MAC 1147 Precalculus Algebra -- Spring 2008
Attention: You can find the complete syllabus for your section only on blackboard!
http://bb.fau.edu
Instructor: Dan Radulescu, Ph.D.
Office Hours/Location: MWF 12:00-1:00 and TR 11-12:30 (or by appt.)
SE 212A phone 297-3341 (sec't:Beth 297-3340)
Email: dradules@fau.edu
Lectures: MAC 1147: TR9:30-10:50 in ED124, MW: 10:00-10:50 in GS102
Prerequisite: MAC1105 College Algebra or equivalent
Objectives: The goal is to prepare the student for more advanced coursework in mathematics by developing
an improved knowledge base and suitable study/work habits. Specifically, this course will require the student to complete assignments on time, follow instructions precisely and demonstrate an ability to: manipulate and simplify algebraic expressions; solve simple equations and inequalities (including those involving absolute values); manipulate and simplify expressions involving complex numbers; solve quadratic equations and inequalities; provide analytic and graphical descriptions of linear, quadratic, and higher degree polynomial functions, of rational functions, of simple exponential and logarithmic functions, and of piecewise defined functions; model and solve simple applications of the preceding (e.g. max/min problems, exponential
growth and decay problems, etc.); solve systems of linear and simple non-linear equations in two variables - graphically, by elimination, or by substitution; solve systems of linear equations using matrices and/or determinants; and do a partial fraction decomposition of a rational function with known factors.
Textbook and Supplies: Algebra and Trigonometry - by M. Sullivan, Prentice Hall 8th Ed. and access to the MyMathLab (MML)course which can be purchased bundled with the text or with a credit card at www.mymathlab.com . Also needed are BLUE scantron pages (NCS 4521) and a simple NON-programmable scientific calculator (with ex or ln key). The calculator is needed for some problems, but may NOT be used during any quiz, test, or examination unless its use is specifically authorized by the instructor.
Chapters to be studied: R, 1-6, 12, 7-10 (in this order).
Websites: Blackboard (BB)
http://bb.fau.edu (sign in as to MyFau). Students are expected to check this website for updates - particularly regarding assignments, quizzes, and tests - the day preceding each lecture. A lot of material - instructions on how to use the MyMathLab website, test solutions, grades, etc. will be posted on BB. So will this syllabus and the course outline. MML is used both for homework and for computer graded quizzes. It may be accessed in the math dept. computer lab (SE 271) or on your own PC once you download & install the requisite software (plug ins).
Lectures meet MTWR and are the main presentation of the material in the course. They include some in-class quizzes usually focusing on the prior homework BUT also repeating questions handled poorly on prior quizzes or tests. The OUTLINE/CALENDAR lists the lecture topics (by their textbook sections) and a minimal set of homework problems the student is expected to do is assigned on MML. Each MML problem set is followed by a MML administered quiz. Each quiz must be completed by a SPECIFIED DUE DATE.
Evaluation: Unlike the MML quizzes, the in-class quizzes and tests are designed so the student has to do them under 'time pressure'. No extra time will be given those who come late or with an unprepared scantron for a quiz or test. In addition to the graded (MyMathLab) and in-class quizzes, there will be four 50 minute unit tests, and a 150 minute final.
Each student's grade is based on his/her final exam grade (worth 25%), average of the 4 unit test grades (worth 40%), average of the in-class quiz grades – with worst three dropped-(worth 10%), and the average – with worst three dropped- of the MyMathLab graded quizzes (worth 25%). That is, expressing all grades in percent:
GRADE = 0.1*(in-class quiz ave) + 0.25*(MML quiz ave) + 0.4*(unit test ave) + 0.25*(final exam grade)
This is then translated into a letter grade as per the following:
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A: 90% - 100%
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C+: 75% - 79%
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F: 0% - 59%
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B+: 85% - 89%
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C: 70% - 74%
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B: 80% - 84%
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D: 60% - 69%
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In general, there is no curving of grades and no way to earn extra credit.
Academic Honesty:
Florida Atlantic University expects students to be honest .
CHEATERS, and THOSE WHO HELP THEM, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
The grade of I (incomplete) will only be given
under the conditions specified in the FAU Undergraduate Catalog.