Math 1060Q — Precalculus (Spring 2020)

Given the evolving nature of the situation with COVID-19, we have created a syllabus that reflects the immediate change in the form of instruction for the rest of the semester. Components of the syllabus that are directly affected by the change are highlighted in red and any further change will be communicated as the situation evolves. 

Description: Precalculus is a  preparation for calculus which includes a thorough review of algebra. Emphasis will be on functions and their applications; in particular, polynomials, rational functions, exponentials, logarithms, and trigonometric functions.

Prerequisites: A qualifying score of 17 on the mathematics placement exam (MPE), unless you began attending UConn prior to Fall 2016 (in which case it is still recommended). Students who fail to achieve this minimum score are required to spend time on the preparatory and learning modules before re-taking the MPE or register for a lower level Mathematics course. Not open for credit to students who have passed MATH 1120, 1125Q, or 1131Q. Students may not receive credit for this course and MATH 1040Q.

Course Materials:

Precalculus 9ed, by Larson (Required textbook). You can buy the textbook from the UConn Bookstore. You will need a WebAssign access code to access your homework assignments. When you buy the textbook from the bookstore or the web site above, the WebAssign code will come bundled with the textbook. The unbundled version of the book (that is, the book without a WebAssign access code) can be obtained in many places, but the cost of buying the unbundled text and the WebAssign code separately will almost certainly be significantly greater.

IMPORTANT!
There are two ways to purchase the text and the WebAssign access code:

1.  BEST VALUE:  Get the text and WebAssign access code bundled together at the UConn Bookstore. Together, the book and online homework code (with e-book included) will cost $80.

2.   NOT Recommended: Get the text separately from anywhere (or don’t get it at all, if you want to use the e-book exclusively), and buy the WebAssign access code when you access your homework through HuskyCT. Using this option, the WebAssign code alone (including the e-book) will cost $100 and your code (and e-book) will last only one semester. The first option lets you use your access code for the life of the edition of the textbook.

There is only ONE way to register for and access WebAssign.  Once the semester officially begins, simply log into your HuskyCT account (lms.uconn.edu), navigate to the page for Math 1060Q, then follow the link on the left hand side for WebAssign Homework. When logging into WebAssign (through HuskyCT), do not use Internet Explorer or Safari. Use Firefox or Chrome.

You will have two weeks of free access to WebAssign, which includes the e-book, so you can get started right away in case you need some time to arrange to buy textbook with the access code.

Calculators: The use of calculators IS NOT permitted on exams or quizzes.

Homework and WebAssign:

WebAssign Homework: To access the WebAssign homework you will have to go through HuksyCT single sign-on. In the left sidebar of your Math 1060Q HuskyCT page, you will find a link to do your homework using WebAssign. There will usually be 2-3 homework assignments per week (one for each textbook section covered). Each assignment will be made available on WebAssign several days before the section is covered in class. The due date for each assignment will generally be two or three days after the material is covered in class.  WebAssign Homework is still due on the same dates and times as before the move to the online format. 

You will get five attempts for each question that is not multiple choice; the exact number of attempts for multiple choice questions will depend on the number of choices. This means True/False questions and questions with two answer choices have only one attempt – choose carefully! After each attempt, you will be told whether your answer is correct or not. If you are not able to get the correct answer after your initial attempts, we recommend that before your final attempt, you seek help from your instructor, the Q-Center, a tutor, or another student.

When accessing your online homework, use Firefox or Chrome as your browser; there are problems that can occur if you use Internet Explorer or Safari. See the document here for tips on using WebAssign, including entering answers and finding useful settings.

Your lowest WebAssign score will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Written Homework: Throughout the semester, you will have written textbook assignments and worksheets due in class. You can find the assignments under the “Learning Activities” link above, and the due dates are listed in the course outline. Written homework is due on the same dates  as before but now must be turned into HuskyCT, instead of during class – there will be no late work accepted except in extenuating circumstances with proper documentation.

Your lowest written assignment score will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Quizzes and Exams:

Quizzes will be given approximately weekly, beginning with the second week of classes. There are no make-up quizzes – if you miss a quiz, then you will receive a score of zero unless you have proper documentation of an extenuating circumstance. Your lowest quiz score will be dropped at the end of the semester. Update: Quizzes will still be given on the same dates. They will be administered either using HuskyCT or Webassign. 

The midterm exams will be held in class on February 25 and April 7; the 2-hour common final exam will be held during finals week, May 4-9. More information will listed under exam info as the dates approach. Make-up exams are not provided, except in extenuating circumstances. You should put the exam dates into your calendar and plan to attend. If you are unable to make it to an exam or quiz for any reason you must notify your instructor as early as possible. All approved makeup exams and quizzes must be completed within one week of the original quiz/exam date.  Update: we will still have a midterm exam and a final exam.  These will be proctored online (via Webcam). Instructions will be provided as exam dates approach and accommodations will be made for students who need them.

Per University policy, all requests to reschedule or make up the final exam must be submitted to the Dean of Students for approval. Please note that vacations, previously purchased tickets or reservations,  and social events are not viable excuses for missing a final exam. If you think that your situation warrants permission to reschedule, please contact the Dean of Students Office with any questions. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Update: The final exam will be given at the originally scheduled time. If you have a time conflict, please reach out to your instructor as soon as possible.

Calculators: The use of calculators IS NOT permitted on exams or quizzes.

Grading:

WebAssign Homework 10%
Quizzes 15%
Written Worksheets and Homework 10%
Exam 1: (Tuesday, February 25) 20%
Exam 2: (Tuesday, April 7) 20%
Final Exam: (Exact time and date provided by University) 25%

Note: The original grading scheme remains unchanged. But, there is an additional option: students may use their final exam grade to replace their exam 2 score if this is in their benefit. 

Some Tips:

  1. If you’ve taken precalculus before, be warned — this course is harder. We will likely cover more material, and it will be more in-depth, than what you’ve done before.
  2. Don’t miss class! Each day builds on the previous days, so if you miss class, you get behind very quickly. If you do get sick or have to miss class, talk to your classmates and instructor to catch up before the next class. The outline for the course that is available using the link above will provide you with information about the topics to be covered in lecture.
  3. Watch videos, do worksheets (mathresources.uconn.edu/math1060), and use the preparatory and learning modules for the MPE (they are free to use via HuskyCT). The videos and worksheets cover some of the most difficult and/or critical concepts.
  4. Seek help early if you think you may need it! Some great resources for help are your instructor’s office hours, the Q-Center, a tutor, and other students.

Academic Integrity and Honesty:

This course expects all students to act in accordance with the Guidelines for Academic Integrity at the University of Connecticut. In mathematics, this means that all work that you turn in should be written up independently by you, in your own words, and should represent your honest understanding of the material. On exams and quizzes, it should be noted in particular that this means you must not consult any sources or materials: neighbors’ papers, calculators, and any notes, books, or electronic devices are off-limits. If you have questions about academic integrity or intellectual property, you should consult with your instructor. Additionally, consult UConn’s guidelines for academic integrity.

Students with Disabilities:

The University of Connecticut is committed to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and assuring that the learning environment is accessible.  If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability or pregnancy, please let me know immediately so that we can discuss options. Students who require accommodations should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities, Wilbur Cross Building Room 204, (860) 486-2020, or http://csd.uconn.edu/.