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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "MA 197-1"
COURSE NAME: "Pre-Calculus"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2020
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Sara Munday
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 3:00 PM 4:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: Placement or completion of MA 101 with a grade of C- or above
OFFICE HOURS: MW 14:15 - 15:00 or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an introduction to Calculus that focuses on functions and graphs. The properties of absolute value, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions will be studied, along with the techniques for solving equations and inequalities involving those functions.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course will serve as an introduction to Calculus I and will develop further the fundamental concepts studied in Intermediate Algebra, often oriented towards practical applications in business and economics. Particular emphasis will be given to functions as the first step towards analysing real world problems in mathematical terms. Registration for the course is by placement or by completion of MA101 with a grade of C- or higher.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
To provide students with a strong foundation in order to study applied Calculus.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
midterm examsThere will be 2 midterms. Each will be based on the most recent material studied in class. Each exam will be worth 25% of the grade for a total of 50% percent.50%
Final Exam (comprehensive) 40%
Attendance Students with 3 or fewer unexplained absences from class will be given 10% credit towards their final grade. 10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included. In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
This course provides an introduction to Calculus that focuses on functions and graphs. The properties of absolute value, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions will be studied, along with the techniques for solving equations and inequalities involving those functions.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Week 1 Chapter 1 - Review of Intermediate Algebra   
Week 2-3-4Functions: graphs, monotonicity, transformations of graphs, straight lines, inverse functions, modelling with functions Chapter 2  
Week 5 - 6Polynomials and Rational Functions Chapter 3  
Week 7-8-9Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, modellingChapter 4  
Week 10-11-12TrigonometryChapters 5-7  
Week 13-14Polar co-ordinates and parametric equationsChapter 8