UC-Denver MATH 1120-002
College Trigonometry– Fall 2011

Class Sessions: / T/TH9:30 – 10:45 a.m. in South Classroom Building- 118
Instructor / Christopher Aquinto
Office: / CU-Denver Bldg., Rm. 651 (6th floor CU Building –1250 14th Street)
Office Hours: / T/TH 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the MERC (NC-4015).
Other times are available by appointment - call or e-mail first (e-mail is best!).
Phone: / office/voice mail: (303) 556-2788
FAX: (303) 556-8550 (attn. Christopher Aquinto)
E-mail: /
Math Dept. Office: / CU-Denver Bldg., 6th Floor (1250 14th Street)
phone: 303-556-8442 (main line)
Math 1120 Course Captain: / Lance Lana: Office CU-Bldg., Rm. 634
Phone: 303-556-2618; email:
Dept Associate Chair: / Lynn Bennethum: Office CU-Bldg., Rm. 638 Phone: 303-556-4810; email:

Course Description: College Trigonometry. Topics in trigonometry, analytic geometry and elementary functions designed for students who intend to take the calculus sequence. Angles and trigonometry, functions of acute angles, analytic trigonometry, fundamental trigonometric functions and identities including hyperbolic trigonometry, parametric equations and polar coordinate system. Graphics calculators and/or computer algebra systems are used extensively. Applications are emphasized.
Prerequisite: Math 1110 - College Algebra.

Required Materials:
Text: Algebra and Trigonometry Enhanced with Graphing Utilities (5th Edition) by Sullivan and Sullivan. An eBook is available and recommended for purchase since we will be utilizing the associated MyMathLab software. Note: If you purchased the MyMathLab software for College Algebra at the University of Colorado, Denver within the last year, you can gain access for the Trigonometry eBook for no additional charge!

Software:MyMathLab. A copy of the text is not absolutely required since an eBook comes with the purchase of the MyMathLab software. The total cost for the software and eBook is approximately $78.00. You can purchase the software and the eBook by going to Under REGISTER, click STUDENT. Unless you are continuing from math 1110 or retaking math 1120, you will want to “Enroll in a New Course”. You will need the COURSE ID which is lana48894, your university email address (which you check regularly), and either a student access code or a valid credit card. If you purchase a hard copy of the text then we recommend that you purchase it new bundled with the student access code that gives you access to the MyMathLab software. Note that a used text will not usually come with an unused access code. Each access code can only be used once!!! If you purchase a used text then you will probably still need to purchase the software and eBook online. If you don’t mind using the eBook instead of a hard copy of the text then the MyMathLab software is all you need!

Technology: A graphics calculator or comparable technology is required for MATH 1120. Any of the TI-83 or TI-84 calculators are sufficientfor this course. I will be using a TI-83/84 in class. These calculators have been around for a long time so it should be easy to find a used TI-83/84 at a very reasonable price online. The TI-89 isalso a sufficient calculator, however the operating system is very different from the TI-83/84 and we will not be utilizing the TI-89 in class. The TI-89 has a “computer algebra system” (CAS) whichperforms symbolic algebra and calculus. This feature will be useful to you if you plan to take the calculus sequence (math 1401, 2411, 2421) where the TI-89 is currently the recommended calculator. TA’s in the MERC can help you with either the TI-83/84 or the TI-89. Other calculators such as the TI-nSpire or the new color TI-nSpire CX CAS are also sufficient but you will be more on your own in figuring out how to use them. Warning: You absolutely, positively must learn to do the problems in this course by hand so do not become overly dependent on calculators or mathematics software.

How you will be evaluated:
Exams: There will be three in-classexams worth 100 points each, and a comprehensive 3hour final exam, counting 200 points. The dates of the tests and final exam are:
Test #1 – Thursday, September 22.
Test #2 – Thursday, October 27.
Test #3 – Thursday, December 1.
Final Exam – Saturday December 10th2011 (9:00 AM – Noon).
WeeklyHomework Assignments: Homework problems will be assigned over each section covered. These problems may be collected each week or there will be a short in-class quiz (on which you may use your written homework as a reference). Approximately 12 assignments will be assigned and will be worth a total of 100 points after the lowest two homework grades are dropped at the end of the semester. Please follow these guidelines when turning in homework assignments:

  1. Assignments are to be done on green engineering paper. Engineering paper can be purchased at the bookstore.
  2. Assignments should be done in pencil.
  3. Show all work neatly since messy papers may not be graded.
  4. Include graphs where appropriate. Your graphs should always have important information (axes, scale, intercepts, and important points) identified.
  5. Staple your papers together.
  6. Make sure that you do the assigned problems. No credit can be given for work on an incorrect problem.
  7. Please circle or box your answers.

MyMathLab Homework: Online homework will count for a total of 70 points. This homework will be assigned over each section covered. You will use MyMathLabto do the online homework. It is recommended that you do the online homework for each section before doing the written homework for the section. You get immediate feedback while doing the online homework since the problems are graded as you do them. You can also get various forms of help on a problem if necessary and you have multiple attempts to get each problem correct. If you want to improve your score on a particular assignment you can return and try individual problems again, up until the due date of the assignment.

Trig Application Problems: Three problems will be assigned during the semester that will be an extension to the homework assignments. You will have approximately two weeks to complete each problem and the combined total will count 30 points toward your final grade.

Points Summary: You will be accumulating a possible 700 points during the semester.
Tests:300 points
Final Exam: 200points
Written Homework Assignments:100 points
MyMathLab Homework: 70 points
Application Problems 30 points
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Total:700 points

Grading Scale: Your final grade will be determined by the percentage of these points you have actually received

A 92.0 – 100% A- 90.0 – 91.9%
B+ 88.0 – 89.9% B 82.0 – 87.9% B- 80.0 – 81.9%
C+ 78.0 – 79.9% C 70.0 – 77.9%
D 60.0 – 69.9%
F below 60.0%

Late Work and Exam Makeup Policy:
Makeup Tests/Quizzes: I expect you to take all of the in class tests/quizzes. If some emergency arises that causes you to miss a test/quiz, I will deal with it in such a way that you are not penalized. We will discuss the details if this happens. If at all possible, you must make arrangements with me beforehand, and I will ask for details regarding the emergency. If you miss a test without making prior arrangements, you will in all likelihood receive a zero. No makeup will be offered after the test/quiz has been passed back to the class.

Final Exam: The final exam will beSaturday December 10th 2011 from 9:00 AM to Noon. Attendance at the final exam is mandatory. Having the final rescheduled is extremely rare and is not permitted for reasons such as a plane ticket that was purchased earlier, attendance at weddings or accommodation of your work schedule. In all cases where a makeup is requested, you MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS BEFOREHAND if at all possible.

Late Homework Assignments: If assignments are turned in after their due date there is a huge penalty. Unless you make prior arrangements, expect a 50% reduction in grade for any item turned in late. No late assignments will be accepted after the assignment has been graded and returned to the rest of the class.

Late Online Homework: If you do not complete an online homework assignment by its due date you will receive a zero on that assignment. There will be no exceptions. Technical difficulties are always possible when working with computers so plan ahead and get your online homework done early!

Late Application Problems: Unless you make prior arrangements, expect a 50% reduction in grade if your problem is turned in late. No application problems will be accepted after they have been graded and returned to the class.

Frequently Asked Question: How much time should I be spending on my Math 1120 each week?
A “full-time job” is considered to be 40 hours per week and a “full-time student” is considered to have a schedule of 15 hours per week. If you subtract 15 hours of class time from the 40 hours, that leaves 25 hours of studying per week. 3/15 = 1/5 of 25 hours is 5 hours of studying Math 1120, outside of class time per week.
Warning: If your last math class was several years ago or if your prerequisite math skills are weak then you are not well prepared and you will need to spend considerably more time on this class in order to be successful!

Attendance:Regular attendance and participation are important to your success in any college course but particularly in mathematics. You are expected to attend class faithfully and to take responsibility for your learning.

Cheating: Examples of cheating include (but are not limited to):using unauthorized references (e.g. another individual, notes, texts...) during an exam, using a calculator on an exam where a calculator is not allowed, altering a graded exam and coming back to request more points, turning in duplicate homework assignments,and plagiarism. The penalty for cheating will depend on the evidence and the intent of the student.

At a minimum, the penalty for deliberate cheating on an exam will be a zero on the exam. A letter will also be sent to the department Chair and the CLAS associate Dean and it is likely that depending on the circumstances, cheating of this kind may result in a course grade of F as well as possible expulsion from the university.It isn't worth it, so don't do it.

I encourage students to work together on homework. However, it is expected that you turn in your own work expressed in your own words. Never copy someone else’s work and do not allow someone else to copy your work. If there are duplications of portions of homework where it is obvious that copying has occurred, then all parties will receive a zero on the assignment.

CLAS Academic Dishonesty Policy: Students are required to know, understand, and comply with the CU Denver Academic Dishonesty Policy as detailed in the Catalog and on the CLAS website. Academic dishonesty consists of plagiarism, cheating, fabrication and falsification, multiple submission of the same work, misuse of academic materials, and complicity in academic dishonesty. If you are not familiar with the definitions of these offenses, go to This course assumes your knowledge of these policies and definitions. Failure to adhere to them can result in possible penalties ranging from failure of this course to dismissal from the University; so, be informed and be careful.
Student Code of Conduct: As members of the University community, students are expected to uphold university standards, which include abiding by state civil and criminal laws and all University policies and standards of conduct.These standards are outlined in the student code of conduct which can be found at:

Incomplete Grades:Incomplete grades (I) are not granted for low academic performance. To be eligible for an Incomplete grade, students must (1) successfully complete at least 75 percent of the course, (2) have special circumstances (verification may be required) that preclude the student from attending class and completing graded assignments, and (3) make arrangements to complete missing assignments with the original instructor using a CLAS Course Completion agreement.

Where to Get Additional Help: There are Teaching Assistants available to answer your questions in the MERC lab in the North Classroom Building (NC) room 4015. This is an excellent resource! Check with the lab to see their schedule. Try to form a study group to study and learn with; it really works for some people! Realize that there are many ways of learning and a study group may be helpful for you. Listening to a lecture and asking questions may work for someone else. The Learning Resource Center (see below) may be able to assist you in setting up a study group. And don’t forget about me! Please, don’t be afraid to ask me questions. Don’t think, “I must be the only one who doesn’t understand.” Feel free to ask questions before, during, or after class. You are always welcome to drop in and see me during my open office hours held in the MERC lab (see page 1), or you can ask questions by email. If your email contains math symbols, just type them as you would on your calculator.
Other Resources for this course:
The Learning Resource Centeris designed to promote student success, retention, and graduation in the academic setting. Services which are available to UC Denver students include tutoring, and study groups, study strategies seminars, peer advocacy, a test file and minority resource library.
Tutoring Services – North Classroom Building (NC) Room 2004. Phone: (303) 556-2802

Disability Accommodations The University of Colorado Denver is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and access to programs and services to students with disabilities. To be eligible for accommodations, students must be registered with the UC Denver Office of Disability Resources and Services (DRS) – North Classroom 2514; 303-556-3450, 303-556-4766 (TTY). The DRS staff has experience to assist faculty in determining reasonable accommodations, and to coordinate these accommodations. If a student is given accommodations, they must be followed. If a student chooses not to accept the accommodations set forth by the DRS, they MUST complete all assignments and do all course work in the same manner as all other students. No exceptions or alternate forms of evaluation can be used except those mandated by the DRS. Faculty cannot arbitrarily decide to give a student extra time, extra assistance or other forms of aid unless it is formally mandated by the DRS.

The University of Colorado Denver provides many other services, resources and association memberships to support and enhance your education. For a complete list of these resources see:

Fall 2011 CLAS Academic Policies
The following policies pertain to all degree students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).
  • Schedule verification: It is each student’s responsibility to verify online that his/her official registration is correct: verify before classes begin and prior to the drop/add deadline. Failure to verify schedule accuracyis not sufficient reason to justify a late add or drop.
  • E-mail: Students must activate and regularly check their official student e-mail account for CU Denver business: Those who forward email to a private account are still responsible for checking their official student e-mail account for messages not automatically forwarded.
  • Waitlists:
  • Students are not automatically notified if they are added to a class from a waitlist. Students are not automatically dropped from a class if they never attended, stopped attending, or do not make tuition payments.
  • Waitlists are purged after the 1st week of classes, after which a paper Schedule Adjustment Form (drop/add form) is required. It is the student's responsibility to get the form (online or at the Advising Office, NC 4002), have it signed, deliver it to the Registrar (Annex 100) or the Student Services Center (NC 1003), and verify her/his schedule online.
  • Late adds(after 7 September) will be approved only when circumstances surrounding the late add are beyond the student’s control. This will require a written petition and verifiable documentation. Petition forms are available in NC 4002. The signature of a faculty member on a Schedule Adjustment Form does not guarantee that a late add petition will be approved.
  • Late drops (after 14 November) will be approved only when circumstances surrounding the late drop have arisen after the published drop deadline and are beyond the student’s control. This will require a written petition and verifiable documentation. The signature of a faculty member does not guarantee that a late drop petition will be approved.
  • Tuition:Students are responsible for completing arrangements with financial aid, family, scholarships, etc. (depending on tuition plan selected) to pay their tuition prior to Census Date (7 September). Students who drop after that date are (1) financially responsible for tuition and fees, (2) academically responsible and will receive a "W" grade, and (3) are ineligible for a refund of COF hours or tuition.
  • Graduation:
  • Undergraduate students wishing to graduate in fall 2011 must complete the online Intent to Graduate Form and meet with their academic advisor to obtain a graduation application. This application must be submitted by Census Date (7 September). You can obtain an application only after meeting with your advisor. There are no exceptions to this policy.
  • Graduate students wishing to graduate in fall semester 2011 must complete the online Intent to Graduate form and have a Request for Admissions to Candidacy on file with the CU Denver Graduate School (Lawrence Street Center) no later than 5 PM, September 7, 2011.

Important Dates and Deadlines
  • August 22, 2011: First day of classes.
  • August 28, 2011: Last day to add a class or be added to a waitlist using the UCDAccess student portal. After this date, you must use a Schedule Adjustment Form to change, add, or drop.
  • August 29, 2011: LAST DAY TO DROP WITHOUT DROP CHARGE – THIS INCLUDES SECTION CHANGES.
  • August 29, 2011: Waitlists are dropped. Any student not added to a course automatically from the waitlist by this date MUST complete a Schedule Adjustment Form to be added. Students are NOT automatically added to the class from the waitlist after this date and time. If your name is not on the official student roster, you are not registered for the course.
  • August 30-September 7, 2011: Students are responsible for verifying an accurate fall 2011 course schedule via the UCDAccess student portal. Students are NOT notified of their waitlist status by the University. All students must check their schedule prior to 9/7for accuracy.
  • August 30, 2011: First day instructor may approve request to add a student to a course with a Schedule Adjustment Form.
  • September 7, 2011: Census date.
  • 9/7/11, 5 PM: Last day to add structured courses without a written petition for a late add. This is an absolute deadline and is treated as such. This deadline does not apply to independent studies, internships, project hours, thesis hours, dissertation hours, and late-starting modular courses.
  • 9/7/11, 5 PM: Last day to drop a fall 2011 courseorcompletely withdraw from all fall 2011 courses using a Schedule Adjustment Form and still receive a tuition refund, minus the drop fee. After this date, tuition is forfeited and a "W" will appear on the transcript. This includes section changes. This is an absolute deadline and is treated as such.
  • 9/7/11, 5 PM: Last day to request pass/fail or no-credit option for a course.
  • 9/7/11, 5 PM: Last day for a graduate student to register for a Candidate for Degree.
  • 9/7/11, 5 PM: Last day for a Ph.D. student to petition for a reduction in hours.
  • 9/7/11, 5 PM: Last day to apply for fall 2011 graduation. You must make an appointment and see your academic advisor before this date to apply for graduation if you are an undergraduate; you must complete the Intent to Graduate and Candidate for Degree forms if you are a graduate student.
  • September 19-28, 2011: Faculty can use the Early Alert system.
  • October 31, 2011, 5 PM: Last day for non-CLAS students to drop or withdraw without a petition and special approval from the academic dean. After this date, a dean’s signature is required.
  • November 14, 2011, 5 PM: Last day for CLAS students to drop or withdraw with signatures from the faculty and dean but without a full petition. After this date, all schedule changes require a full petition. Petitions are available in NC 4002 for undergraduates and in the CU Denver Graduate School offices for graduate students.
  • November 21-27, 2011: Fall break (no classes; campus closed). Be thankful.
  • December 12-17, 2011: Finals Week. No schedule changes will be granted once finals week has started. There are NO exceptions to this policy.
  • December 27, 2011: Fall final grades available on UCDAccess (tentative).

Math 1120 - Tentative Schedule Fall 2011