment to an overall grade penalty in the course, including possibly an F in the course. ACC's policy can be found in the Student Handbook under Policies and Procedures or on the web at: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook

Statement on Student Discipline

Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in the Student Handbook under Policies and Procedures or on the web at: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook

Statement on Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office of Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks Students who are requesting accommodation must provide the instructor with a letter of accommodation from the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) at the beginning of the semester. Accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the letter of accommodation from OSD.

Statement on Academic Freedom

Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good.  The common good depends upon a search for truth and upon free expression.  In this course the professor and students shall strive to protect free inquiry and the open exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions.  Students are free to take exception to views offered in this course and to reserve judgment about debatable issues. Grades will not be affected by personal views.  With this freedom comes the responsibility of civility and a respect for a diversity of ideas and opinions.  This means that students must take turns speaking, listen to others speak without interruption, and refrain from name-calling or other personal attacks.

Required Text: Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus, by Connally, Hughes-Hallet, Gleason, et al., 4th edition.

(Estimated) COURSE CALENDAR/OUTLINE

“Note:  schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class.”

***HOLIDAYS: N/A

**Additional information about ACC's mathematics curriculum and faculty is available on the Internet at http://www.austincc.edu/math/

COURSE DESCRIPTION

MATH 2412 PRECALCULUS: FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS (4-4-0).This is a course designed to prepare students for MATH 2413 Calculus I. Content includes algebraic, logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions and equations; parametric equations; and the polar coordinate system.

Prerequisites:MATH 1316 with a C or better or equivalent. Another option is an appropriate secondary school course (one semester of trigonometry or precalculus or the equivalent, including trigonometry) and a satisfactory entrance score on the ACC Mathematics Assessment Test.

Importance of Prerequisites:This is not a review course.  If you do not have current knowledge of the material in our  MATH 1314 College Algebra, and MATH 1316, Trigonometry, please  ask your instructor about changing to one of these course to better prepare for MATH 2412.

Use of Graphing Utilities:  As with any course where either graphing or scientific calculators are used, the calculator will be used as a supportive tool. This course is not about calculator usage, but about precalculus concepts.  We will use graphing calculators when their use enhances the understanding of a mathematical idea.  Graphing calculators are not required for this course. However, as you progress through the semester you may find it convenient to purchase your own. Individual instructors may vary in how often and in what manner they utilize these types of calculators. Most ACC faculty are familiar with the TI family of graphing calculators. Hence, TI calculators are highly recommended for student use.  Other calculator brands can also be used.  Your instructor will determine the extent of calculator use in your class section.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is taught in the classroom primarily as a lecture/discussion course.

Course Rationale: This course is designed to teach students the algebraic and trigonometric modeling concepts needed for scientific/engineering calculus. It is not simply a review of college algebra and trigonometry.

COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES

·  Sketch graphs and appropriate transformations for the following: polynomial functions (linear, quadratic, followed by those with degree three and higher), trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, and conic sections.

·  Solve applied problems using the appropriate function.

·  Be able to use function notation to evaluate expressions and perform operations on functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition of functions. Be able to find the domain of functions.

·  Find the inverse of one-to-one functions.

·  Solve systems of equations, both linear and non-linear.

·  Work introductory exercises using polar coordinates, parametric functions, and vectors.

·  Work introductory exercises from topics in discrete mathematics, such as sequences and series.

·  Solve equations containing trigonometric functions both in routine exercises and applied problems.

Appropriate use of technology will be encouraged throughout the course.

TESTING CENTER POLICY: ACC Testing Center policies can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

STUDENT SERVICES:  The web address for student services is:http://www.austincc.edu/support

The ACC student handbook can be found at:  http://www.austincc.edu/handbook

Course-Specific Support Services

Sometimes sections of MATH 0185 (1-0-2) are offered.The lab is designed for students currently registered in Precalculus MATH 2412. It offers individualized and group setting to provide additional practice and explanation. This course is not for college-level credit. Repeatable up to two credit hours. Students should check the course schedule for possible offerings of the lab class.

ACC main campuses have Learning Labs, which offer free first-come, first-serve tutoring in mathematics courses. The locations, contact information and hours of availability of the Learning Labs are posted at: http://www.austincc.edu/tutor