OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE
COURSE INFORMATION OUTLINE
MATH 195 - 02 Precalculus I & II
For Science, Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering Majors
INSTRUCTOR: Professor C. Showalter
Spring 2011
Office: Russell Bldg. Russ 103
Office Hours: Monday
Phone: 732 - 255-0400 ext. 2462 (voice-mail)
Tuesday
e-mail: carolyn_showalter@occ.mailcruiser.com
Thursday
Friday
TEXT: Precalculus by Larson 8th Edition
9:30 am – 10:45 am
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Catalog Description This accelerated course is designed for Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, and/or
Engineering Majors or any student who wishes to be ready for Calculus I in one semester. It will cover equations and
inequalities, including absolute values, functions (polynomial, rational, radical, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric,
logarithmic, and exponential), analytic trigonometry, analytic geometry, polar coordinates and parametric equations. It
cannot be combined with Math 191 and/or Math 192 for credit.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
 Illustrate polynomial, rational, and radical functions and their inverses, with applications
 Apply critical thinking skills to more advanced algebraic problems
 Critique different types of graphs
 Develop the complex number system and compute applications
 Examine exponential and logarithmic functions and their applications
 Develop the trigonometric functions through the use of the unit circle; apply the inverses of the trig. Functions
and solve applications
 Apply right triangle trigonometry
 Solve applications using analytic trigonometry
Classify and solve applications of analytic geometry
Develop and apply parametric equations and polar coordinates
Course Description: Math 195 will cover material from Chapters 1 – 6 along with 7.4. Since a thorough knowledge
of algebra is needed for this course, the pre-requisite is either Math 165 or Math 161 or appropriate placement on the
College Level Math Test. If you received a grade of C or D in College Algebra, you will have to change your study habits
to successfully complete this course.
Course Topics:
 Functions: notation, graphs, inverses
 Types of functions: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic
 Complex numbers in rectangular form
 The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
 Partial fraction decomposition
 Growth and decay models, and other applications
 Trigonometry including right triangle, analytical, and graphs of trigonometric functions
General Education Goals: This course addresses two goals. The first goal is to develop the ability to become an
independent thinker through mathematical, scientific, and philosophical reasoning (OCC Goal #1). The other is to develop
the ability to solve problems by collecting, organizing and evaluating information (OCC Goal #3).
Ocean Cruiser is the official email communication for students at OCC. It is located on the OCC homepage. Homework,
announcements, handouts, test scores, class participation evaluations, attendance, and the current syllabus will be posted
on the site. Your ocean cruiser email will be used for any electronic correspondence so please check it regularly.
firstname_lastname@occ.mailcruiser.com
Course Details:
A scientific calculator is required for use in some chapters. Bring it to class. A graphing calculator is a good investment,
especially if you are going to take Calculus. However, those that have indefinite integration capabilities (such as the TI -
92 or TI – 89) are not permitted while taking tests.
Homework is assigned daily from the homework assignment list. Although most class time will be devoted to lectures
and group work, this does not diminish the importance of homework. It is your responsibility to complete the assignments
for the next class. If you should be absent, you are responsible for getting the notes and working the homework. As
adult learners, you already know that you should be sure to return to class prepared to go on with the new material.
GRADING: The final grade will be based on tests. There will be at least seven (7) tests. No test grade is
dropped. If a test is missed, the grade of zero is recorded. If there is a conflict with the test date, you may take a similar
version of the test once you have scored a 65 or higher on the next in-class test. For example, you miss test 2. Then once
you have taken test 3 and scored at least a 65 on it you will have 5 school days (M, T,W, R, F) in which to take test
2.This conflict option may be used only once during the semester. Otherwise, the score of “0” remains.
Grades
Description
A 100-90.0
Superior, exceptional, outstanding; no conceptual errors.
B+ 89.9-88.0
Well above average; minor errors.
B 87.9-80.0
Above average, competent; occasional conceptual errors, few careless errors.
C+ 79.9-78.0
Average; more careless errors than conceptual ones.
C 77.9-70.0
Average, ordinary; some conceptual errors and many careless errors.
D 69.9-65.0
Below average; confusion regarding concepts; inability to recall material.
F below 65
Unable to grasp concepts at this time.
Any student who wishes to withdraw from the course and receive a designation of “W” must submit the signed OCC
Drop/Add form to the Admissions Office no later than Monday, April 4th at 7:00 pm. Otherwise, the appropriate letter
grade will be assigned.
Attendance: Attendance is taken during each class to assess class participation. The instructor does not drop students
for excessive absences. There is no penalty for absences, except on the day of a test (see above).
Assistance in learning the material:
 Professional and peer tutors are available in room Russ 123 of the Russell Bldg. See the schedule of
hours posted on the door. This is a free service. No appointment is necessary.
 The DVD that comes with the text includes instructional lessons. These same lessons are available at the
Library Resource desk on video.
 The CD that comes with the text contains guided examples, section quizzes and chapter tests with
answers.
 When working the homework problems, study the steps in the solutions manual. Don’t just get the
answer and move on!
 I am available during the office hours listed at the top of this hand-out.
Plagiarism and cheating are considered serious offenses. Please refer to the student handbook and/or Policy #5180
(both are available at www.ocean.edu). I have no qualms about enforcing this policy.
Etiquette: Be prepared to participate in class discussions...be on time...turn-off all electronic devices…no texting…cell
phones may not be used as calculators…no casual talking or derisive comments.
Statement of Accommodation: If there is any student in this class who has special needs because of learning
disabilities or other kinds of disabilities, please feel free to come and discuss this with me or a staff member from the
Center for Academic Excellence. Bring a copy of your current semester schedule with you when submitting the required
paperwork for my signature.
Communications with Instructor
As adults, our communications will be in a professional manner. Anytime that I post an announcement or send you an
email it will be in Standard English. You are expected to do the same. Informal language, such as misspellings and
emoticons, has no place in professional exchanges. When leaving a voice-mail message, be sure to speak clearly, and
leave your first and last name as well as which course you are in. If you want a response, clearly state your phone
number.
Other Meeting Times: To arrange a meeting with your instructor in addition to the regularly scheduled office hours,
please contact your instructor directly or contact the Department of Mathematics (Phone: 732 – 255 - 0368/ Email:
latanasio@ocean.edu).
My objective is to provide you with a quality course that will prepare you for upper-level mathematics courses offered
by OCC or by a four-year institution. Since you are paying your hard-earned money you should expect nothing less. In
order to benefit fully from this course, I think you should anticipate spending at least 8 hours per week outside of class,
more when a test is scheduled. I wish you a high level of success in the course, and I am ready to assist you in that goal.
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Notes for Successful Completion of MATH 195
At Ocean County College, our goal is more than just getting you to reproduce what was told to you in the
classroom. Our goal is for you to think critically about the situation presented to you, and for you to offer a logical
solution.
Expect to have material covered at a brisk pace due to the fact that there are only 60 class sessions in the
semester and this course covers over 8 chapters. We are aiming for a greater command of the material,
especially the ability to apply what you have learned to new situations (when relevant).
Lecture time is at a premium, so it must be used efficiently. You cannot be "taught" everything in the classroom.
It is your responsibility to learn the material. Most of this learning must take place outside the classroom. You
should be willing to put in two hours outside the classroom for each credit of class. So for this 6-credit class you
will be preparing a minimum of 12 hours per week.
The professor's job is primarily to provide a framework to guide you in doing your learning of the concepts and
methods that comprise this material. It is not to "program" you with isolated facts and problem types that you
regurgitate on a test nor is it to minutely monitor your progress.
You are expected to read the textbook for comprehension. It gives a detailed account of the material of the
course. It also contains many examples, and these should be used to supplement those you see in the lecture.
The textbook is not a novel, so the reading must often be done slowly. However, there is the clear advantage
that you can read it at your own pace. Use pencil and paper to work through the material and to fill in omitted
steps.
When do you read the textbook? You have the following choices:
 Before the material is presented in class. Read the appropriate section(s) of the book and come to class
with prepared questions.
 After class but before you work on the homework. This prepares you for the various problems that have
been assigned.
 Definitely after working the homework
 Definitely before a test.
All individuals should not assume that anything received, sent, or stored in this course or in any course is private.
Students’ written work, assignments, and test results may be used anonymously for college assessment purposes. Course
content, support materials, and communications (including chats, discussions, emails, and any other forms of
communication) may be used for quality assurance purposes by authorized college administrators.
Disclaimer: Reasonable changes to this course outline may be made exclusive of course requirements, course calendar,
and grading procedures.
Failure to pay for this course may result in your being dropped for non-payment.
Important Dates for Spring 2011:
 Monday, April 4 – Last day to withdraw from any OCC course and receive a “W”.
 Monday, March 14 – Sunday, March 20: No classes – OCC is on Spring Break.
 Monday, May 16 – Last day of the semester. Last test in Math 195.