Department of Mathematics

MAC 1140: Precalculus Algebra

Instructor:             Paul J. Fernandez

Office:                   Building 4, Room 241

Phone:                   (407) 582-2755

E-mail:                  pfernandez@valenciacc.edu

Web:                 http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/pfernandez

Note:   Outside class, we will communicate mainly through the Atlas e-mail. Please check your Atlas e-mail on a regular basis. You can also forward your Atlas e-mail to your personal e-mail. To do so, go to your Atlas e-mail. Under the Options tab, you will find the Auto Forward link. In there you can write your personal e-mail . That will forward your atlas e-mails to that e-mail. When you e-mail me, you need to write in the subject of your e-mail Precalculus so that your e-mail will have priority.

Students Engagement Hours:

Individual appointments are available upon request.

Teaching Philosophy:

My role is to lead and guide you into learning. Since I care about your academic success, I will be providing you a quality-learning environment. In this course you will have the opportunity to learn skills that will be relevant to your professional career.

Course  Description:                       

MAC 1140 Precalculus Algebra (3 credit hours)

This course is the preparation for the Calculus sequence. Topics include symbolic, graphical and numerical analysis of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, power and rational functions; matrices, sequences and conic sections. Applications emphasizing connection with other disciplines and with the real world will be included. Technology tools will be utilized in addition to analytical methods.

Required Course Materials:

Algebra and Trigonometry: by Stewart, Redlin, Watson 2001; TI-83 Graphics Calculator.

Competency of a Valencia Graduate:      

Valencia faculty has defined four interrelated competencies (Value, Think, Communicate, Act) that prepare students to succeed in the world community. These competencies are outlined in the College Catalog.

CLAST Competencies:

1. Mathematics Skills (arithmetic and algebra skills)

2. Reading Skills (literal and critical comprehension skills)

3. English Language Skills (word choice and grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation skills)

Attendance:

Attendance will be taken every day. Regular attendance and class participation are significant factors that promote success in this course. Students are expected to attend every class, be punctual and complete all the assignments. Students are responsible for all class materials and any announcement made in class whether or not you are present. Students with more than 3 unexcused absences will be withdrawn from the class. Please let me know if you have to be absent.

Tardiness:

All classes start at the time indicated on your class schedule. Being late to class or leaving early is a disruption and is discourteous to the students and your professor.

 Students that persist on being tardy or leaving early will be dealt with on an individual basis. Please let me know if you have to be late or leave early.

Class Participation:

Students are encouraged to participate actively and ask pertinent questions during class. There will be a brief period at the beginning of each class to answer homework related questions.

Homework:

Completion of homework is crucial to the student’s success in this course. Homework problems are assigned and checked on a regular basis.

After each class, you need to spend considerable amount of time working the homework assignment before attending the next class period. Failure to do so will result in you falling behind.

Evaluation:

There will be 3 in class tests and a comprehensive final. All tests are comprehensive with emphasis of the most recently completed material. Test problems are similar to homework problems, examples on the book and/or examples worked in class. These are to monitor your progress in the class. Tests will count as one grade each, online homework will count as one grade and the comprehensive final will count as one grade.  Grades will be based on 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90-100 being D, C, B and A respectively. Students that stop coming to class without withdrawing or do not take the final exam will receive a grade of "WF.  Students that withdraw after withdrawal deadline will receive a WP or WF based upon the student’s average at the last day of attendance.

Make-ups:          

No make-up test will be given.  If a (one) schedule test is missed because of a medical emergency or legal situation only, your final exam grade will be used in place of the missed test score. Only one test can be missed with a valid excuse per academic term.

Honesty:

Cheating involves representing someone else’s work as your own. This is unacceptable behavior. Such incidents will be handled according to the College’s Academic Honestly Policy.

Important Dates:             

 Withdrawal deadline:  

Computer Lab:    There are 40 computers in  building 8 room 204 where you can work the online homework.

 Final Exam:         Last day the class meets    No Exceptions

Tutoring:              There is tutoring available at building 4-1st floor of the IMC.

NOTE:  Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor during the first week of class.  The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities.

Disclaimer:          This syllabus is subject to changes upon my discretion.