SyllabusFall 2016
MAT187 (Precalculus) Section 40845
7:00 a.m. – 8:05 a.m. M, T, W, Th GCC North Room A102
Instructor: Andrew McKintoshOffice: A123 Phone: 623-888-7048
WEBSITE: Email:
Office Hours: 6:40 a.m. – 6:55 a.m.( M – TH), 8:10 a.m. – 8:25 a.m. ( M – TH), 9:40 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. ( M – TH), 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (M ,T,TH)
I am in Math Solution (free tutoring center D-building) Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Available other times by appointment (just talk to me or call me or email me to make arrangements)
Course Description: A precalculus course combining topics from college algebra and trigonometry. Preparation for MAT220. This course is the most curriculum intense math course we teach at GCC it will go VERY FAST. Students who need a slower pace should immediately consider taking both MAT150 (or MAT151) AND MAT 182 in lieu of MAT187 if that route is appropriate for their major (check with your transfer University immediately).
Prerequisites: Grade of “B” or better in MAT120 or MAT122 or an equivalent class at another college or university OR a satisfactory score on a placement test. It is strongly recommended that students have some knowledge of trigonometry.
Textbook: There is no required textbook for this class. All homework problems are on our class web page (along with complete solutions in the “Help!!!” section). You should also utilize the links provided in the “Help!!!” section on our class web page to view various supplemental web based readings and videos of other examples of topics we cover. If you would like to obtain a textbook (totally optional) you can go find any cheap used Precalculus text. I have linked one on your class webpage which will follow our class very closely!
Electronic Devices: All cell phones, computers and Ipod /Ipad like devices should be turned off prior to entering the classroom. Students who insist on disrupting the class by utilizing electronic devices may be dropped from the class by the instructor.
Calculator: A scientific calculator will be needed at various times during this course. Some tests will be taken without the use of a calculator while others may require one. You may NOT use any calculator that has a built in CAS (Computer Algebra System), like the TI89 , TI92 and the TI-Nspirethat is capable of factoring and/or other types of symbolic manipulation. If you use a calculator that has a CAS on any assessment you will earn a zero for that assessment. Obviously no cell phone calculators can be used.
Disability Statement: If you have a disability that may have an impact on your work in this class and for which you may require an accommodation, you need to notify the instructor immediately and the Disability Resources and Services office, located at the GCC Main campus in Administration (A building). Their phone number is 623-845-3080. If the disability office finds that you are eligible for an accommodation you will need to bring me the “orange” paper during the first week of class if you expect me to accommodate your special needs.
Attendance Policy: The instructor will be taking on time attendance daily. You are expected to show up on time every day that we are scheduled to meet. In this class an “absence” is defined as any time you miss class, are late to class or leave class early. You chose to sign up for this particular class and in doing so have made the commitment to attend during the entire scheduled time period of each meeting. If you are unable to make it on time and stay for the entire period then you should immediately switch to another class that you can attend properly. If you feel that you do not need to attend every day in order to pass then you should immediately go sign up for a hybrid or online class where daily attendance is not required. Since your cell phone will be turned off prior to entering the classroom you will never need to leave the room to take a phone call. If you need the restroom during class time just quietly excuse yourself although this should be a VERY rare occurrence. Attendance will impact your grade in the following manner. 0 “absences” = +2.5%, 1 “absence” = + 2%, 2 “absences” = + 1.5%, 3 “absences” = +1%, 4 “absences” = +.5%. For each “absence” OVER five, .5% will be deducted from you final course grade! So a student with zero “absences” at the end of the semester who has earned a course grade of 87.5% will have a 2.5% bonus added in the following manner…87.5% + 2.5% = 90.0% A. Whereas a student who manages to accumulate 20 “absences” and has earned a course grade of 87.4% will have a 7.5% deduction and end up with a grade of 87.4% - 7.5% = 79.9% C (so this student went from a B to a C due to poor on time attendance)! No absences are ever “excused” BUT some absences are considered (by college policy) to be “official” and will not count against you (see the link to the relevant page in the student handbook provided to you in the Instructors Attendance Philosophy link on the class web page)!
Homework: See the class web page for daily homework. The COMPLETE solution to every assigned problem is also available for you to view in the “Help!!!” section. Every student is expected to complete each homework assignment on the day that we cover the material in this course and it is the student’s responsibility to check the solutions to make sure they are doing the problems correctly and obtaining the correct answer. Homework is NOT collected by the instructor and does NOT count directly towards your course grade. Since complete solutions to every homework problem are posted on your class webpage the instructor will not spend class time answering specific homework questions. If there are some things in the homework that you need help with please see me in my office and I will be happy to help you. Be sure toutilize the web links to supplemental reading and videos etc. for each section! You should plan on spending a minimum of 10 hours per week outside of class for this course if you wish to earn a C. Significantly more time may be required if you would like to earn a B or an A. Students who choose to not put in the necessary time and effort will not be successful in this class. You should plan on spending time on the HELP page for each section we cover!
Help!!!: You can obtain help on homework from the “Help!!!” section of the class web page. There are complete detailed solutions to every assigned problem and supplemental readings and video links provided for almost every section that we cover. In addition you can visit the “Math Solution” center here at GCC North (in the D- building…schedule posted on your class web page) or at the GCC Main campus in the Math building ( for free tutoring. Of course, you can always contact your instructor for help!! Also consider finding a study partner in this class or forming a small study group.
Assessments: There are six (6) regular tests in this course (see the last page of this syllabus for test dates)each worth 10% of your course grade. Each testwill be an in class assessment that will cover material since the previous assessment. Each student who shows up on time will have 65 minutes to complete each assessment, although many of you may get done early and leave once you turn in your completed assessment. Tests will be graded and the grades posted on the webpage (by secret code) in a grade table where you can see all grades earned. Arrangements can be made to take a test early if you know that you will be absent on the test date. Early tests will be done in the GCC North Testing center in the “C” building. It is YOUR responsibility to make prior arrangements with the instructor AND to be aware of the testing center rules and times that the testing center is available for you to take a test. No late make up tests will be given so be sure to be on time for these dates BUTsee the Midterm Exam and Final Exam sections belowif you earn a zero or a poor grade on a regular test. The questions on each assessment will be very similar to the class notes and homework assignments that cover the sections since the previous assessment. No review guide will be given for these assessments. If you have attended class on time daily, taken exceptionally good notes, consistently re-read your notes, done all of the suggested homework problems each day, checked your solutions with those posted in the “Help!!!” section, viewed the supplemental reading material/videos in the “Help!!!” section and obtained assistance on problems that you did not understand then you will have no problem being successful on the assessments so long as you dedicate time to review over all of your notes and homework prior to the assessment. Questions on the tests are often VERY similar to homework problems and examples done in class. Students who wish to pass this class with a grade of C or better should also choose to immediately redo any missed problems when the assessments are returned to them as similar problems may appear on the Midterm Exam or on the Final Exam. You may NOT retake a test if you do not like the score that you earn so be properly prepared for each assessment.
Midterm Exam: This will cover sections 1.1 – 2.9. A review guide WILL be made available on the class website for this exam and two days of class time will be dedicated to preparing for this important assessment (be sure to show up to the review days with prepared questions to ask).. The Midterm is worth 20% of your semester grade. There are two parts to your Midterm Exam each part will be during a regular 65 minute timed class period(students who arrive late will have less time). See the last page of this syllabus for dates.
If your total Midterm Exam Grade is better than any of Tests #1 – 3 then the score you earned on the Midterm Exam will replace the lower test score(s). The Midterm Exam will not be returned to you but you may come by my office and look at yours if you like.
Final Exam: This will cover sections 3.1 – 4.12. A review guide WILL be made available on the class website for this test and two days of class time will be dedicated to preparing for this important assessment. The Final Exam is worth 20% of your semester grade. There are two parts to your Final Exam. The first part will be during our last regular 65 minute class period and the second part will take place on our official 110 minute Final Exam date (students who arrive late will have less time). If your total Final Exam Grade is better than any of Tests #4 – 6 then the score you earned on the Final Exam will replace the lower test score(s). The Final Exam will not be returned to you but you may come by my office and look at yours if you like. SEE BOTTOM OF LAST PAGE FOR PART 2 EXAM DATE & TIME!!!!!!!
Academic Misconduct: It is the expectation of this instructor that any assessment (or Exam) that you are given is to be 100% your own work. If it is found that you have received (or given) any unauthorized help from (or to) any person, the internet or any other resource to complete any assessment (or Exam) you will, FAIL THIS COURSE. So do not try to sneak a peek at your neighbors test and do not allow another student to peek at your test!
Grades: You will be able to check on your class progress throughout the semester by viewing the class grade table posted on the class webpage. All grades will be posted using each student’s chosen secret code (word or number etc) that you gave me on your student information sheet.
Letter grades will be calculated and assigned as follows….
(Don’t forget that your # of “absences” can alter your course grade..in a positive direction if < 5 but in a negative direction if > 5)
Assessments: 60% (6 x 10% each)Midterm Exam: 20% Final Exam: 20%
A = 90% - 100% B = 80% - 89.99% C= 70% - 79.99% D = 60% - 69.99% F = 0% - 59.99%
Withdrawing: The last date for you to withdraw without a signature is Sunday 10/9/16 (you can do this online yourself and you will be guaranteed a “W” regardless of your current grade). If you “miss” or “forget” this deadline then you can request a withdrawal from the instructor BUT you will earn a “Y” if you are currently failing the class on the date that you make the request. Tuesday November 1st is the last day that you may request a withdrawal from this class. If you are passing the class on the day that you request the withdrawal you will earn a “W” if you are failing the class on the day that you request the withdrawal then you will earn a “Y”. Do NOT ask to be withdrawn with a “W” if you are failing the class! Once you have withdrawn from the class you may not continue to attend the class. The instructor reserves the right to withdraw disruptive students at any time.
Course Outline: MAT187 Section # 40845 7:00 a.m. – 8:05 a.m. GCC North Room A102 Fall 2016
Disclaimer: Course procedure, content and/or schedule may be modified at the instructor’s discretion. Any changes will be announced in class AND you will be responsible for being aware of those changes regardless of whether or not you were present in class when changes were announced.
MONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAY
AUGUST / 22 Course Intro. HW = student infoStart 1.1 !!! / 23 1.1 / 24 1.2 / 25 1.3
SEPTEMBER / 29 1.4 / 30 1.5 / 31 1.6 / 1 1.7
5 NO SCHOOL / 6 Assessment #1
1.1 – 1.7 / 7 1.8 / 8 1.9
12 1.9 / 1.10 / 13 1.10 / 14 1.11 / 15 1.11
19 Assessment #2
1.8 – 1.11 / 20 2.1 / 21 2.2 / 22 2.3
26 2.4 / 27 2.5 / 28 2.6 / 29 2.7
OCTOBER / 3 Assessment #3
2.1 – 2.7 / 4 2.8 / 5 2.9 / 6 2.9
Note: Sunday 10/9 is last day for “W” / 10 Review for Midterm Exam / 11 Review for Midterm Exam / 12 Midterm Part 1
1.1 – 2.9 / 13Midterm Part 2
1.1 – 2.9
17 3.1 / 18 3.2 / 19 3.3 / 20 3.4
24 3.5 / 25 3.6 / 26 3.7 / 27 3.8
NOVEMBER / 31 Assessment #4
3.1 – 3.8 / 1 3.9 Last Day to request a W/Y / 2 3.10 / 3 4.1
7 4.2 / 4.3 / 8 4.3 / 9 4.4 / 10 4.5
14 4.5 / 4.6 / 15 4.6 / 16 Assessment #5
3.9 – 4.6 / 17 4.7
21 4.8 / 22 4.9 / 23 4.9 / 4.10 / 24 NO SCHOOL
DECEMBER / 28 4.10 / 29 4.11 / 30 4.11 / 1 4.12
5 Assessment #6
4 .7 – 4.12 / 6 Review for
Final Exam / 7 Review for
Final Exam / 8 Final Exam
Part 1 3.1 – 3.10 + 2 Trig Q’s
FINALS WEEK / 12 Final Exam
Part 2 4.1 – 4.11
7:00 a.m. - 8:50a.m. / 13 NO CLASS / 14 NO CLASS / 15 NO CLASS