2023 Fall Precalculus Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Overview

Introduction to Precalculus

This syllabus outlines the structure, expectations, and topics for the 2023 Fall Precalculus course at Rutgers University-Newark. The course is designed to prepare students for calculus and higher mathematics by focusing on functions, their graphs, and related algebraic concepts.

• Course Description: Study of functions and their graphs, including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Emphasis on algebraic manipulation, graphing, and applications.

• Prerequisites: Completion of College Algebra or equivalent.

• Textbook: Required textbook and online homework system (MyLabMath).

• Calculator: Scientific calculator required.

• Tutoring: Free tutoring available through the Rutgers Learning Center.

Course Topics

Main Chapters Covered

The course covers the following chapters, which align with standard Precalculus curriculum:

• Ch. 1: Graphs

• Ch. 2: Functions and Their Graphs

• Ch. 3: Linear and Quadratic Functions

• Ch. 4: Polynomial and Rational Functions

• Ch. 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

• Ch. 6: Trigonometric Functions

• Ch. 7: Analytic Trigonometry

• Ch. 8: Applications of Trigonometric Functions

• Ch. 9: Polar Coordinates; Vectors

• Ch. 10: Analytic Geometry

• Ch. 11: Systems of Equations and Inequalities

• Ch. 12: Sequences; Induction; the Binomial Theorem

• Ch. 13: Counting and Probability

• Ch. 14: A Preview of Calculus: The Limit, Derivative, and Integral of a Function

Course Structure and Grading

Grading Breakdown

Your final grade will be determined by the following components:

Component	Percentage
Homework	15%
Midterm Assessments (4 at 11% each)	44%
Final Exam	41%

Assessment Details

• Homework: Regular assignments submitted online, accounting for 15% of the grade.

• Midterm Assessments: Four assessments, each worth 11%, covering major topics throughout the semester.

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, covering all course material, worth 41% of the final grade.

Course Calendar

Weekly Topics and Assessments

Week	Dates	Topics of Discussion	Assessments
1	9/1 - 9/7	Syllabus, Diagnostics, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4	HW#1 (Chapters 1)
2	9/8 - 9/14	2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
3	9/15 - 9/21	2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2	Assessment 1 (Ch. 1, 2)
4	9/22 - 9/28	3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2
5	9/29 - 10/5	4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1	Assessment 2 (Ch. 3, 4)
6	10/6 - 10/12	5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2
7	10/13 - 10/19	6.3, 6.4, 7.1, 7.2	Assessment 3 (Ch. 5, 6)
8	10/20 - 10/26	7.3, 7.4, 8.1, 8.2
9	10/27 - 11/2	8.3, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3	Assessment 4 (Ch. 7, 8, 9)
10	11/3 - 11/9	10.1, 10.2, 11.1, 11.2
11	11/10 - 11/16	12.1, 12.2, 13.1, 13.2
12	11/17 - 11/23	14.1, 14.2, Review	THANKSGIVING
13	11/24 - 11/30	Comprehensive Final Exam	Final Exam

Policies and Support

Academic Integrity

• Honesty: Students are expected to adhere to university policies regarding academic integrity.

• Make-Up Assessments: Only permitted for documented emergencies.

Accommodations and Support Services

• Disability Services: Students requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services.

• Additional Support: Resources available for counseling, gender and sexuality support, and interpersonal violence prevention.

Additional Information

• Bonus Points: LP participation points may be awarded for attendance and engagement.

• Contact: Professor and office hours listed for student support.