Course Syllabus
Precalculus I
Great Basin College, 1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV 89801, http://www.gbcnv.edu
Course Information
Precalculus I Math 126-1003 (94104), 1008 (95947), 1006 (95909), 1011 (97557) 3 credits
August 31, 2015 - December 18, 2015
Elko GTA 128, Winn 108, BM IV2, Pahrump 120
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 Webcampus: 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 identify answers before I can get back to you and it keeps me 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 4pm onweekdays 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 (Links to an external site.) ).
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 (Links to an external
site.) when you go to create your account. You will need the Course Id :
sanchez22501
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)
The calculator needs to be able to do: squares and higher exponents, square roots and
higher roots, memory function, log and natural log, pie, and other common
functions. An expensive graphing calculator is not needed. You may consider the
purchase and start learning how to use it if you plan to continue your study of math
through the higher levels.
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
online discussions.
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, Module exam #1, and Final exam
Solve a variety of equations and inequalities including linear, quadratic, polynomial, and absolute value.
Perform operations on complex numbers.
Module #2 objectives will be assessed on: MML #2, Module exam #2, and Final exam
Graph a variety of functions including linear, quadratic, polynomial, absolute value, rational, greatest
integer, exponential, logarithmic, and piece wise-defined functions by finding domain, range, zeros,
intercepts, asymptotes, and describing symmetries.
Perform operations on functions, find the domain and range of a function as well as the inverse and
difference quotient.
Module #3 objectives will be assessed on: MML #3, Module exam #3, and Final exam
Use synthetic division, the Division algorithm, Remainder Theorem, and Factor Theorem to factor
polynomials.
Solve a variety of equations including polynomial and rational.
Module #4 objectives will be assessed on: MML #4, Module exam #4, and Final exam
Solve a variety of real-world problems involving quadratics, exponential and logarithmic functions.
Solve a variety of equations including polynomial, logarithmic, and exponential.
Module #5 objectives will be assessed on: MML #5, Module exam #5, and Final exam
Solve systems of equations with two or three variables using substitution, addition, Cramer's Rule,
Gaussian elimination, or the inverse of a matrix.
Perform operations on matrices.
Method of Instruction
Class time will include question and answers, working problems, reviewing module content. Learning
objects and support objects are listed in the modules for each lesson. Homework will consist of problems
completed on www.mymathlab.com (Links to an external site.). The five module exams will be taken at
the testing centers on www.mymathlab.com. The final will be proctored at approved GBC testing centers
during finals week.
Students are highly encouraged to use the resources available on our class webcampus 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.
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.
***MISSING THE FINAL EXAM WILL RESULT IN A FINAL COURSE GRADE OF "F" REGARDLESS
OF WHAT YOUR COURSE AVERAGE IS WITH A 0 FOR THE FINAL. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP
OR LATE FINAL EXAMS. YOU HAVE FIFTEEN WEEKS TO PLAN FOR THE FINAL, NO EXCUSES.
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 (Links to an external site.) (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 webcampus, reading, watching example videos,
working through the practice problems before coming to class, completing assignments on
MyMathLab, and preparing for all exams. Attendance in this course means being on time and ready to
actively participate at all scheduled class meetings. Participation for this course means working practice
problems and logging into Webcampus weekly to check for any announcements and assignments, review
and respond to any discussions in the Coffee House, reviewing the current module requirements, and
asking and responding to questions and discussions in class.
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
studying the learning objects, completing assignments and taking the exams 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
The due dates are clear and already set. You generally have a couple of weeks to complete the
questions assigned for homework. The final dates are scheduled, please add it to your calendar as a
must attend appointment. Plan accordingly, late assignments and missed exams will not be accepted.
Submitting Assignments
You will be submitting homework and exams on mymathlab. 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 (Links to an external
site.) 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 NOVEMBER 2ND. 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 (Links to an external site.) 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 assignments, module
exams, and the comprehensive final exam 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
Percent range
A
90 – 100
B
80 – 89
C
70 – 79
D
60 – 69
F
0 - 59
Graded components and available points to earn:
Formative assessments: is worth 23% of the final grade, it includes all of the work completed at home:
introduction, syllabus quiz, and MML assignments.
Introduce yourself on Webcampus
points
5 points
5
syllabus quiz on Webcampus
points
5 points
5
MML assignments
points
10 points each
50
Summative assessments: is worth 77% of the final grade, it includes all the exams proctored at the
testing centers: Module exams and the final.
Module exam #1:
points
20 points
20
Module exam #2:
points
20 points
20
Module exam #3:
points
20 points
20
Module exam #4:
points
20 points
20
Module exam #5:
points
20 points
20
100 points
100
Final:
points
Total points for the course:
points
260
**Students that have a course grade of 90% after they complete module exam #5 will be exempt from
taking the final!!**
How to Succeed in this Course

Log in to the course web site to review the current module, review student resources within the
module, read the section and work practice problems before you come to class, work on MyMathLab
and webcampus assignments 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 (Links to an
external site.)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 WebCampus
often.
Student Assistance and Technical Support Contact Information
GBC's Academic Success Centers (Links to an external site.) (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 (Links to an external site.) 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" (Links to an external site.)form or 775-753-2222.
GBC's Technology HelpDesk (Links to an external site.)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 (Links to an external site.), 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
Details
Thu Sep 10, 2015
Introduce Yourself to the Class
Syllabus Quiz
Mon Sep 21, 2015
Module Exam#1
MML #1
Mon Oct 12, 2015
Module Exam #2
MML #2
Mon Oct 26, 2015
Module Exam #3
MML #3
Mon Nov 16, 2015
Module Exam #4
MML #4
Fri Dec 11, 2015
MML #5
Module Exam #5
Thu Dec 17, 2015
Final