MATH 107 02: Precalculus

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MATH 107 - Precalculus

2023 Summer Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 6216

Course Information

You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.

Instructor Information

Mary Dietz

Email: Mary.dietz@und.edu

Course Description

Equations and inequalities; polynomial rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions; inverse trigonometric functions; algebraic and trigonometric methods commonly needed in calculus.

Equations and inequalities; polynomial rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions; inverse trigonometric functions; algebraic and trigonometric methods commonly needed in calculus.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: After successfully completing this course, you should be able to:

  • Develop conceptual understanding and fluency with algebraic and transcendental functions, including exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, techniques, and manipulations necessary for success in Calculus.
  • Identify and graph polar equations.
  • Develop mathematical thinking and problem-solving ability.

Technical Requirements/Assistance

You will use Microsoft Word to complete assignments (files created using Pages in Apple can be saved as a Word file before submitting). Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email and how to download/install a free version of Microsoft Office. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources.

Students will need a computer/laptop with a web camera (a notepad will not work for Yuja recordings).  Students will also need software for scanning, a web camera and a printer to take the written portion of the exam. 

Minimum Technical Skills Needed

In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to:

Insert minimum requirements expected and needed. In the bulleted example list below

  • Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions
  • Download and open electronic documents
  • Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents
  • Send, receive, and manage email
  • Record pdf testing sessions using Yuja (instructions will be provided)

Course Logistics

Access and Log in Information

This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website.

Course Overview

  • The course content is organized into twelve weeks (summer only) or 16 weeks. Each week contains a list of learning objectives, a weekly To Do list, links to lesson videos, Knewton Alta homework assignments, and written quizzes/assignments to be submitted via Blackboard.
  • The weekly computerized homework assignments together with any written quizzes/homework assignments will be used to assess your comprehension and application of the material covered during the week.  

To get the most from your experience, we recommend that you do the following: 

  • Visit the course Blackboard site daily and make note of when assignments are due. 
  • Review and revisit the syllabus and course schedule posted in Blackboard.  
  • Complete your homework assignments in a timely manner. Leaving everything for the day before it is due will likely lead to failure. 
  • Because Knewton is an adaptive program, take your time answering the problems.  If you just guess and get a problem wrong, you will add to the number of questions asked.
  • Do not cheat by looking up answers since you will not then gain the practice needed to succeed on the exams in a timely manner.
  • Learn how to use the required technology well ahead of when it is required.
  • The purpose of the written assignments is to show a student's mathematical thought process through the written work. Quality and proper notation is graded.
How the Course is Organized

The course is organized into 12 Weekly Modules.  Each Module contains  

  • Objectives 
  • To Do List
  • Videos
  • Assignments/Quizzes  and Exams
What Should Students Do First?

Prior to the start of the first week or soon after, you should go to Blackboard and 

  • Read all instructions in Week 0
  • Complete/upload the Assignment (or the Practice Exam noted) in Week 0  
  • Complete Knewton Alta Practice  Exam  
  • Read the document below on YUJA Proctoring Policies for UND Math:
  •  yuja-proctoring-protocol-2023.pdf
How Students Should Proceed Each Week for Class Activities
  • Students are expected to be motivated and responsible for all homework and exam due dates. This is a fast pace course. 
  • Log in to Blackboard almost daily to check for course announcements, updates or new assignments.
  • Watch all videos for each lesson (see the Weekly Modules or Lessons in Blackboard)
  • Use good time-management and do not wait until the last few hours to complete an assignment. You will spend about 15-20 hours per week on the course.

Resources

Many services are available to UND students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online tutoring from Smarthinking, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course.

You will have access to: UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course. 

SMARTHINKING 

SMARTHINKING’s online tutoring service is available 24/7 for assistance with UND coursework. To access SMARTHINKING, log into Blackboard and enter a Blackboard course. Select Tools or Student Tools from the menu on the left and click on Access SMARTHINKING. 

COURSE EVALUATION 

Near the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete an online course evaluation form (SELFI).  Your feedback on the course is extremely valuable to me.  I read my students’ comments carefully and use them to improve the course the next time I teach it. 

  • When the time comes, please let me know which aspects of the course helped you learn—and which aspects might be modified to help future students learn more effectively.  
  • Please note that the course evaluations are anonymous and that I won’t see the results until after the grades for the course are submitted, allowing you to provide honest and constructive feedback.  
  • And if you have feedback to offer before the end of the semester, please let me know. 

Course Requirements/Expectations

  1. The student will access and follow all course instructions found in the weekly area of the Blackboard course. 
  2. The student will listen to all online lectures provided in the individual weekly folders. 
  3. The student will complete all assignments/quizzes in the weekly folders by the assigned due dates. Written assignments/quizzes will be submitted electronically using the Blackboard assignment link found in the weekly folder by the assigned due dates. 
  4. The written portion of each exam will require self-recording of the testing session using Yuja following a list of instructions. 
  5. Keeping track of when assignments/exams are due is up to the students.  It is a good idea to go to Knewton and view the list of assignments/due dates.  For written assignments and exams, you will find the due dates in Blackboard. 

Exams

  • There will be 3 non-cumulative exams and one cumulative final exam.
  • A  successful Practice YUJA Test is required (usually in the first week) to make sure a student has the equipment and they understand the recording procedure.  If the Practice Test is not graded as passing (see instructor comments in Blackboard) the student will not be able to take Exam 1 and a make-up exam (somewhat more challenging) will be given.  See Official Yuja Proctoring Policy for UND Math for more details on proctoring requirements and policies.
  • All exams will be administered online through Knewton. Students will be allowed to use 3-4 sheets of paper to write out supporting work for each problem. The final answer for each problem will be input into Knewton and will be automatically graded.  At the end of each exam session (before turning off Yuja)  before the time limit is over, the student will upload a single pdf file of work supporting each question on the exam with proper notation and simplification.  Written work must be legible, coherent, have good contrast (lighting), and have problems labeled with answers circled.
  • Exams 1, 2, and 3 are 60 minutes.  Exam 4 is 90 minutes. You have an additional 10 minutes for uploading work (but questions may not be answered during this additional time).
  • 48-hour window: All exams are timed, however, the first 3 exams may be taken on Sunday or Monday. The final exam will be taken on a Friday or Saturday. 
  • The Central Time Zone is used for all due dates.  All work is due at 11:59 pm on the specified day.
  • Calculators or other electronic device (smartwatches, etc.) are not allowed during exams.

Communication

Announcements

 Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters. 

Email

 If you need to contact me directly, check the Faculty tab in Blackboard or the syllabus for my contact information.  I will respond back to you within 48 hours during the week and may not respond on the weekend until the next business day.  This is why you should not wait until the weekend to do your assignments as I do not guarantee my availability to answer questions that you may have.  

Course Etiquette

When participating in (an online) class it is important to interact in an appropriate manner. Always use professional language (no netspeak) in your postings and emails. Please be respectful at all times.

Assessment Summary

  • This course is made up of a series of assignments and assessments to assist you in achieving the course learning objectives/outcomes.
  • Each week you will work on a combination of assignments, quizzes, and exams. Assignments will be due as stated in the modules. 
  • Knewton Homework is penalized 10% per day up to 3 days late.  Assignments beyond 3 days late do not receive credit. 
  • Written Assignments that are late will not get credit.

Assignment                                               Final Grade

Knewton Homework          20%

Written Homework             10%

Exams (17.5% each)          70%

Final Grade Scale

90% - 100%   A

80% - 89%     B

70% - 79%     C

60% - 69%     D

0% - 59%       F

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of Reading(s): Agenda/Topic: Due:
5/15 1.1-1.7 in Open Stax Functions Overview See Lesson Folder & Knewton
Practice YUJA Test due May 19
5/22 2.1-2.4 & 3.1-3.2 in Open Stax Lines, Complex & Rational Expressions
Quadratic Equations, Complex numbers, Review of Rational Expressions		 Practice YUJA Test Attempts 2 & 3 if needed
For HW, see the Lesson Folder & Knewton
5/29 3.3-3.5 in Open Stax Factoring Polynomials, zeros & multiplicities of polynomials For all HW see the lesson folders & Knewton
EXAM 1 JUNE 4,5
6/5 3.4-3.6 in Open Stax Zeros of Polynomial Functions, Rational Zero Theorem, Complex Zeros, Graphing Polynomials
6/12 3.7, Intro to Chap. 4, 4.1-4.2 Rational Equations, Rational Functions, Asymptotes, Exponents,Exponential Functions
6/19 4.3-4.6 in Open Stax Logarithmic Properties, Equations & Graphs EXAM 2 JUNE 25,26
6/26 5.1-5.3 in Open Stax Angles (degree/radian), Trigonometric Ratios, Unit Circle Warning: the homework takes more time this week
7/3 6.1-6.3 in Open Stax Graphs of Trigonometric Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions
7/10 Chap. 7 Introduction, 7.1-7.3 Fundamental Trigonometric Identities, Sum & Difference Identities, Identity Examples, Double-& Half-angle Identities EXAM 3 JULY 16,17
7/17 7.5-7.6, 8.1-8.2 in Open Stax Law of Sines & Cosines, Solving Trigonometric Equations
7/24 8.3 in Open Stax Polar Coordinates This is a very time-consuming section. You will need to start early.
7/31 8.4 in Open Stax Polar Graphs FINAL EXAM AUG 4/5 FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!

Appendix

This is a place to add things like resources, rubrics, etc.

Course Policies

Calculators are not allowed on exams or Written Assignments, therefore, it is a good idea to refrain from calculator use for homework.

Due dates for each assignment or activity will be posted in Blackboard

  • Knewton Homework must be submitted by the due dates posted in the course for full credit.  For Knewton Homework, a penalty is applied for assignments completed up to 3 days after the due date. 
  • The keys to Written Assignments are posted immediately after Written Assignments are due so there will be no extensions on written assignments.  
  • Exams are offered over a period of two days and extensions/make-up exams are only given in the most extreme cases.  All requirements for this course must be completed during the course dates. 
  • Vacations or bad internet are not reasons for requesting an extension on Exams. 
  • Make-up Exams are for medical emergencies or other extreme events and documentation must be provided in which case a make-up date will (with instructor approval) be offered.
  • There is no flexibility in scheduling makeup exams.
  • It is never a good idea to wait until Monday night

Incompletes

It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage.

Incompletes are entered on the final grade roster, and instructors must submit by email a “Report of Incomplete Grade” form to the Office of the Registrar. The instructor may choose any one of the following options for the deadline to complete the course: 

  1. The default date as stated in the “UND Schedule of Courses.” 

  2. Extend to 12 calendar months after the end of the course. 

  3. A date of the instructor’s choosing no later than 12 months after the end of the course.

  4. Incomplete grades will convert to a grade of “FI” if a grade or incomplete extension is not submitted by the instructor to the Office of the Registrar on or before the deadline written on the “Report of Incomplete Grade” form. 

Resolution of Problems

Should a problem occur, you should speak to your instructor first. If the problem continues to be unresolved, go to the department chair, and next to the college dean. Should the problem persist, you have the right to go to the provost next, and then to the president.

Netiquette

When participating in class (online or in person) it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Here are a few basic points to remember when communicating in this course:

Be scholarly. Use proper language, grammar, and spelling. Explain your thoughts, justify opinions, and credit the ideas of others by citing scholarly resources. Avoid misinforming others when you are unsure of the answer.  When discussing something and supplying a guess, clearly state that.

Be respectful. Respect the privacy of others. Do not share personal or professional information about others unless permission has been granted. Respect diversity and opinions that differ from their own. Be tactful when you communicate.

Be professional. Everyone should strive to give their best impression online. Truthfulness, accuracy, and running a final spell check are appropriate expectations for university students. Writing in a legible font and limiting the use of emoticons is considered professional behavior. Profanity and participation in hostile interactions, known as flaming, is unprofessional as well as disruptive.

Be polite. Students should address professors and instructors by the appropriate title or requested name. Students should interact online politely, just as they would be expected to do in a physical environment. Sarcasm, rudeness, and writing in all capital letters (shouting) should be avoided.

Pronouns

Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and personal pronouns that correspond to their gender identity, including non-binary pronouns, for example: they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc.

I recognize that preferred names and pronouns may change during the quarter, if at any point during the quarter you would like to be addressed differently, please let me know.

As part of our commitment to inclusion in this course, it is important that all students in this class respect the preferred names and pronouns of their peers. Mistakes in addressing one another may happen. If you make a mistake or are corrected, please briefly apologize and correct yourself.

Technology Statement

In this class we will have a technology policy that is designed to support your attention to one another and to the course material.  We will spend the majority of our time engaged in activities that depend upon you being present and attentive to one another, and course content we will study. We are all challenged these days by the ways in which our digital devices—including laptops, tablets, phones, and watches—can steal our attention away from our immediate surroundings. Technology should be used for educational purposes only during scheduled class times.

Collaboration and Recording (For Online, Hybrid, Hyflex courses)

Sharing personal experiences and opinions is an important part of the learning process. In the (hybrid, hyflex, synchronous, etc.) environment of this course, all of our interactions are recorded (via Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, Yuja, etc) and made available to students in the course. The purpose of these recordings is to enhance learning for all students. If your peers make personal statements in this course, consider those comments in the context of our learning goals and do not share them with people outside the course. If you have questions or concerns about any recordings, please contact me.

University of North Dakota Policies & Resources

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.

As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.

Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services

The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.

COVID-19

UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully.  Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom.   If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.

UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.

Religious Accommodations

UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.

Pregnancy Accommodations

Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.

Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.

Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..

UND Cares Program

How to Seek Help When in Distress

We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.

How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress

The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:

  • Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
  • Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
  • Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
  • Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
  • Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
  • Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
  • Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
  • Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
  • Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
  • Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Additional Resources

It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).

Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).