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Jack Baskin School of EngineeringUC Santa Cruz

Syllabus - Fall 2009

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SYLLABUS, Fall 2009


General Information
Class and Exams Schedule
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General Information
  • Textbook: Precalculus, by D. Cohen, Lee & Sklar, 6th edition. The bookstore has many copies of the book, new or used. If you cannot get the 6th edition, that's fine too, but check with your classmates for homework assignments.
  • Eligibility:
    • A passing grade in Math 2
    • A passing score (20 or higher) on Math Placement exam
    • Transfer credit 
    • Note: The instructor does not hand in Permission Codes for this class. If you have not passed the Math Placement exam, you will need to take it as soon as possible. Please see the placement exam schedule and note that pre-registration is required.
  • Review Tests: Two review tests will be held, one in the first class lecture, and the other one (if required) two weeks later. These tests focus on the basic algebra skills you will need for this class;  the first is a diagnostic test, the second will count towards the final grade.
  • Homework:
    • Homework sheets will be handed out at regular intervals (also available on the web). These contain two parts. The first part contains one question for each basic skill you are required to have for the course. The second part is an applied math problem associated with a biological or physical application, and will require some further thinking and research. The homework sheet work is mandatory and must be handed in to the instructor on the due date; no delays accepted. Answers will be graded and handed back via your TA. Questions relating to the homework sheets can be directed to your TA during section or his/her office hours, and to the instructor during office hours.
    • Note: 
      • Remember to print your name on your answers; papers must be stapled together, and answers must be written legibly. 
      • You are welcome and even encouraged to work in groups on homework problems but each student must write up and turn in his/her answers individually.
  • Quizzes: Every now and then there will be a 15-minute quiz in class. You will be warned in advance. More than two missed Quizzes is an automatic F for the class.
  • Exams: The Mid-term and Final exams will be similar in format to the homework.
  • Grading Policy: 
    • The concept of "curving" will not apply. Your grade reflects your own progress, not that of the rest of the class.
    • The total grade is calculated according to the following scheme
      • Each grade during the class (Quiz, Homework, Midterm or Final) is out of 100
      • The total grade (also out of 100) is a weighed average of all grades acquired during the quarter with
        • Attendance and participation: 5% of the total grade.
        • Algebra Review Test: 10% of the total grade.
        • Homework: 15 % of total grade; weakest grade dropped. More than two missed Homework is an automatic F for the class.
        • Quizzes: 10 % of total grade; weakest grade dropped. More than two missed Quizzes is an automatic F for the class.
        • 1 Mid-term exam: 20 % of total grade.
        • 1 Final exam: 40 % of total grade. Note that there is a minimum grade required in the Final Exam to pass the class.
      • Your letter grade for the class is then chosen according to the following table:
        • A+ :  93% and above
        • A : 86% to 93%
        • A- : 80% to 86%
        • B+ : 73% to 80%
        • B : 66% to 73%
        • B- : 60% to 66%
        • C+ : 55% to 60%
        • C : 50% to 55%
        • D : any total grade below 50%, or failure to achieve minimal grade in the final
        • F : failure to attend the minimal required number of quizzes, or the final, or cheating.


Tentative Schedule: (this will be updated as the course progresses)

    Those who have Sections planned on the Holiday days, please reschedule with your TA.
  • Week 0:
    • Sep 25 (F): Welcome to Class, introductions. Review test 1.
  • Week 1: 
    • Sep 28 (M): S1.1, App. A, B1: Algebra Review 1. Definitions of numbers, review of exponents
    • Sep 30 (W): App. B4, B5: Algebra Review 2. Factoring, Fractions.
    • Oct 2 (F): S1.2: Algebra Review 3. Absolute Values. Quiz 1.
  • Week 2:
    • Oct 5 (M): S1.3, S2.1: Solving equations, quadratic equations.
    • Oct 7 (W): S2.2, S1.4, S1.5: Other equations. Graphs, coordinates.
    • Oct 9 (F): S1.6: Equations of lines and circles.
  • Week 3:
    • Oct 12 (M): S3.1: The notion of functions. The Algebra Review Test
    • Oct 14 (W): S3.2, S3.4: Graphs of functions, techniques in graphing
    • Oct 16 (F): S3.5, S3.6: Composition of functions, Inverse of functions. Quiz 2.
  • Week 4:
    • Oct 19 (M): S4.1: Linear Functions.
    • Oct 21 (W): S4.2: Quadratic functions
    • Oct 23 (F): S4.5: Quadratic functions (part 2) Quiz 3.
  • Week 5:
    • Oct 26 (M): (not in textbook): Power functions
    • Oct 28 (W): S4.4: I see functions everywhere!
    • Oct 30 (F): S4.6: Polynomial functions. Signs tables part 1. Quiz 4.
  • Week 6:
    • Nov 2 (M): S4.7: Rational functions. Asymptotes
    • Nov 4 (W): (not in textbook): Signs tables
    • Nov 6 (F): REVIEW. Quiz 5.
  • Week 7:
    • Nov 9 (M): MIDTERM
    • Nov 11 (W): HOLIDAY
    • Nov 13 (F): S5.1: Exponentials (review on exponents)
  • Week 8:
    • Nov 16 (M): S5.2, S5.7: The exponential function and applications
    • Nov 18 (W): S5.3: Logarithms
    • Nov 20 (F): S5.4, S5.5: Properties of logarithms, equations and inequalities with logarithms. Quiz 6.
  • Week 9:
    • Nov 23 (M): S7.1 Angles: Degree vs Radian Measure.
    • Nov 25 (W): S6.1, S6.3: Trigonometric functions and geometry. Quiz 7.
    • Nov 27 (F): HOLIDAY
  • Week 10:
    • Nov 30 (M): S7.3, S7.4: Graphs of sine, cosine and tangent
    • Dec 2 (W): S6.4 Trigonometric identities
    • Dec 4 (F): REVIEW. Quiz 8 (optional).
  • Final's Week:
    • Dec 9 (W): 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM