Course name:     PreCalculus Algebra

Course number:     MAC 1140-001.

Section number:     12913

Classroom:    Class meets at 12:00-12:50 MWF in GS 108.

Pre-requisites: MAC1105, two years of High school Algebra, and the  Algebra Pretest.

Instructor:  Daniela Popova, Assoc. Prof.. Dr.

Office number:     SE 201

Telephone:     561-297-0019

E-mail:     dpopova@fau.edu

Office hours: MWF 16:00-16:50, or by appointment. However, due to unforeseen circumstances the instructor may be absent. Therefore, students may wish to call prior to coming to her office.

Required text: Precalculus  by John W. Coburn. Bring your books in class

Computer assistance: The online learning system ALEKS will be used. In order to use this, go to the following web address:

http://www.highedmath.aleks.com

and enter your Login Name and Password in the fields provided. Further Information for this course will also be posted on  Blackboard.  Check your Personal Announcements on MyFAU as well. 

Tutorial Help:  Tutors will be available in PS 111 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the web site: http://www.math.fau.edu/web/Classes/Tutoring/calc.html

Objectives:    Complex numbers. Quadratic functions, properties and applications.  Polynomial, rational, and other algebraic functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; piecewise-defined functions.  Zeros of polynomials and the remainder theorem.  Properties and graphs of functions.  Polynomial and rational inequalities.  Function composition and inverse functions.  Systems of equations and inequalities.  Absolute value and inequalities and functions involving absolute value. The Algebra of matrices and determinants.   Applications.  Additional topics as time permits.  This course (or an equivalent) is required for the Calculus courses.

Our main goal is ensuring you are well prepared for the Calculus courses.  "Well prepared" means not just in good command of the prerequisite material but also with good work habits.

 

Calculators:     A scientific calculator without graphing or programming capability will be required.   The instructor must specifically authorize their use on a quiz, examination, or the final before the start of the quiz, examination, or final.  Calculators with graphing or programming capability are not allowed. 

 

Method of instruction:   Lecture in class, use of ALEKS, and evaluation with quizzes and tests and final. 

Assessment procedures and dates and times of tests and quizzes:  There will be a short quiz at the beginning of many class periods.   There will also be a number of longer examinations (tests). The quiz will usually be given every second Friday. The quiz will begin at 12:00 and will last about 15 minutes.There will be 3 exams and a comprehensive final exam. The exact dates of the exams will be announced at least 1 week in advance. A comprehensive final examination will be given during the final exam week. The Final Exam time is as specified by the university.  You should check the web site. 

 

Homework, assignments and other out of class activities:     To effectively learn PreCalculus Algebra, it is necessary to have a daily study routine. This routine should involve reading the materials presented in the text, reviewing class notes, and working problems. The problems studied should include (but not limited to) those assigned by the instructor. Not all types of problems will be worked in class and it is the student’s responsibility to read the section and work the problems.  You need to develop fluency as well as understanding. 

The recommended homework exercises are listed in each section of the book. .  If you are unclear as which section was “completed”, ask the instructor. These homework assignments are not collected or graded. Specific assignments will be shown under Assignments on Aleks.  YOU NEED TO CHECK THIS AFTER EVERY CLASS FOR UPDATES!

All tests will be time-pressured. 

 

Policy on make-up test and quizzes:    No make-ups.

Grading:       The final grade will be based on the average of the quiz grades, the material from ALEKS the three midterm exam grades, and on the final examination grade. The final examination will count as 2 midterms. More precisely:

 The final counts 20%, the average of the examinations counts 30%, the quizzes in class count 25%, and the material from ALEKS counts 25%. Students actively participating in class will be given extra credits up to 5%.  There is no curve. The grading scale is the following:                      

 

Course Grade

Course Score Greater than or equal

Course Score Less than

A

94

100

A-

90

94

B+

87

90

B

83

87

B-

80

83

C+

75

80

C

70

75

D

60

70

F

0

60


 

Attendance Policy: Note the following from the FAU Undergraduate Catalog: “Students are expected to attend all of their scheduled University classes and to satisfy all academic objectives as outlined by their instructor.” Students who miss a class should check with fellow students to learn what they missed.

The “incomplete” grade:    No incomplete.

Academic integrity/Honor Code:     Students are reminded of the FAU policy on academic integrity (cheating, etc.). See the current undergraduate catalog relating to academic irregularities.Dishonesty—either giving or receiving aid on a test, quiz, or the final examination—will result in disciplinary action. 

Classroom etiquette:     Disruptive or talkative students may be asked to leave or sit elsewhere in the classroom. Cell phones and beepers should be disabled during lectures and labs.

Students with disabilities:     Students with disabilities, if required, will be given special accommodations to properly execute course work. Students who require special accommodations must register with the Office for Students with Disabilities, Library, Room 175.