In general, Math 0004 is a course designed for students needing a foundation in algebra and trigonometry. Topics include functions, graphs, transformations, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometry. This course is primarily a pre-calculus course. Problem solving, estimation, mental computation, and calculator use will be incorporated into the course. By enrolling in this course you demonstrate that you want to learn College Algebra andTrigonometry and that you are willing to spend a significant amount of time and make a determined effort to accomplish that goal. In order to maximize your learning, you will have to spend a number of hours studying out side of class (the more you study, the more you will learn).

This course is a combination of lecture sessions, problem solving sessions, and cooperative learning sessions. The approach used in this course emphasizes that mathematics is as much a process (something one does) as it is a product (something one possesses). To create a balance between giving you a chance to think your own thoughts and forcing you to communicate with (i.e., learn from and teach) other students, many of the activities encourage you to interact with other students--check your findings with theirs, ask for or give help, talk about new insights, etc.

Student Requirements and Responsibilities

1. I will form a commitment towards completion of all course agreements.
2. I will attend all class meetings unless an emergency arises.
3. I will bring a scientific calculator to class.
4. I agree to be prepared for each class and complete all homework assignments (homework will be periodically collected and graded.) This means that you are willing to spend a minimum of two hours study time for each hour of class time and I will bring my assignments to class each day and be prepared to share the results.
5. I agree to keep my Portfolio up to date with class assignments, class notes, margin exercises, textbook notes, example problems, and review problems.
6. I agree to consult with the instructor during the instructor's office hours about concepts or problems that re presented in class that I do not clearly understand even after class instruction, review, and attempted completion of the homework assignments.

Each student is required to complete a neatly organized three-ring Notebook/Portfolio which demonstrates their achievement, competence, and knowledge of Trigonometry. The portfolio should include class assignments, class notes, margin exercises, textbook notes, example problems, review problems, and cooperative learning assignments. The Portfolio should include a cover letter or summary that describes changes in understanding, attitudes, and achievement, citing specific examples from their portfolios and their memories of class activities. The major divisions will be the following:

1. Syllabus and Assignment Schedule
   
2. Class Notes and handouts
   
3. Margin exercises
   
4. Textbook Notes
   
5. Homework
   
6. Cooperative Learning Assignments
   
7. Examinations and Quizzes
   
   
   For ease in grading, please keep the divisions in the order given. Notebooks will be collected, reviewed, and graded. Completeness and organization will be checked.

Doing homework assignments is essential if you are to succeed in this (or any) mathematics course. Homework is an integral part of each lesson. It must be done an a daily basis if maximum learning is to take place. Homework is the learning experience which allows you to practice the concepts learned in class. Make sure you save all your homework assignments in you portfolio until the end of the semester so that you can study from it for the examinations.

Textbook Notes

Each student is required to PREREAD the material covered in class and write notes on the textbook material. It is important to express your own interpretations and give creative examples rather than copy sentences and examples from the textbook.

Requirements:

1. At the end of each class, you are assigned to read and take notes in the sections that will be taught in the next class period.
   
2. Write two to three pages of thoughtful notes to build a good background in material covered in class.
   
3. Include definitions and formulas.
   
4. Include your interpretations of definitions and formulas and creative examples of putting these formulas to use. Also include any questions that you may have.
   
5. If you are absent, you are responsible for the reading and note-taking, just as you are for the homework problems.
   
6. These notes will be collected from time to time.

Attending class is essential if you are to complete this course. This course, like any mathematics course, will follow a rigorous and continuous schedule in which new concepts are introduced every session. The meaningful discussions and helpful presentations which take place are difficult if not impossible to repeat on an individual basis with the same effectiveness and after the fact. Therefore, it is essential that you attend class regularly. If you miss a class, you are responsible for any handouts or material covered in class. If you miss more than two classes, your course grade will be lowered 10% for each additional cut. Absences do not exclude a student from the homework assigned during the absence.

Academic Dishonesty

I suggest that you work on assignments together in groups as much as possible. However, be sure that you understand anything you have written on your paper. Do not copy each others work. Copying someone else's work is not acceptable. Getting help with an assignment is helpful not only to you but to the person helping you. Copying another persons' work, whether an assignment or an exam, is unacceptable.

Any act of academic dishonesty (cheating on exams, plagiarism of homework, etc.) will not be tolerated and could result in a failing grade for the work or course and/or a report to the dean. Cheating of any kind may result in the student being ejected from the course. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with the UPJ Academic Integrity Guidelines.

Evaluation

Late assignments will not be accepted. Make up -quizzes will not be given. Should you feel that you have a valid reason for missing an assignment or quiz, let your instructor know in writingw that you missed and why you missed it. Consideration will be given when final grades are assigned.

There will be no make-up examinations except in some cases of emergency and at the discretion of your instructor. If you find it necessary to miss an examination, let your instructor know immediately.

Suggestions for Success

1. Purchase a three-ring notebook and keep all homework, quizzes, classnotes, margin exercises, textbook notes, and examinations in order. An organized Notebook/Portfolio will prove to be a valuable resource at test time and after the class is over.
   
2. Set up a regular study time for mathematics, preferably as soon as possible after class. At this time, the explanations from the class will be freshest in your mind. Spend at least 2 hours of study time and/or work on assignments for each hour of class time.
   
3. Ask questions during class and office hours. Do not let all your questions build up until you are overwhelmed. I enjoy lots of interaction in the class. Put questions in your notes if a question does not get answered in class, and ask me after class.
   
4. Use the helps that are available. Use my office hours, your classmates, review sessions, and the Learning Skills Center. Do not think that you need to tough it out on your own.
   
5. A good attitude will make a huge difference.