LEFT —
EMILY DICKINSON’S WINDOW
AMHERST, MA

 

Math 49A.27
Pre-Calculus
Algebra

Fall 2008

Course #1672

TEXT: Larson, R. and Hostetler, R., Precalculus with Limits, 1st ed.

INSTRUCTOR: Andrew Phelps

CLASS HOURS & LOCATION:  Lecture: TuTh 3:45M to 5:55PM
Location: Room S-41

OFFICE HOURS & LOCATION:  Office hours: Thursday 2:30 to 3:30PM
Location: Le Café, Student Union

Communication:  24-Hour Voice Mail: not operative. If you can’t come to class, send an email. You may use the drop box in front of Admin 111 for hardcopy.
My e-mail address is: function@batstar.net

The URL of the Course Web Site is:

http://batstar.net/pressure
Check it frequently for changes and/or additions

Calculator. You need a graphing utility, specifically, the TI-83 PLUS or the TI-84

The Course. Polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, graphs, solving equations, conic sections

Homework. Homework (not to be handed in) is assigned daily, and available on the Course Web Site. Doing the homework is key to learning the material. The best thing is to do everything that is assigned, and more You may be responsible for occasional Homework Quizzes which are quizzes testing you on 1-2 current homework problems. There will be three (3) homework sets drawn from the assigned problems, that are handed in and graded

Exams. There will be four (4) exams plus the final exam. Because the class period is more than two hours long, it is necessary to have a lecture period the same day as an exam. Note: Attendance will be taken for the lecture period

Grading. The grades will be based on a “raw score” of between 0 and 100. These will be “curved” by giving students with similar raw scores the same grade. Note: This does not necessarily mean that “90=‘A’.” Instead, it depends on the raw score distribution

raw score contributions
unit(s) points
3 HW Sets @ 4% 12
HW Quizzes 2
4 Exams @12% 48
Final Exam 32
Subjective 6

  • Subjective Grade. Based on constructive class participation. 3 is the default grade. Personal attacks on the instructor or other students will warrant an automatic 0

  • Attendance. Missing the first day, or twice during the first two weeks, is grounds for drop. Missing class more than two (2) times after the first week of class, without adequate explanation, will be considered grounds for grade reduction/failure. If you need to miss class, send me an e-mail message.

    I take missing class very seriously.
  • In addition, tardiness and leaving class early w/o permission will be counted as 1/2 a missed class
  • Cellphones and iPods are not permitted in class. Stepping outside to answer the cellphone is forbidden. Please keep your cellphone turned off. Use of cellphone during an exam constitutes grounds for reduction of credit
  • Civility is considered very important

    • Plagiarism.  You are expected to do your own work. The appearance  of cheating is grounds for failing a test/assignment or the course itself, at the discretion of the instructor. Be careful!
    Expectations.  Students involved with high school need to know that their families can’t be involved in any way.  Students who need to do well to meet a transfer requirement  ought to have a plan that confronts their personal challenges adequately.  If you have doubts about your situation, consult with the instructor.
    Disclaimer.  This policy may be adjusted at the discretion of the instructor. In this case an effort will be made to provide timely notification