Ventura College Spring 2009

Math V20 Precalculus

Instructor: Michelle Beard

Class Info: Section 32801; M-F; 9:30am-10:20am; SCI-352

Contact Info: E-mail at mbeard@vcccd.edu or by phone: 654-6400

ext. 2286

Office Hours: 10:30-11:20 M-Th and 7:30-8:20 Fr; Office: SCI-244

Prerequisite: Math V05 (Trigonometry) or a fourth year of high school advanced math with a grade of C or better

Text: Precalculus, 8th edition by Michael Sullivan

Materials: A calculator is required and highly essential for this class. I will clearly state when a calculator may or may not be used on a test.

Attendance: Regular class attendance and class participation are essential to succeed in this class. If you miss class, you are responsible for the material covered during the missed time. It is your responsibility to attend class regularly, arrive on time, and be prepared for the class period. Attendance will be taken each day with a sign-in sheet. If you miss more than 10 class periods before the last drop day (April 24, 2009), you may be dropped from the course.

Homework: Homework is an important part of your success in this course. It is the best way to prepare you for the class discussions and tests. All homework will be done on-line through My Math Lab. Each section that is covered will have a corresponding homework assignment; all of the chapter’s assignments must be completed by the time of the chapter test. You will not be allowed to access previous homework assignments once the chapter test has been taken. My Math Lab is not only a way for you to complete your assignments, but it gives you immediate feedback, examples, and explanations, as needed. Each person needs to register on My Math Lab using the access code accompanying a new textbook. Access codes can be purchased separately online for $55.00.

Exams: There will be one mid-term exam and one comprehensive final exam. There will also be eight quizzes given throughout the semester, at the end of most chapters. No make-up quizzes will be given. Alternative dates will only be scheduled for legitimate, verifiable circumstances, and requests must be made prior to the quiz date. Your lowest quiz score will be dropped at the end of the semester. If you miss a quiz, you will be given a zero.

The dates are subject to change, but the tentative schedule is below:

Quiz #1---Chapters 1-2 Friday, January 30

Quiz #2---Chapter 3 Friday, February 6

Quiz #3---Chapter 4 Friday, February 27

Quiz #4---Chapter 6 Tuesday, March 24

Quiz #5---Chapter 7 Thursday, April 2

Quiz #6---Chapter 8-9 Wednesday, April 22

Quiz #7---Chapter 10 Wednesday, April 29

Quiz #8---Chapter 12 Friday, May 8

Grading: A= 90-100% Homework: 20% of final grade

B= 80-89% Quizzes: 30% of final grade

C= 70-79% Mid-Term: 20% of final grade

D= 60-69% Final: 30% of final grade

F= below 60%

Attendance and level of class participation will be taken into consideration in determining borderline grades.

Additional Help: There are additional resources for help outside of the classroom. The Math center and the LRC provide free tutoring services. If you need help outside of class or it is necessary for you to miss a class period, be sure to use these resources. Also connect with as many people in the class as possible. Study groups can definitely help!

Miscellaneous:

1. Keep cell phones turned off during the class period. If a student’s phone rings, or if a student is texting during class, the instrument will be kept by the instructor for a 24-hour period. You will not be allowed to use this technology outside of class for 24 hours, if you choose to use it during class.

2. If you do not understand the material, please ask questions. I cannot help explain a math problem if I am unaware of the need.

3. Mid-term Test: Friday, March 13

4. Final Exam date: Wednesday, May 20 (7:30-9:30 am)