Math 1730 Course Syllabus Course Title: Course Prerequisites

Math 1730 Course Syllabus

Course Title:

Pre-Calculus

Course Prerequisites:

MATH 1710 or successful completion of high school pre-calculus course.

Instructor Information:

Instructor:

Office:

E-mail/Phone:

Office Hours:

Webpage:

Course Description:

Pre-Calculus. Four credits. An integrated and rigorous study of the algebra and trigonometry

needed to successfully attempt calculus. Emphasis on functions, their analysis and their

applications. Level of algebraic sophistication developed above that found in MATH 1710.

Topics include exponentials and logarithms, analysis of graphs, and word problems.

This course satisfies the True Blue Core Quantitative Literacy requirement and meets specific

requirements for programs as outlined in the MTSU Undergraduate Catalog.

Quantitative Literacy (Quant Lit) (3 hours)

• For all catalogs 2024-2025 and beyond, this course meets the True Blue Core (TBC)

curriculum requirement for Quantitative Literacy (Quant Lit). To learn more about TBC

requirements: https://w1.mtsu.edu/truebluecore/core.php.

• For all catalogs prior to 2024-2025, this course meets the general education curriculum

requirements for Mathematics (3 hours). To learn more about general education

requirements for catalogs prior to 2024-2025:

https://w1.mtsu.edu/gen_ed/requirements.php.

• The TBC outcome for Quantitative Literacy: Students demonstrate the ability to

interpret, represent, calculate, apply, and analyze numerical data in a variety of settings,

and will make assumptions and communicate those assumptions based on quantitative

information.

MATH 1730 in an active learning class. This means you will be directly engaged in the learning

process rather than listening to lecture. The student workbook breaks each topic into a series of

investigations, and we will be working through several of these investigations each day. Each

investigation will proceed through four learning steps:

• Launch – the investigation problem is introduced and connections made to previously

covered material

• Explore – students probe and dissect the problem and develop or identify potential

solutions

• Present – students present potential solutions to the class

• Discuss – students and the instructor work with each other to identify or develop

correct solutions from those presented and understand how and why they are correct

To help with this learning process, you will be assigned to small groups and will be expected to

be an active participant in your group. In addition, you will engage in the “launch” and

“explore” phases of a few investigations prior to coming to class to help organize your thoughts

before group investigations.

Attendance Policy:

Attendance is required at each class meeting. Participation in University sanctioned activities or

in military duties and situations where the institution’s policy on inclement weather is

applicable are considered excused absences. However, non-attendance does not relieve a

student of the responsibility for work covered or assigned. The instructor will keep a record of

attendance for each student.

Required Materials:

Textbook: Pathways to Calculus workbook and access code. The workbook contains an access

code for the online textbook. The workbook can be purchased at the campus bookstore, other

area bookstores.

Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this course (preferably TI-83/84). Note: You

may not use graphing calculators with symbolic manipulation software (DERIVE, MAPLE, etc.)

on exams.

Course Purpose:

Pre-calculus is an introduction to functions in general and the specific classes of functions you

encounter in the calculus sequence.

Learning Outcomes:

Content Goals:

Upon completion of this course, students will have developed:

• An understanding of graphs and how to extract information from them;

• An understanding of functions and how to manipulate them;

• An understanding of polynomial and rational functions;

• An understanding of logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions;

• An understanding of basic applications of the major function families;

• An understanding of some advantages and limitations of current technology.

Process Goals:

Upon completion of this course, students will have:

• Made sense of problems and persevered in solving them.

• Reasoned abstractly (representing quantities symbolically and manipulating those

symbolic representations) and quantitatively (attending to the meaning of quantities,

and now just how to compute them.)

• Used appropriate tools (e.g. manipulatives, calculator) strategically to solve

mathematical problems.

• Developed and extended understanding through active communication (reading,

writing, speaking and listening) of mathematics, attending to precision of mathematical

language.

• Constructed viable mathematical arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

Course Requirements:

In general, you are expected to:

• Attend class and participate in discussions – both small group and whole class;

• Read and study class assignments and solve assigned problems;

• Ask questions in class when you are unsure of any concept or on any assigned problem;

• Attend the help lab or come to my office for any additional assistance as necessary;

• Take all announced quizzes and exams (including the final) on the day they are scheduled;

• Come to class prepared. This includes completing homework in a timely manner, bringing your

workbook, completing assigned readings and bringing your calculator.

If you do not take the final exam, you cannot pass the course.

Course Evaluation and Grading:

We will cover the majority of Modules 1-8 in this course. The grading components for the

course are as follows:

• In-class testing: There will be 4 in-class exams. All exams are closed-book and last the

entire class period. Exams will count 60% of your final grade / you will drop your lowest

exam grade (not the final).

• Final exam: There will be a comprehensive in-class final given on the specified final exam

date. This exam will count 20% of your final grade. It is a departmental exam given to all

sections of MATH 1730. No one will be exempt from the final.

• Miscellaneous: The remaining 20% of your grade will come from homework, quizzes,

attendance and participation. Participation means attending class and being actively

involved in your group work, group presentations and whole-class discussions. I will look

for evidence of meaningful mathematical discussion and the sharing and critiquing on

mathematical ideas.

Final Exam:

The final examination is a Mathematics Department, multiple-choice, comprehensive

examination given to all students enrolled in Math 1530. Students are required to have

completed the final examination as per the scheduled date/time for their respective section:

see Academic Calendar on MTSU Pipeline. The final examination is closed book and closed

notes (except for 8.5” x 11” sheet allowed for notes). Examination pamphlets and scratch paper

are provided by the exam proctor. Unexcused absences for the final examination result in a

course grade of F.

Note: Students are responsible for and required to bring the following materials to the final

examination: (1) a large scantron, Form No. 4521, (2) a TI 83 or 84 Plus graphing calculator, (3) a

#2 pencil, and (4) an 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper containing student preferred information.

Grading Scale:

Percentage

Grade

90 – 100

80 – 89

70 – 79

60 – 69

Below 60

Tentative Test Dates:

Test 1:

Test 2:

Test 3:

Test 4:

Final Exam:

Important Dates:

Last day to drop without a grade:

Last day to drop with a W:

Final exam time and date:

Judicial Statement / Academic Misconduct:

Please review the information on Academic Integrity and Misconduct. Academic integrity is a

hallmark of Middle Tennessee State University. We expect students to present original work for

all academic assignments turned in for credit and appropriately credit all sources used.

Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

1. Plagiarism: The adoption or reproduction of ideas, words, statements, images, or works

of another person as one’s own without proper attribution. This includes self-plagiarism,

which occurs when an author submits material or research from a previous academic

exercise to satisfy the requirements of another exercise and uses it without proper citation

of its reuse.

2. Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids

in any academic exercise. This includes unapproved collaboration, which occurs when a

student works with others on an academic exercise without the express permission of the

professor. It also includes purchasing assignments or paying another person to complete a

course for you.

3. Fabrication: Unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an

academic exercise.

Going online and using information without proper citation, copying parts of other students’

work, creating information to establish credibility, or using someone else’s thoughts or ideas

without appropriate acknowledgment is academic misconduct. If you have a question about an

assignment, please ask me to clarify. All cases of academic misconduct will be reported to the

Director of Student Academic Ethics and may result in failure on the test/assignment or for the

course.

Drop/Withdrawal Policy and Dates:

Please note the Drop Policy and Withdrawal procedures as they are stated in the Current Registration

Guide. A grade of “I” will be given only in accordance with University Policy. No grade of “W” will be

assigned after the official drop date except in situations involving extreme extenuating circumstances

beyond the student’s control. In particular, a “W” will not be granted merely because the student is

failing. Students should be aware that missing the official drop date and thereby receiving an “F” can

have ramifications on financial aid.

General Conduct in Class:

The instructor has primary responsibility for control over all classroom behavior and can direct the

temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disrupted conduct or

conduct which otherwise violates the general rules and regulations of MTSU.

Attendance and Make-up Policy:

You are expected to attend class. Attendance will be taken at the discretion of the instructor. Make-ups

will not be given for anything other than in-class exams, and only with the instructor’s prior consent

(emergencies accepted). A University approved excuse must be provided in order to be given a makeup

exam and, depending on circumstances, the instructor has the right to not give a make-up exam.

Grade Appeals:

University Policy 313, Student Grade Appeals, provides an avenue for MTSU students to appeal

a final course grade in cases in which the student alleges that unethical or unprofessional

actions by the instructor and/or grading inequities improperly impacted the final grade.

Free Tutoring:

Take advantage of our FREE tutoring service and learn how to study, get help with

understanding difficult course material, receive better test grades, or simply improve your

grade point average. Tutoring is available in study skills and learning strategies that

includes sessions on time management, notetaking, when and where to study, and

memory principles. Tutoring is also available in over 200 courses including biology, history,

computer information Systems, physics, math, psychology, chemistry, economics,

recording industry, and many more. The central location for tutoring is the Tutoring Spot,

located in Walker Library, but is also conducted at various other campus sites.

For available tutoring opportunities, visit

http://mtsu.edu/studentsuccess/tutoring.php#on. For questions, call the Tutoring Spot at

615-904-8014.

Hope (Lottery) Scholarship Information:

Do you have a lottery scholarship? To retain the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship

eligibility, you must earn a cumulative TELS GPA of 2.75 after 24 and 48 attempted hours and a

cumulative TELS GPA of 3.0 thereafter. A grade of C, D, F, FA, or I in this class may negatively

impact TELS eligibility. 

If you drop this class, withdraw, or stop attending this class, you may lose eligibility for your

lottery scholarship, and you may not be able to regain eligibility.

For additional Lottery rules, please refer to your Lottery Statement of Understanding form or

contact your MT One Stop Enrollment Counselor.

Make-Up Policy:

Make-ups will not be given for anything other than in-class exams, and only with the

instructor's prior consent (emergencies accepted). A University approved excuse must be

provided in order to be given a make-up exam and, depending on circumstances, the

instructor has the right to not give a make-up exam.

Mental Health:

As a college student, you may experience a range of challenges and issues that can interfere

with your physical and mental well-being, hinder your academic experience, and negatively

impact your daily life. Some of these experiences may include overwhelming

depression/sadness, anxiety, high levels of stress, use of alcohol/drugs, difficulty sleeping,

difficulty concentrating, and/or loss of motivation. These challenges and issues can lead to

thoughts of self-harm and suicide. If you or any of your classmates are experiencing these

issues, it is important to reach out and ask for help. Discuss your situation with a friend, a family

member, your instructor, or an academic advisor. Remember: Everyone struggles. It's okay to

talk about it. Ask for help. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Outreach and Support Programs:

The MTSU community is committed to the academic achievement of each student, and

we know that struggling to address basic needs can affect a student’s ability to

perform academically. If you are having trouble finding a safe and stable place to live

or enough food to eat, please contact Danielle Rochelle (615-898-2808 or

[email protected]u ), come by the MTSU Food Pantry at the MT One Stop, or

speak with your instructor to get the assistance and resources you need.

Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:

Middle Tennessee State University is committed to campus access in accordance with Title II of

the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of

1973. Any student interested in reasonable accommodations can consult the Disability & Access

Center (DAC) website and/or contact the DAC for assistance at 615-898-2783 or

dacemail@mtsu.edu.

Student Resources:

Frequently Used Student Resources

Technical Support:

Students who experience technical problems including, but not limited to, logging into their

course, timing out of their course, using the course web site tools, should be encouraged to

contact the MTSU Help Desk online (24/7) or at 1-615-898-5345.

Title IX:

Students who believe they have been harassed, discriminated against or been the victim of

sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking should contact a Title IX/Deputy

Coordinator at 615-898- 2185 or 615-898-2750 for assistance or review MTSU’s Title IX website

for resources.  MTSU faculty are concerned about the well-being and development of our

students and are legally obligated to share reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic

violence and stalking with the University’s Title IX coordinator to help ensure student’s safety

and welfare. Please refer to MTSU’s Title IX website for contact information and details.

The True Blue Pledge:

I am True Blue

As a member of this diverse community, I am a valuable contributor to its progress and

success. I am engaged in the life of this community. I am a recipient and a giver. I am a listener

and a speaker. I am honest in word and deed. I am committed to reason, not violence. I am a

learner now and forever. I am a BLUE RAIDER. True Blue!

Find us on Social Media: