Course Syllabus
Precalculus I
Great Basin College, 1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV 89801, http://www.gbcnv.edu
Course Information
Precalculus I Math 126 – 1003 (88680) 3 credits
August 25 - December 12, 2014 Live Lecture
A third course in algebra, intended for those who are majoring in a science field, a business-related field,
or mathematics; as part of a mathematics endorsement for elementary education; or for students who are
going on to calculus. This course stresses functions, including their graphs and applications, polynomial
functions, radicals, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. This the first half of a twosemester sequence. Math 126 and Math 127 together, or Math 126 and Stat 152 together, satisfy the
mathematics requirement for an Associate of Science degree; also see the bachelor’s degree
requirements. The combined courses satisfy the College Algebra requirement at UNLV and UNR.
Prerequisite: MATH 96 or MATH 97 within two years or sufficient score on placement exam or SAT/ACT
score.
Instructor Name & Contact Information
Sheri Sanchez
Email:
sheri.sanchez@gbcnv.edu **THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME**
Contact through Web campus: via email, GBC Coffee House or possible Chat times
Contact through MyMathLab: Not my preferred method. I am not able to answer questions without being
at my computer.
Communicating with me (Your Instructor)
This course uses a “three before me” policy in regards to student to faculty communications. When
questions arise during the course of this class, please remember to check these three sources for an
answer before asking me to reply to your individual questions:
1. Course syllabus
2. The Week's Module
3. The “GBC Coffee House” discussion board
This will help you in identifying answers before I can get back to you and it also helps your instructor from
answering similar questions or concerns multiple times.
If you cannot find an answer to your question, please first post your question to the “GBC Coffee House”
discussion board. Here your question can be answered to the benefit of all students by either your fellow
students who know the answer to your question or the instructor. You are encouraged to answer
questions from other students in the discussion forum when you know the answer to a question in order to
help provide timely assistance.
If you have questions of a personal nature such as relating a personal emergency, questioning a grade
on an assignment, or something else that needs to be communicated privately, you are welcome to
contact me via the Inbox or my GBC email (again this email I am able to respond quicker to). I respond to
email messages between 8am to 5pm on weekdays, unless it is a holiday, please allow 24 hours for me
to respond.
I answer content information for the course, if you have a question about the technology being used in
the course, please contact the GBC Help Desk for assistance (775-753-2167),
helpdesk@gbcnv.edu, www.gbcnv.edu/techdesk ).
For technical issues with MyMathLab, please contact their customer support at (800-677-6337). You may
be able to find your answer on the website also.
Setting up Your Profile & Notifications
One of the most important things you can do to improve communication in the course between you, the
instructor and other students in the course is setting up your Profile and Notifications on Web Campus.
Do this by clicking on Settings in the upper right corner.
Course Textbook and Materials
Required:
1. Internet access and a semester long account with MyMathLab. You can purchase the access
code online at www.MyMathLab.com when you go to create your account. You will need
the Course Id: sanchez69559
2. Scientific calculator that you know how to operate. You will be allowed to use your calculator
on exams. (you are not allowed to use a cell phone)
Optional: Textbook: Precalculus, A Right Triangle Approach 5e by Lial, Hornsby, Schneider,
Daniels, ISBN: 9780321783806, notebook, binder, loose leaf paper and graph paper
**Please note that you will be taking a comprehensive final at the end of the course. I highly
recommend you build an organized binder with good notes, examples, formulas and vocabulary.
Learning Outcomes and Measurements:
Communicate Mathematical concepts orally and in writing will be measured throughout the course during
in-class discussions and in-class
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to perform the following skills (at a
target of 70% or above):
Module #1 objectives will be assessed on: MML #1, Quiz #1, Midterm, and Final exam
Manipulate complex numbers, understanding their relationship to the solutions of polynomial and rational
equations
Module #2 objectives will be assessed on: MML #2, Quiz #2, Midterm, and Final exam
Distinguish a function from an ordinary relation
Distinguish and obtain the equations of circles and parabolas
Operate on functions, including compositions
Module #3 objectives will be assessed on: MML #3, Midterm, and Final exam
Find the real and complex roots of a polynomial
Find the roots and asymptotes of a rational function
Graph polynomials and rational functions
Apply polynomials and rational functions to the real world
Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of exponential functions
Module #4 objectives will be assessed on: MML #4, Quiz #3, and Final exam
Find the inverse of a one-to-one function
Solve exponential equations
Make connections between exponentials and logarithms
Solve logarithmic equations, using the properties of logarithms
Graph exponential and logarithmic functions
Apply exponential and logarithmic growth/decay to real life
Module #5 objectives will be assessed on: MML #5 and the Final exam
Solve systems of linear equations using several methods
Manipulate matrices (addition, scalar multiplication, matrix multiplication, inversion)
Decompose a rational function into partial fractions
Use graphs to solve systems of linear inequalities
Illustrate real-life examples of linear systems
Method of Instruction
This is a live lecture course. Lectures will consist of question and answer, introduction of new content,
student practice with feedback in the classroom. All graded homework is to be completed on
www.MyMathLab.com. The midterm and final will be taken at approved GBC testing centers on
MyMathLab.
Students are highly encouraged to use the resources available on our class web campus site and the
MyMathLab site. You will find modules outlining the learning outcomes and other resources. Please use
the GBC Coffee House to ask me and other students in the class questions you may have. This is very
useful over the weekends when I am not at my computer to answer your questions. We generally have
very talented students in each course that are willing to help their fellow classmates. Please be aware
that web campus is for information only. Your graded assignments are on MyMathLab.
Testing: The midterm and final will take place at approved testing centers. If you are not at a GBC
campus, you need to notify me immediately with your testing location and contact information of the
proctor. It is the students responsibility to know when their testing center is open (days of the week,
hours and any holiday closings). Students will have a few days to schedule and take the midterm and
final. Do so accordingly. I do not anticipate any need to extend or reschedule exams considering the
given freedom of time to do so. In case of an extreme emergency the student is to notify me immediately
of the need to reschedule. Be aware that you will need documentation for a possible approval. You will
be allowed to use your calculator (not a cell phone) and scratch paper only for each exam.
Testing center information:
Nevada State High School students will receive all course materials and test at the school. Check in with
the school immediately to schedule your testing for the course.

GBC Elko campus - testing will be on scheduled testing days. Contact the center at 775-753-2144

GBC Pahrump campus - testing will be by appointment only during the scheduled testing
days. Contact the center at 775-727-2000

GBC Ely campus - testing will be by appointment only during the scheduled testing days. Contact the
center at 775-289-3589

GBC Battle Mountain campus - testing will be by appointment only. Contact the center at 775-6352318

GBC Winnemucca campus - testing will be by appointment only during the scheduled testing
days. Contact the center at 775-623-4824
You are responsible for making your testing schedule at an approved testing center.
If you are not located near any of the above centers, email me immediately of your location and
possible testing centers in your area!!!
You are required to complete your assignments on MyMathLab and take all exams scheduled
during the course. There will be no assignments or exams dropped. All graded work counts
toward your final grade. Ultimately your success in this course is your responsibility. Plan
accordingly.
Computer Requirements
This course requires that you have access to a computer that can access the internet. You will need to
have access to, and be able to use, the following software packages:

A web browser (An up-to-date version of Google Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox)

Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)

Adobe Flash Player (free)

Microsoft Word


www.MyMathLab.com (you must purchase a semester long access code)
You are responsible for having a reliable computer and internet connection throughout the course.
Great Basin College centers have open lab hours for your use. Local libraries usually have computers
for public assess. It is up to YOU to find reliable computer access for this course.
Attendance/Participation
Preparation for class means reviewing the module on web campus, completing assignments on
MyMathLab, and studying and preparing for all class meetings and exams. Attendance in this course
means attending all class meetings and logging into MyMathLab on a regular basis to work and complete
assigned problems. Participation for this course means working practice problems in class, answering
questions, being involved in classroom discussions, and logging into Web campus weekly to check for
any announcements, review and respond to any discussions in the Coffee House & reviewing the current
module requirements.
Studying and Preparation Time
The course requires you to spend time preparing and completing assignments. A three-credit college
course requires 135 hours of student work. Therefore expect to spend approximately 9 hours a
week preparing for and actively participating in this course. Schedule your study time to meet your needs
for learning the content, completing the assignments, and preparing for exams.
Late or Missed Assignments
All assignments are completed and graded on MyMathLab. The end dates are clear and already
set. You generally have more than seven days to complete the questions assigned for homework and a
few days to take each exam. Plan accordingly, late assignments and missed exams will not be accepted.
Submitting Assignments
All assignments and exams are completed on www.MyMathLab.com All grades will be posted in the
grade book on Web Campus once I have had time to review and transfer the grades.
Drop and Add dates
If you feel it is necessary to withdraw from the course, please see GBC Calendar for full details on the
types of withdrawals that are available and their procedures. THE LAST DAY TO DROP THIS COURSE
AND RECEIVE A GRADE OF "W" IS October 27th. IF YOU DO NOT OFFICIALLY DROP YOU WILL
RECEIVE THE GRADE THAT YOU HAVE EARNED EVEN IF IT IS AN "F".
Subject to change notice
All material, assignments, and deadlines are subject to change with prior notice to benefit the learning of
students in the course. It is your responsibility to stay in touch with your instructor, review the course site
regularly, or communicate with other students, to adjust as needed if assignments or due dates change.
Academic Integrity
GBC expects and requires all its students to act with honesty and integrity, and respect the rights of
others in carrying out all academic assignments. Click for more information on academic integrity,
including the policy and appeal procedures and the Student Conduct Statement below.
Great Basin College considers academic honesty one of its highest values. A student who obtains
academic credit for work that is not the product of his or her own effort is being dishonest and
undermining the academic integrity of the college. Students are expected to be the sole authors of their
work. Use of another’s ideas must be accompanied by specific citation and reference. In addition, a
learner may not submit the same work for credit in more than one course. The disciplinary consequences
of plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty include non-acceptance of work submitted, a failing
grade in the course, and/or or other disciplinary action as outlined in Great Basin College’s Student
Conduct Policy.
Grades and Grading Scale
Assignment of letter grades is based on a percentage of points earned. The letter grade will correspond
with the following percentages achieved. All course requirements must be completed before a grade is
assigned.
Grading Criteria
Course grade will be based on the number of points you earn on the weekly assignments on
MyMathLab and the exams divided by the total number of points available.
To determine the final course grade, your individual grades will be calculated on a percentage scale and
letter grade assigned as shown below.
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Percent range
90 – 100
80 – 89
70 – 79
60 – 69
0 - 59
Graded components and available points to earn:
Introduce yourself on Web campus
points
5 points
5
syllabus quiz on Web campus
points
5 points
5
MML assignments
points
20 points each
100
Quiz #1:
points
20 points
20
Quiz #2:
points
20 points
20
Quiz #3:
points
20 points
20
Midterm:
points
60 points
60
Final:
100 points
100
Total points for the course:
points
330
How to Succeed in this Course

Log in to the course web site to review the current module, review student resources within the
module, work on MyMathLab daily.

Communicate with your instructor

Create a study schedule so that you are able to complete each assignment and thoroughly prepare

for each exam.
If you start to struggle get help immediately!!!
Student Conduct Statement
Students are required to adhere to the behavior standards listed in GBC Student Conduct and Netiquette
Policies. Students are entitled to receive instruction free from interference by other members of the class.
If a student is disruptive, an instructor may ask the student to stop the disruptive behavior and warn the
student that such disruptive behavior can result in withdrawal from the course. An instructor may withdraw
a student from a course when the student's behavior disrupts the educational process under NSHE Code,
Title 2, Chapter 6. Section 6.2.2.
Appropriate classroom behavior is defined by the instructor. This includes the number and length of
individual messages online. Course discussion messages should remain focused on the assigned
discussion topics. Students must maintain a cordial atmosphere and use tact in expressing differences of
opinion. Inappropriate discussion board messages may be deleted if an instructor feels it is necessary.
Students will be notified privately that their posting was inappropriate.
Student access to the course Inbox and Discussion tools may be limited or removed if an instructor feels
that students are sending inappropriate or disparaging remarks about the course in electronic messages
to other students in the course.
Syllabus Disclaimer
The instructor views the course syllabus as an educational contract between the instructor and students.
Every effort will be made to avoid changing the course schedule but the possibility exists that unforeseen
events will make syllabus changes necessary. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the
syllabus as deemed necessary. Students will be notified in a timely manner of any syllabus changes faceto-face, via email or in the course site Announcements. Please remember to check your Web Campus
often.
Student Assistance and Technical Support Contact Information
GBC's Academic Success Centers (ASC) on the Elko campus and at GBC's rural centers offer the
following services to GBC students, all at no cost. GBC is committed to your success!
775-753-2149

Live tutoring -- free to all GBC students

Free placement testing


Proctored testing
Open computer labs
GBC's Library on the Elko Campus provides electronic and digital resources to help students in their
research and learning.
Contact the library through the "Ask a Librarian" form or 775-753-2222.
GBC's Technology HelpDesk provides Web Campus assistance when students click on the Help button
in the upper right hand corner in Web Campus, call 775-753-2167, or email helpdesk@gbcnv.edu.
For information on college closures and outages see the GBC Homepage, for information on Web
Campus slowdowns or outages visit this site.
Accessibility Statement
Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with
disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish
current verification of disability. The Disability Services Office, located in Leonard Student Life Center, will
assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations,
auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further assistance, please call 775-753-2271.
Date
Sat, Sep 6
Day
Details
Sat
Introduce Yourself to the Class
Syllabus Quiz
Mon, Sep 8
Mon
MML #1
Quiz #1
Mon, Sep 29
Mon
MML #2
Quiz #2
Sun, Oct 12
Sun
MML #3
Wed, Oct 15
Wed
midterm
Mon, Nov 3
Mon
MML #4
Quiz #3
Tue, Dec 9
Tue
Final
MML #5