MA 109-01 Pre-Calculus Spring 2020

Instructor: Dr. Emanuel Andriescu epalsu@monmouth.edu

Office: HH 228 (732)-571-3524 Office Hours: T 1:15-2:45, W 6:00-7:30

Course Information
Class Meetings: MWTh 4:30-5:50; HH 309
Textbook: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 7th edition, Cengage, by Stewart et al.
eCampus: Course materials and announcements will be posted on eCampus .
Course Description: The concept of a function, the relationship between algebraic and graph-
ical descriptions of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigono-
metric functions and the solution of equations and inequalities involving these functions. A
computer algebra system will be used to enhance the students ability to examine functions and
solve equations.

Course Expectations
Classwork/Participation: Much of your learning will evolve from in-class activities, experi-
ences and discussions. Regular attendance and a high level of class participation are required. I
expect students to come to each class prepared to participate in the class work. This includes
bringing clean paper and a writing implement.
You are expected to study the material before coming to class, which will usually be problem
solving oriented. You need to be familiar with the main definitions and results beforehand and
short related quizzes will be given.
Normally a portion of each class time will be spent working on problems in groups and individ-
ually, with students being expected to show their work at the board.
If you must miss a class you are responsible for learning the material covered, as well as any
announcements or other information presented.
Homework: Assignments will be given on WebAssign. You are encouraged to discuss problems
with other students, however WebAssign exercises are individualized for each student, so you
must do your own assignment. There will be problems posted after each class.
Begin the assignment early so you have time to seek help before the due date. Keep a notebook
with your problem solving work so that you can review it later.
Most of the learning in a college math course is done outside the classroom, via homework
assignments, discussions during office hours, studying for exams, etc., and so homework should
be taken very seriously. You don’t learn much from a problem you can do immediately. It is
essential that you devote adequate time attempting to solve each assigned problem. You may
learn a great deal from honest hard work on a problem, even if you don’t succeed in solving it.
Read the text material before working on the problems.
Exams and Grading: The course can be challenging and proficiency will be achieved only by
hard work and massive problem solving.
Final grades will be based on a weighted average with the following weights:
Homework & Classwork: 25%, Exams: 3 × 25%.
Monmouth University defines letter grades as follows: A = Exceptional performance, B = Strong
performance, C = Adequate performance, D = Poor performance F = Failing performance
(inadequate for college credit).
A- is earned for a score of at least 90, B- for 80, C- for 70, D- for 60, whereas F is below 60.
The last day to withdraw with a ”W” grade is March 23. You will receive a midterm grade on
March 10.
Make-up exams will only be given for legitimate reasons (such as illness or emergency) with
sufficient supporting evidence. If you miss an exam, you must contact me to reschedule the
exam as soon as possible and prior to the next regularly scheduled class. There will be no
make-up for the last exam.
Decorum: Please come to class on time and once here, do not leave early. Cellular phones and
any other electronic devices are to be turned off and put away so as not to disturb the class.
Students will be expected to display courteous behavior in their interactions with the instructor
and fellow classmates. Food should not be brought in the classroom. Offensive or disruptive
behavior is the cause for dismissal from the classroom. Computers should be used only when I
specifically approve, and only for class purposes.

Other Information
Getting Help: The best way to learn mathematics is by practicing it. The point of the HW is
for you to practice. Do your HW conscientiously and do not give up. It is much easier to do a
couple of problems a night than to do a whole bunch of problems the night before the assignment
is due. Discipline and perseverance will pay off much more than just quick-wittedness.
Read the textbook. By reading the text before class you will have a better chance of making
good use of your time in class. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything. Ask questions
in class and reread the material later. It takes at least three times for an idea worth knowing to
sink in.
Find someone to study and/or check answers with. Discussing problems with other students
(after working on them yourself) helps you clarify the material in your own mind and you will
find holes in your understanding which you can then fill in.
Math Learning Center in Howard Hall 203 is open M-Th from 9:30-6:00 and F from 9:30-1:00.
Ask me questions. For quick issues you can often talk to me after class. In addition, emailing
me is good for some types of questions. If my office hours are not workable you can always make
an appointment.
Academic Honesty: Students should familiarize themselves with Monmouth’s policies on Aca-
demic Honesty and the Student Code of Conduct. Any violation of the Academic Policies will
result in a grade of 0% for the assignment and may result in a failing grade for the course, sus-
pension, or expulsion from Monmouth University. In particular, it is not acceptable to represent
the work of another (including a peer, a tutor, a textbook, or an Internet source) as your own,
nor is it acceptable to aid another student in falsely representing their work. For example, if
a student allows another student to copy their homework, both students are in violation of the
Academic Honesty policy.
Special Accommodations: Students with disabilities who need special accommodations are
encouraged to register with the appropriate disability service provider. To receive accommoda-
tions, students must follow the University procedure for self-disclosure, which is stated in the
University Guide to Services and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.