Course: Math 3C is the preparatory course for Math 10A (Calculus). The goal of the course is to develop the mathematical knowledge and skills, as well as the analytical and problem-solving skills, necessary for the study of calculus. Unlike some courses, attendance is required for all lectures, 4th hours, and discussion sections. The 4th hour is used as an additional lecture, since the course syllabus cannot reasonably be covered using only the scheduled lecture hours. Discussion sections are used for quizzes.
Textbook: Algebra & Trigonometry (1st Editon), by Sheldon Axler; published by Wiley 2011
Calculators: Graphing calculators are recommended (but not required) for use in class and for homework. The calculator should be used as an aid in learning concepts, not just as a means of computation. Help with using TI graphing calculators will be available in the Calculus Tutoring Lab. Note: The use of calculators will not be permitted during the midterms or the final exam.
Homework: Tentative homework assignments and their due dates have been posted on the course homework page. Any changes to the assignments will be announced in class and in the announcements section on the main page of the course web site. Late assignments will not be accepted; however, the lowest homework score will be dropped. Selected problems on the assignment will be graded. While your work will be graded for correctness, keep in mind that presentation and organization directly affect your grader. To assist your grader, you should keep all problems in the same order as the assignment list and ordered vertically on your page. If a problem is omitted, it should still appear in the correct order. All work must be on full-sized notebook paper and all pages must be stapled together. Write your name (last name first), your Discussion Section (A01, A02, etc.), and the homework assignment number in the upper right corner. Homework will be returned in section the following week. Watching someone else do a problem or "understanding" the solution in a Solutions Manual does not indicate mastery—you must be able to begin a solution on your own and carry it to completion without help before you can claim mastery of that problem. Ask questions during office hours about homework problems that have caused you difficulty and indicate what attempts you have made to solve the problems. A thorough understanding of the homework problems and their solutions will prepare you well for the midterm exams and the final exam.
Quizzes: There will be seven discussion quizzes. Discussion quizzes are group work quizzes, where groups of 3 to 4 students work on a set of assigned problems and turn in one written set of solutions as a group during section. There will be no makeup discussion quizzes, however, the lowest discussion quiz grade will be dropped. The TA and student interns will be available to facilitate these assignments and assist the groups during the discussion. See the course calendar for the dates of the discussion quizzes.
Midterm Exams: There will be two midterm exams during the quarter. Note that the midterms are scheduled during the fourth hour lectures; see the course calendar for the dates. There will be no makeup exams.
Final Exam: The final examination will be held at the following date and time.
Grading: Your course grade will be determined by your cumulative average at the end of the term; your cumulative average will be the best of the following two weighted averages.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense at UCSD. Students caught cheating will face an administrative sanction which may include suspension or expulsion from the university. (Click here for more information.)
| Department of Mathematics | Math 3C |