Course Syllabus
Math 126 Precalculus
Fall 2013
Course Information
Precalculus, Math 126 – 1001 (96364), 1005 (96646), 1011 (97139), 3 credits
August 26 – December 13, Tuesday/Thursday, 11:00 AM– 12:15 PM Interactive Video
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 Web assign: Not my preferred method. I do not get notified therefore
unless I am logged into the site I do not know to respond to your question.
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.
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Course Syllabus
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Fall 2013
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). I will usually respond to email messages from 8am to 5pm
on weekdays, unless it is a holiday or Spring break, 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 Web Assign, please contact their customer support at (800-9558275). They are very good at quickly walking you through any issues you are having.
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 Web Assign. You can purchase the
access code online at www.webassign.net when you go to create your account. You will
need our CLASS KEY: gbcnv 5661 0188.
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)
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Course Syllabus
Math 126 Precalculus
Fall 2013
Optional:
Textbook: Precalculus, Functions and Graphs, 12e, Earl W. Swokowski and Jeffery A. Cole
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
Learning Outcome
Graph a variety of functions to include:
algorithm, polynomial, rational and
exponential
Analyze functions by finding roots, turning
points and asymptotes
Solve a variety of equations including
rational and quadratic
Find composite and inverse functions
Solve systems of equations using algebra,
matrices and determinants
Find the partial fraction decomposition of a
rational expression
Solve systems of inequalities
Demonstrate the appropriate mathematical
format and notation in solving problems
Measurement
Weekly assignments on web assign, Exam
#1, Midterm, Exam #2 and Final
Weekly assignments on web assign Exam
#1, Midterm, Exam #2 and Final
Weekly assignments on web assign Exam
#1, Midterm, Exam #2 and Final
Weekly assignments on web assign Exam
#1, Midterm, Exam #2 and Final
Weekly assignments on web assign Exam
#1, Midterm, Exam #2 and Final
Weekly assignments on web assign Exam
#1, Midterm, Exam #2 and Final
Weekly assignments on web assign Exam
#1, Midterm, Exam #2 and Final
Weekly assignments on web assign Exam
#1, Midterm, Exam #2 and Final
Method of Instruction
Our class meets live and through Interactive video for other than the Elko location on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each meeting will consist of reviewing, lecturing on new topics,
in class practicing and answering student questions. It is in the student’s best interest to
attend every class in order to keep up with course material. All graded homework is to be
completed weekly on www.webassign.net.
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Course Syllabus
Math 126 Precalculus
Fall 2013
Students are highly encouraged to use the resources available on our class’s webcampus
site. You will find weekly modules outlining the weeks learning outcomes and other
resources available. Plus use the GBC Coffee House to ask myself 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 webcampus is
for information only. Your graded assignments are on Web Assign.
Testing: All testing 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
week to schedule and take each exam. 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 extension. You will be allowed to
use your calculator (not a cell phone) and scratch paper only for each exam.
You are required to complete your assignments on Web Assign and take all exams
scheduled during the course. There will be no assignments or exams dropped. All
graded work counts towards the final grade you earn in this course. 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:
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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.webassing.net(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.
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Course Syllabus
Math 126 Precalculus
Fall 2013
Attendance/Participation
Preparation for this class means reviewing the weekly module on webcampus, completing
assignments on Web Assign, studying and preparing for all class meetings and
exams. Attendance in this course means being at every class meeting and logging into
Web Assign on a regular weekly basis to work on assigned problems. Participation for
this course means logging into Webcampus weekly to check for any announcements,
review and respond to any discussions in the Coffee House & reviewing the current
weeks’ module requirements.
Studying and Preparation Time
The course requires you to spend time preparing and completing assignments. A threecredit college course requires 135 hours of student work. Therefore expect to spend
approximately nine hours a week preparing for and actively participating in this course.
Late or Missed Assignments
All assignments are completed and graded on Web Assign. The end dates are clear and
already set. You generally have seven days to complete the questions assigned each week
and five 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.webassign.net. All grades will be
posted in the grade book on Web Assign.
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. October 28th
is the last day to withdraw and receive a grade of “W”.
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
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Course Syllabus
Math 126 Precalculus
Fall 2013
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 Web Assign 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
Percent range
A
90 – 100
B
80 – 89
C
70 – 79
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Course Syllabus
Math 126 Precalculus
D
60 – 69
F
0 – 59
Fall 2013
Graded components and available points to earn:
Weekly Web assign:
10 points each
140 points
2 exams:
40 points each
80 points
Midterm:
80 points
80 points
Final:
100 points
100 points
Total points for the course:
400 points
How to Succeed in this Course
o
Log in to the course web site to review the weekly module, review student
resources within the module, work on Web assign daily, review for exams by
taking the practice quizzes and tests within the PSP on Web assign and give
yourself time to take the exam and use the second attempt per question.
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Communicate with your instructor
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Create a study schedule so that you are able to complete each assignment and
thoroughly prepare for each exam.
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, and 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
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Course Syllabus
Math 126 Precalculus
Fall 2013
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 face-to-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 (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
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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.
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Course Syllabus
Math 126 Precalculus
Fall 2013
GBC's Technology HelpDesk provides Webcampus assistance when students click on
the Help button in the upper right hand corner in Webcampus, call 775-753-2167, or email
helpdesk@gbcnv.edu.
For information on college closures and outages see the GBC Homepage, for information
on Webcampus 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 Students with Disabilities Office, located in Berg Hall, 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 775753-2271.
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Course Syllabus
Math 126 Precalculus
Fall 2013
Tentative course schedule
Week
1
2
3
4
Tuesday
Introduction
2.1 – 2.2
2.4 – 2.5
2.7
Thursday
Algebra review
2.3
2.6
3.1
5
6
7
3.2
3.4
3.6
3.3
3.5
4.1
8
9
10
4.2
4.4
4.6
4.3
4.5
8.1
11
12
13
14
15
16
8.2
8.4
8.6
8.8
8.9
8.3
8.5
8.7
NO Class
8.10
Assignment
Due Date/time
WA #1
WA #2
Exam #1
Chapter 2
WA #3
WA #4
WA #5
Midterm
Chapters 2 & 3
WA #6
WA # 7
WA # 8
Exam #2
Chapter 4
WA # 9
WA 8.2 – 8.3
WA 8.4 – 8.5
WA 8.6 – 8.7
WA 8.8
WA 8.9 – 8.10
FINAL
Chapters 2 – 4
&8
9/10 11:00 am
9/17 11:00 am
9/18 – 9/24 COB
9/24 11:00 am
10/1 11:00 am
10/8 11:00 am
10/9 – 10/15 11:00
am
10/15 11:00 am
10/22 11:00 am
10/29 11:00 am
10/30 – 11/5 COB
11/5 11:00 am
11/12 11:00 am
11/19 11:00 am
11/26 11:00 am
12/3 11:00 am
12/10 11:00 am
12/9 – 12/12 COB
Testing Notes:
Exam #1, #2 and the Final will be taken at the testing center.
Midterm will be a take home either on web assign or pencil/paper to be determined at my
discretion.
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