Precalculus

MTH 3

Pedro Morales-Almazan MWF 8:00 AM - 9:05 AM (PDT)
Remote Instruction

Precalculus is the basis for upper level courses. This provides the basic languge and tools used to describe real life situations. Functions, algebra, and trigonometry are used to explore reality and to discover properties that are otherwise not straightforward.

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  • Use functions to decsribe real life situations
  • Identify different mathematical models
  • Build lineal models realting two variables
  • Analyze geometric quantities using trigonometry
  • Model periodic variables using trigonometric functions
  • Improve time management
  • Organize critical thinking
  • Develop studying skills
  • Build connections between mathematical thinking and real-life situations
  • Structure working strategies
  • Utilize team work
  • Stregthen reading and writing skills

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COMMUNICATION

canvas

Messages and announcements will be done using Canvas. When you need to contact your instructor or TA, please use Canvas as email messages will NOT be replied. This is to make communication more efficient, so we can correctly identify your section and other important information.

piazza

We will use Piazza for questions regarding HW, exams, lectures, etc. This tool is great for collaboration and to write math. It is difficult to type math in an email or in Canvas, so use Piazza for all content related questions!

office hours

If you have any questions, don't forget to go office hours via Zoom.
Pedro Morales TBA

email

For anything else, you can reach your instructor or TA using email, but please use this as the LAST method of communication.

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Our book is: Precalculus: A unit circle approach, Sullivan & Sullivan

SGT, MSI and ACE are additional resources that can help you with class. You are highly encouraged to attend to these.

We will use Canvas for lecture content and assignments. The HW will be completed through edfinity

Grade

The grade will be divided into three compnents:

  • Homework and Classwork
  • Participation and engagement
  • Exams

These three add to more than 100% of the total grade. In this way, even if you miss some components, your grade will not get affected.

Grades will be assigned using the +/- system.

Homework and Classwork (58%)

Pre-Class (8%)

These are short assignments and reflections that you will complete on Canvas. There will be a Pre-Class assignment per lecture. These will be due the day before each lecture.

We are dropping the lowest 5 preclass in order to account for any abscences or issues.

In-Class (7%)

We will have Worksheets during lecture time to be completed in groups. The Worksheets are applications of the concepts seen in class. This can be completed in groups of at most 4 and sent using Gradescope. You don't need an extra acount for Gradescope.

We are dropping the lowest 3 inclass Worksheets in order to account for any abscences or issues.

Post-Class (12%)

Each week you will have an Online Homework assignment due Sunday at midnight. We will use the online platform edfinity, which is one of the most afordable options for our class. The subscription for it is $24.25 for the entire quarter.

We are dropping the lowest 3 Post-Class in order to account for any abscences or issues.

Section (10%)

Each Section day you will have different Activities to work on. These Activities will be worked in groups. The Activities will be completed on Canvas.

We are dropping the lowest 3 section grades in order to account for any abscences or issues.

Project (21%)

You will have an application projects. This can be worked on groups of at most 5 members. The project is broken into three parts:

  • 01-Project: Proposal
    October 16th
  • 02-Project: Structure
    November 13th
  • 03-Project: Final paper
    December 4th

Participation and Engagement (17%)

Participation(6%)

This consists in class attendance via Zoom and participation in Discussion on Canvas. Once a week there will be a Discussion topic in Canvas. Participation in this topic is counted by commenting on the Topic post in Canvas.

Engagement (6%)

This includes social interaction in Canvas such as math memes and videos, and Instructor and TA interaction in Meeting Time.

Responsibility (5%)

This measures your responsibility, consistency, and engagement with the course. It is computed with your Pre-Class, Section, Activities, Reflections, and participation in SGT, MSI and ACE sessions.

This is computed by the average of:

  • Assignments completed on time (proportion)
  • Assistance to ACE, MSI and/or SGT (at least once)
  • Consistency of assignment grades

Exams (35%)

Exams will be remote, open-notebook, open-book, and calculators are allowed. Avoid using other resources, such as websites or third-party materials as we don't know how reliable ther are. No makeup exams under any circumstances. Under a valid emergency, one absence could be replaced by the final.

Midterms (20%)

These exams cover the class material. The grade is computed by averaging the exams in the regular fashion. We will have two parts: a group part and an individual part.

The group portion can be completed in groups of at most 4 members. This will be send using Gradescope. The individual part will be completed via edfinity.

  • Midterm 1
    October 23rd
    Midterm: Covers Sections 1.1-3.4

  • Midterm 2
    November 23rd
    Midterm: Covers Sections 3.5-5.2

Final (15%)

The final is comprehensive.

  • Final
    December 17th

Prerequisite and degree relevance

Inverse functions and graphs; exponential and logarithmic functions, their graphs, and use in mathematical models of the real world; rates of change; trigonometry, trigonometric functions, and their graphs; and geometric series. Students cannot receive credit for both course 3 and Applied Mathematics and Statistics 3. Applied Mathematics and Statistics 3 can substitute for course 3.

Prerequisite(s): course 2 or mathematics placement (MP) score of 200 or higher. (General Education Code(s): MF.)

Student Code of Conduct

The UC Santa Cruz community includes students, staff, faculty, and others who have a vested interest in the University. As members of an academic community, integrity, accountability and mutual respect are vital pillars of being part of this community. The Principles of Community further illustrate the values and expectations set forth for being a part of this community.

Small Group Tutoring (SGT)

Small Group Tutoring provides a small interactive setting for students to be comfortable to engage in conversations about course material with other students. Each session is led by a current UCSC undergraduate student who has taken the course and done well in it. Tutoring sessions are 1-Hour long and generally have a capacity of 6 students. When students sign up for tutoring, students make a commitment to attend tutoring weekly for the entire quarter. All students can sign up for up to 2-Hours of tutoring a week per couse they are enrolled in.

Academic Excellence (ACE)

ACE is an academic support program dedicated to increasing the diversity of UCSC students earning bachelors' degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is a community of scholars who strive for and commit to academic excellence.

Modified Supplemental Instruction (MSI)

In MSI, you can expect the MSI leader to facilitate cooperative group activities designed to have students work together on the course content. MSI is offered at least three times each week for the entire quarter. The MSI leader is an undergraduate student who took the class, did well, and is trained to facilitate group sessions to focus on you, the students, and what you need to succeed in the course. LSS provides continuous training for MSI leaders to create inclusive spaces for students and facilitate group work effectively. MSI is for everyone and open to all students in class to get extra practice on the things you already know or the things you want to know better. Attendance is voluntary; however, students who attend MSI sessions weekly earn a higher final grade than students who do not participate in MSI.

DRC Accommodations

UC Santa Cruz is committed to creating an academic environment that supports its diverse student body. If you are a student with a disability who requires accommodations to achieve equal access in this course, please submit your Accommodation Authorization Letter from the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to me privately during my office hours or by appointment, preferably within the first two weeks of the quarter.  At that time, I would also like us to discuss ways we can ensure your full participation in the course.   I encourage all students who may benefit from learning more about DRC services to contact DRC by phone at 831-459-2089 or by email at drc@ucsc.edu.

Inclusivity Statement

We understand that our members represent a rich variety of backgrounds and perspectives. UCSC is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity. While working together to build this community we ask all members to:

FAQ

  • Is the book required for the class?

    No. The book is a good reference to clarify concepts and to practice more problems.

  • Was there a curve last semester?

    No. We don't do curves in this class.

  • I am going to miss a day of class. What should I do?

    Watch the videos of the class and check the material in Canvas.

  • Can we use calculators on the Exams?

    Yes.

  • What can I do to improve my grade?

    Study. Do Homework. Do not wait until the end of the quarter.

  • Do you drop any grades?

    See the grade description.

  • I need a C to keep my scholarship, what can I do?

    Study. Do Homework. Do not wait until the end of the quarter.

  • I added this class late and missed the first one/two/three Homeworks. Can you accept them late?

    No. We do not accept late Homework for any reason. We drop the lowest Homework scores for just such eventualities.

  • Will there be a curve?

    No.

  • What do I have to make on the final to get an A/B/C in the course?

    We use the regular grading system.

  • I sent a math question to my instructor and I didn't get a response. Why?

    Because it's impossible to write math over e-mail. Use Canvas or Piazza regarding questions in the class.

  • Can we use calculators on the Homeworks?

    Yes.

  • Do you give extra credit?

    No but our grade distribution adds up to more than 100%.

  • What is going to be on the exam?

    Everything we have done in class.

  • Why you don’t reply my emails?

    Messages regarding this class must be sent through Canvas or Piazza.