MATH 4C Fall 2011
Precalculus for Science and Engineering
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Course: Math 4C
Title: Precalculus for Science and Engineering
Lecture: MWF 11:00-11:50 am, Tue 7:00-7:50 pm, CSB 002
Discussion Sections:
A01: Th 2:00-2:50 pm, CENTR 201
A02: Th 3:00-3:50 pm, CENTR 201
A03: Th 4:00-4:50 pm, CENTR 201
A04: Th 5:00-5:50 pm, CENTR 201Credit Hours: 4 units (2 units of credit given if taken after Math 3C; no credit given if taken after Math 1A/10A or Math 2A/20A)
Prerequisite: Math Placement Exam qualifying score, or Math 3C with a grade of C- or better
Catalog Description: Review of polynomials. Graphing functions and relations: graphing rational functions, effects of linear changes of coordinates. Circular functions and right triangle trigonometry. Reinforcement of function concept: exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Vectors. Conic sections. Polar coordinates.
Textbook: Precalculus: A Prelude to Calculus, by Sheldon Axler; published by Wiley; 2008
Subject Material: We shall cover most of chapters 1 through 7 of the text.
Reading: Reading the assigned material in advance of each lecture is expected. This will keep the reading interesting and give the lectures more clarity. Reading the sections of the textbook corresponding to the assigned homework exercises is considered part of the homework assignment. You are responsible for material in the assigned reading whether or not it is discussed in the lecture.
Lecture: Attending the lecture is a fundamental part of the course. You are responsible for material presented in the lecture whether or not it is discussed in the textbook. You should expect questions on the exams to test your understanding of concepts discussed in the lecture and in the homework assignments. The fourth hour class (Tuesday evenings) is no different than the other lectures.
Calculators: A graphing calculator is recommended: a TI-83 or TI-84 (or similar model) suffices for this course, but you may wish to consider acquiring a more powerful calculator (such as a TI-89) if you think you might use it for other courses. The calculator should be used only as an aid in learning concepts, not just as a means of computation. Note: The use of calculators will not be permitted during exams.
Homework: Homework exercises will be assigned on the course homework page. and be collected on the date listed at either the beginning of class on Friday or put into your TA's dropbox on the 6th floor of AP&M by 2pm. Homework, like midterms, will be graded and returned during section. You should make every effort to complete each assigned homework problem. You may seek help during office hours and/or section with any exercises you have difficulty solving. Notice that solutions to the odd-numbered exercises are in the book, but be wary of simply mimicking those solutions. Genuinely "struggling" with the exercises is an important part of mathematics: do not expect to know immediately how to solve every problem by looking at it. Part of the problem-solving process is trying things until you find something that works. A thorough understanding of how to solve the homework exercises is the best preparation for the exams.
Midterm Exams: There will be two midterm exams, one given on Wednesday, October 19 and the other on Friday, November 18 during class (see the course calendar). No calculators or notes will be allowed during the midterm exams. Students will not be allowed to take makeup midterm exams.
Final Examination: The final examination will be held at the following time:
No calculators or notes will be allowed during the final examination.
- 11:30am - 2:30pm Tuesday, December 6 (See the course calendar.)
Regrades: Midterm exams will be returned in the discussion sections. If you wish to have your exam regraded, you must return it immediately to your TA. Regrade requests will not be considered once your exam leaves the room. If you do not retrieve your exam during discussion section, you must arrange to pick it up from your TA within one week after it was returned in order for any regrade request to be considered.
Grading: Your course grade will be determined by your cumulative average at the end of the term and will be based on the following scale:
A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- F 97 93 90 87 83 80 77 73 70 60
Your cumulative average will be based on whichever of the following two weighted averages is better.
- 20% Homework, 20% Midterm Exam I, 20% Midterm Exam II, 40% Final Exam
- 20% Homework, 20% Midterm Exam I or II, 60% Final Exam
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense at UCSD. Students caught cheating will face an administrative sanction which may include suspension or expulsion from the university. It is in your best interest to maintain your academic integrity.