COURSE: MATH 1720-010

TIME: 11:20--12:50 MTWRF

PLACE: Room 314 of Gilbreath Hall

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Robert Gardner

OFFICE: Room 308F of Gilbreath Hall
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment

PHONE: 439-6979 (308F Gilbreath), Math Department Office 439-4349

E-MAIL: gardnerr@etsu.edu
WEBPAGE: www.etsu.edu/math/gardner/gardner.htm (see my webpage for a copy of this course syllabus and updates for the course).

ASSISTANT: Benedict Bobga
OFFICE HOURS: TBA (308T of Gilbreath Hall, 439-6982)
MR. BOBGA'S E-MAIL: kembanus@yahoo.com

TEXT: Precalculus, 7th edition, Michael Sullivan, Prentice Hall, 2005.

CLASS NOTES: We will use overheads for most of the lecture, except for problem solving and working examples. Copies of the overheads are on the web at:

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Instructor's Solutions Manual, Volumes I and II, Mark McCombs, Prentice Hall, 2005. A copy of each of these additional resources will be on reserve in the library.

CALCULATORS: A scientific or graphing calculator is required for this class. Students who will be taking Calculus 1 (MATH 1910) after this course should purchase the TI-89. For all other students, including those who will be taking Analytic Geometry and Differential Calculus (MATH 1840), the TI-83/Plus calculator should be sufficient. However, students taking this class as a prerequisite to major courses in other departments should check with the department in question to see which calculator best fits their long-term needs.

A NOTE FROM THE TEXT TO THE STUDENT: As you begin, you may feel anxious about the number of theorems, definitions, procedures, and equations. You may wonder if you can learn it all in time. Don't worry, your concerns are normal. This textbook was written with you in mind. If you attend class, work hard, and read and study this book, you will build the knowledge and skills you need to be successful. Here's how you can use the book to your benefit... When you get busy, it's easy to skip reading and go right to the problems. Don't ... the book has a large number of examples and clear explanations to help you break down the mathematics into easy-to-understand steps. Reading will provide you with a clearer understanding, beyond simple memorization. Read it before class (not after) so you can ask questions about anything you didn't understand. You'll be amazed at how much you'll get out of class if you do this.

GRADING: Your grade will be determined by the average on three tests (T₁-T₃). Your average is determined by AVERAGE = (T₁+T₂+T₃)/3. Grades will be assigned based on a 10 point scale with "plus" and "minus" grades being assigned as appropriate (based on grade points assigned by the university, on a plus/minus 3 point system). All questions on the tests will be straight out of the book. There are no options for extra credit and the only way to earn bonus points will be provided on the three tests. Any questions about how a test was graded should be addressed within one week of the return of the graded test. These policies are nonnegotiable.

MATH LAB: The Mathematics Laboratory is located in Rooms 308 and 309 of Warf-Pickle Hall. It is staffed by graduate students and upper level undergraduates. They are there to help you! Hours of operation are (tentatively) Monday-Friday 10:00-2:00. The phone number is 439-7611. The Math Hotline is 439-7887 (for short questions).

OTHER HELP: If you have purchased the Student Study Pack, then you may access the Pearson Tutoring Center which offers one-on-one tutoring for any problem with an answer at the back of the book. You can contact the Tutor Center via toll-free phone number, FAX, or e-mail. Details are at:

BLACKBOARD: I have created a BlackBoard website for this class. In the "Discussions" are you will find a forum for each section and each of the three tests. You can access this website from:

IMPORTANT DATES:
Wednesday, June 8 = Last day to late register.
Monday, June 13 = Last day for 75% refund.
Monday, June 13 = Last day to drop without a grade of "W."
Wednesday, June 15 = Test 1 (2.1-2.5, 3.1-3.4).
Monday, June 20 = Last day for 25% refund.
Friday, June 24 = LAST DAY TO DROP.
Tuesday, June, 28 = Test 2 (4.1-4.6, 5.1-5.6).
Monday, July 4 = Independence Day holiday.
Wednesday, July 6 = Last day to withdraw from the university.
Friday, July 8 = Last day of class and Test 3 (6.1-6.5, 6.7, 6.8, 7.1-7.3).

TENTATIVE OUTLINE: We will try to adhere to the following schedule. "EOO" means Every Other Odd (that is, 1, 5, 9, 13, etc.). Ignore any problem requiring a "graphing utility."

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