AMAT100 Pre-Calculus
Spring 2024 Syllabus
Click to download printable version.
Course Description
This three-credit course provides a background in those topics that are needed for success in calculus and in understanding real world phenomena through mathematics. The course begins with basic rules and definitions about real numbers, equations, and the coordinate plane. It then proceeds with developing an understanding of both the geometric and algebraic properties of the five fundamental functions (polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions), solving equations involving such functions, and with an emphasis on their usefulness for problem solving and modeling real-world situations.
Prerequisites
Three years of high school mathematics or permission of department.
Course Structure
Each lecture is eighty minutes long, meeting twice a week, and comprised of mathematical concepts, applications, and problems. There will be a total of four exams, three midterms and a final exam, given during the course of the semester all based closely on the lecture content, online homework and in-class practice assessments.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course students will be able to:
- Manipulate and solve algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric expressions
- Identify and describe properties of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
- Apply transformations and algebraic operations of functions
- Apply knowledge of Precalculus to solve problems in, but not limited to, engineering and science.
Recommended Textbook
Precalculus 2e by OpenStax (Freely available for download at https://openstax.org/details/books/precalculus-2e)
Assessment Tools
There are three assessment tools in the course:
‣ Exams are comprehensive and test both understanding of course material, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
‣ Practice Assessments focus on concepts, common errors, and misconceptions as well as aim at developing problem solving and critical thinking skills.
‣ The online homework are exercises used to reinforce and check understanding of course material.
Course Schedule
| Class No | Days | Times | Room | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6057 | MW | 08:00AM – 09:20AM | AS0015 | Bashwinger, Eli Mack |
| 6058 | MW | 11:40AM – 01:00PM | HU0019 | Yorks, Amber |
| 6059 | TTH | 09:00AM – 10:20AM | AS0015 | TBD/Young, Peter |
| 6060 | MW | 01:10PM – 02:30PM | ES0139 | Bashwinger, Eli Mack |
| 6061 | TTH | 12:00PM – 01:20PM | HU0108 | Ko, Yan Lok |
| 6062 | TTH | 03:00PM – 04:20PM | HU0019 | Dong, Xun |
Grade Calculation
Three formulas are used to calculate the student’s course score. The formula that yields the highest score will be the one used to determine the final score.
Formula 1: All exams included Weight Homework 15% Exams 1-3 (20% each) 60% Final Exam 25%
Formula 2: Drop lowest midterm Weight Homework 15% Best two of three midterms (25% each) 50% Final Exam 35%
Formula 3: No final exam Weight Homework 15% Exam 1 28.3% Exam 2 28.3% Exam 3 28.3%
We will convert this score to a letter grade beginning with these values as cutoffs:
Cutoff Letter Grade 90 A 87 A- 83 B+ 80 B 77 B- 74 C+ 70 C 67 C- 64 D+ 60 D 55 D- below 50 E
Exam Policies
During exams, no calculators, no cell phones, iPads or other devices that can communicate with the internet or with others may be used. Any such equipment found with the power on may well be interpreted as “cheating”. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics reserves the right to impose the strongest academic sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity*.
*Academic Integrity
“Every student has the responsibility to become familiar with the standards of academic integrity at the University. Faculty members must specify in their syllabi information about academic integrity, and may refer students to this policy for more information. Nonetheless, student claims of ignorance, unintentional error, or personal or academic pressures cannot be excuses for violation of academic integrity. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the standards and behaving accordingly, and UAlbany faculty are responsible for teaching, modeling and upholding them. Anything less undermines the worth and value of our intellectual work, and the reputation and credibility of the University at Albany degree.” (University’s Standards of Academic Integrity Policy, Fall 2013)
More information at: https://www.albany.edu/undergraduate_bulletin/regulations.html
Click here for the University’s final exam policy and additional related information.
Policy on missed in-class assignments, quizzes, or exams
It is University policy that an out-of-sequence exam can be administered only if there is prior authorization by the Mathematics and Statistics Department or due to a medical, religious, or family emergency reason. In all of these cases, you must provide written documentation to the Mathematics and Statistics Department in order to schedule a make-up exam within 2 days of the missed exam, or upon your first day returning to class if the documentation excuses a longer absence. Make-ups will not be granted to students who do not notify the Mathematics and Statistics Department in a timely manner. Students may be asked to seek additional approval.
Click here for the University’s Medical Excuse Policy.
Religious Observance
Based on New York State Education Law (Section 224-A), students are required to be excused, without penalty, because of religious beliefs, and will be provided equivalent opportunities for make-up examinations, study, or work requirements missed because of such absences. Faculty will work directly with students to accommodate religious observances. However, students should notify the instructor of record by emailing them during the first two weeks of classes.
Travel
We cannot accommodate out-of-sequence exams, quizzes, and finals for reasons of convenience of travel, even if you have already purchased tickets. Please note carefully the date of your exams and final and plan your travel schedule accordingly.
Event
In the case of a University sponsored event such as an athletic tournament, a play, or a musical performance, please have your coach, conductor, or other faculty advisor contact your instructor (athletic practices and rehearsals do not fall into this category).
Disability Disclosure Statement
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with documented physical, sensory, systemic, medical, cognitive, learning and/or mental health (psychiatric) disabilities. If you believe you have a disability and require accommodation in this class, please register with Disability Access and Inclusion Student Services (DAISS). You can contact DAISS at daiss@albany.edu, 518-442 -5501 or www.albany.edu/disability. Once you have registered with DAISS, they will provide you with an accommodation letter that you can send to your instructors to receive your approved accommodation.
Mental Health Recourses
As a student, there may be times when personal stressors interfere with your academic performance and/or negatively impact your daily life. The University at Albany Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential services including individual and group psychological counseling and evaluation for emotional, social and academic concerns. Students may consult with CAPS staff remotely by telephone, email or Zoom appointments regarding issues that impact them or someone they care about.
‣For questions or to make an appointment, call (518) 442-5800 or email consultation@albany.edu. Visit www.albany.edu/caps/ for hours of operation and additional information.
‣If your life or someone else’s life is in danger, please call 911. If you are in a crisis and need help right away, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
‣Students dealing with heightened feelings of sadness or hopelessness, increased anxiety, or thoughts of suicide may also text “HOME” to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
Course Instructors
Dr Luciano Medina, PhD
Course Coordinator and Lecturer
lmedina2@albany.edu
Catskill 262
Office Hrs: TTh 12:20-1:20pm or by appointment
Amber Ramey
Teaching Assistant
alramey@albany.edu
Catskill 378
Xun Dong
Teaching Assistant
xdong5@albany.edu
Catskill 384
UAlbany Calculus and Statistics 