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Math 104 - Precalculus - Dr. Kelly Aceves

Course:Precalculus
Professor:Dr. Kelly Aceves
Email:kelly.aceves@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Hybrid
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Welcome to Math 104: Precalculus. This class is designed to give a strong foundation of techniques used in the Calculus sequence along the STEM pathway. It is a fast-paced class that covers lots of topics in the 16 weeks of class.

The only required synchronous meetings will be exam dates and have been listed in the course schedule. The exam dates are on the following Thursdays: 3/9, 3/30, 4/27, and 5/25 from 1:00 – 3:25 pm. The final exam is on Thursday, 6/1, from 1:00 – 3:25 pm. All exams, including the final exam, will take place in Seco Hall 204 on the Valencia campus. Those with appropriate documentation can arrange in advance to take the exam in the TLC Testing Center at either the Valencia or Canyon Country campuses.

Course Description

This course analyzes equations, inequalities, functions, systems of equations, conic sections, zeros of polynomial equations and additional topics in preparation for calculus.

What to Expect in this Course

You must participate in the first day’s syllabus quiz. Any student who does not participate in that quiz by midnight will be dropped from the course unless I am notified in advance with a valid reason. I do recommend familiarizing yourself with Canvas beforehand and making sure to give yourself time to complete the quiz.

This class will require a serious time commitment. Each week there will be new material provided within Canvas. Typically, the weekly material will consist of video lectures for the scheduled topics, notes that can be filled in while watching the videos, links to homework assignments within MyLab Math, and a journal or discussion assignment for the week. Periodically the weekly material will include a review, quiz, or exam and the weekly schedule will differ to support the change for that week.

We will not have regular class meetings except for exam days. Everything other than exams will be done fully online through Canvas, MyLab Math, and YouTube. When preparing for an exam, you will be provided with a review and its key. Each week I will be available for questions during office hours both in person or via Zoom, as well as reachable via email. For the first four exams we will meet at 1 pm, review the material until 2 pm, take a ten-minute break, and then take the exams from 2:10 – 3:25 pm. This gives students a one-hour time period before the exam where they can ask any last-minute questions. There will be no review hour on the day of the final exam – the exam will take the entire meeting time of 1:00 – 3:25 pm.

All exams, including the cumulative final exam, will be done in person on the scheduled dates and times listed in the course catalog and course schedule (provided within Canvas). There are no makeup exams.

Types of Assessments

  • In Person Exams – see the listed dates above or in the course schedule
  • Online Homework
  • Periodic Online Quizzes
  • Online Journal Entries and Group Discussions via Canvas
  • In Person Cumulative Final Exam – see listed date above or in the course schedule

Textbook Information

Precalculus; by Blitzer, Robert F.; 7th ed.

ISBN for MyLab Math Access Code Bundle with eText Access: 8220123480554

Assignments will be done within MyLab Math. You will need to purchase an access code to use MyLab Math. I will give the details on how to purchase this access code within Canvas the first day of class. You will have the option to purchase the access code online through Pearson or through the campus bookstore. The cost varies dependent on who you purchase the access code from.

Other Relevant Course Information

Technological Requirements:

  • Reliable computer with reliable, consistent Internet access
  • Up-to-date Internet browser, such as Mozilla Firefox or Chrome
  • Word processing program (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc.)
  • Valid MyCanyons e-mail account that you will regularly check
  • Basic knowledge of Canvas
  • Computer skills, such as basic document creation and handling (how to cut/copy/paste from one document to another), how to create and save documents as a PDF file, how to attach documents to e-mail messages and discussion posts
  • Access to a microphone and speakers (whether built into your computer or a separate device) for office hours, webinars, and video lectures
  • Graphing calculator/app for some exercises
  • MyLab Math access code

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 11/02/2022 Sub#: 1502