MA 107 online syllabus

This is the general outline of the syllabus for the online section of MA 107; detailed descriptions of many course features have been omitted for simplicity. Therefore, if you are a student in the class, please see the full syllabus posted in Moodle–it is much more detailed and pertains to your semester. You gain access to the Moodle on the first day of class.

Table Of Contents

Basic Information

Course Information

  • Course Name: Precalculus I
  • Course Meetings: This course is an asynchronous Distance Education course.
  • Course Site: Find our Moodle site on WolfWare.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Catalog Description

(3 credit hours) Algebra and basic trigonometry; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their graphs. Credit for MA 107 does not count toward graduation for students in Engineering, College of Sciences, Bio and Ag Engineering (Science Program), Bio Sci (all options), Math Edu, Sci Edu, Textiles, and B.S. degrees in CHASS. Credit is not allowed for both MA 107 and MA 111.

Prerequisite: C- or better in MA 101, or a 450 or better on the SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2 or the NCSU Math Skills Test.

GEP Mathematical Sciences

Learning Outcomes

This course prepares students for their calculus studies, specifically MA 121, 131, and 151. Students will...

  1. Recognize and use proper notation, precise definitions and theorems to solve problems and communicate solutions.
  2. Algebraically manipulate a variety of functions including absolute value, polynomial, piecewise, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
  3. Graph functions including details such as shape, intercepts, end behavior, and other relevant attributes.
  4. Solve equations and inequalities algebraically and graphically.
  5. Write a function to model a given scenario and make predictions based on that model.

Our study of graphs and equations will include

  • Absolute value functions
  • Polynomial functions
  • Rational functions
  • Exponential and logarithmic functions

Lecture Materials

The Material for this class is broken into 16 modules. Each week you will complete 1-2 modules. Each module consists of the following material: lecture videos, self check quizzes, WebAssign assignments, and a worksheet entitled "In Class Problems." Any references to "in-class exercises" do not mean that we meet in class (this course is asynchronous) but rather provide a way to map our online learning to the in-person sections of MA 107.

You may shift your viewing schedule each week to accommodate your own schedule. However, please keep in mind that this online, distance-education course is fast-paced, and it may become difficult to catch up if you fall behind.

Textbook and WebAssign

WebAssign Homework
  • Assignments are completed and graded online via WebAssign.
  • Tips: Work ahead, write out problems on paper before submitting, and organize your work in a notebook.
Extensions and Dropped Grades
  • You may request a 7-day extension in WebAssign with an 80% credit cap (20% penalty).
  • Extensions run for seven consecutive days and cannot be paused during breaks.
  • Instructor-granted extensions are rare and must be documented through NC State Absence Verification.
Self-Check Quizzes

Each module contains short quizzes. You may use your notes and the textbook, but you may not consult with anyone else or use any other resources.

Communication and Getting Help

In addition to office hours, here are some additional resources to support your learning.

Yellowdig

Yellowdig is our course discussion platform. Participation is required, and points may contribute to your final grade.

  • Weekly participation is expected.
  • Use Yellowdig for math questions instead of email.
Tutoring Centers

Tests Information

Students in the class should ready through this section in the full syllabus on Moodle very carefully.

Time slots fill up quickly, so schedule your testing appointments as soon as possible (on/after the first day of class). Click here for more information. Failing to take an exam due to not signing up in time is your responsibility.

Test Format

Each exam is computer-based and administered on Moodle. The format includes:

  • Fill in the blank
  • True/False
  • Multiple choice
  • Short answer
  • "Essay" questions (where you write out work as best as you can)

If you use a remote proctor, they must administer the exam on a secure facility computer. You may not bring your own laptop to a proctoring center. Violations of this policy will be reported to Student Conduct with a recommendation of no credit for the course.

Test Proctoring

All exams will be proctored through DELTA. Depending on your location, you will either take your exams on-campus at DELTA testing centers or remotely through an approved proctor.

On-Campus Students (within 50 miles of Raleigh, NC)

If you live less than 50 miles from Raleigh, you must take your exams at an NC State testing center. Be aware of the closing hours and allow enough time to complete your exam.

More information: DELTA On-Campus Testing.

Remote Students (more than 50 miles from Raleigh, NC)

Students living more than 50 miles from Raleigh must use an approved proctor. Proctor approval is handled through DELTA, not the instructor. This process takes up to one week, so arrange it early.

More information: DELTA Remote Testing.

Examity

Examity is not allowed for on-campus students or students near a DELTA-approved proctoring center. It is only permissible in exceptional cases with instructor approval, which may require documentation and a Zoom meeting to confirm details in MyPack.

Proctor Mishaps

Occasionally, issues arise at testing centers, such as a power outage or a frozen computer. If this happens, the incident must be documented by the testing center proctors, and they must contact me within 72 hours with details about what happened and how long the student was affected.

Questions that have already been attempted will not be re-administered. However, based on the timing and impact of the incident, there are two possible ways to make up the exam:

  • If the issue occurred in the last 20 minutes of the exam or affected less than 20 minutes (e.g., a computer froze for 5 minutes), the lost time will be added to the Final Exam.
  • If the disruption happened earlier or lasted more than 20 minutes, any unattempted questions may be re-administered in a proctored make-up session. The make-up session may have a shorter time duration than the original, depending on when the interruption occurred.

 

Classroom Expectations

Your Responsibilities

  • Course Structure: This is an online class, so you are responsible for your own learning and pacing within our guidelines.
    • Watch the scheduled video lectures each week. I encourage you to follow the Course Calendar.
    • Complete the homework.
    • Participate in the Yellowdig Forum.
    • Optional: Attend Zoom problem sessions.
  • Check your email, Yellowdig, and Moodle regularly. All announcements made via email will be saved under Announcements on Moodle.
  • Be respectful and professional. Treat everyone in class (students and instructor) with respect and courtesy.
  • Be accountable for your own education. Resolve any confusion about assignments, due dates, exam policies, and accommodations in advance.
  • Do not submit work that is not yours. Your name on any assignment indicates your adherence to the NC State Honor Pledge:
    “I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment.”
  • No graphing calculators, cell phones, or internet-connected devices are allowed during exams. Use only a basic scientific calculator. Any unauthorized device use is an honor code violation.

Success and Well-being

Student well-being is a priority at NC State. Our classroom should be a space where all students feel respected and heard. I welcome any suggestions for making our class more welcoming.

Grading

Grade Weighting and Numerical Conversion

Grades are tracked in real-time in the Moodle Gradebook. Your grade is determined by the following items:

  • Yellowdig Participation
  • WebAssign Homework
  • Test Scores

Letter Grade Conversion

Letter Grade Range
A+ 97 - 100
A 93 - 96.99
A- 90 - 92.99
B+ 87 - 89.99
B 83 - 86.99
B- 80 - 82.99
C+ 77 - 79.99
C 73 - 76.99
C- 70 - 72.99
D+ 67 - 69.99
D 63 - 66.99
D- 60 - 62.99
F 0 - 59.99

Do not expect additional rounding, extra credit, or grade curves.

Additional Grading Information

Credit-Only (S/U) Grading

To receive a grade of S, students must complete all coursework and earn at least a C-. Refer to the NC State policy on Credit-Only Courses.

Auditing (AU) the Course

Auditing information can be found at NC State's Policy on Audits.

Policies on Incomplete Grades

NC State allows instructors to assign an Incomplete (IN) grade only in cases where a student has completed most of the coursework but was unable to finish due to serious, documented circumstances. The university policy states that an IN grade should not be used as a substitute for a failing grade.

See the Moodle syllabus for the policy on incomplete grades.

Course Schedule

Please follow the Course Calendar on Moodle for the most up-to-date schedule.

NC State’s official calendars can be found here:

Other Information

Academic Integrity

Students must adhere to the NC State Code of Student Conduct. Your submission of any assignment indicates:

“I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment.”

Testing Policy: Proctored tests are closed-book. You may not consult internet resources or receive help from others.

Homework Policy: Collaboration is encouraged, but students may not post problems on external sites like Chegg.

Digital Course Components

Because of the structure of this course, students need reliable internet connectivity to access materials and complete assignments. NC State’s Online and Distance Education provides technology requirements and recommendations for computer hardware.

Digitally hosted course components will include but are not limited to Moodle, Zoom, Yellowdig, and WebAssign.

Software
Accessibility and Privacy Considerations

Students must review the accessibility and privacy policies of these platforms during the course drop/add period.

The instructor is not responsible for ensuring privacy or accessibility of supplemental resources that are not required course components. However, all efforts will be made to ensure that any additional links provided are relevant and accessible.

Electronically Hosted Components

This course may be recorded for educational purposes. By participating, you consent to being recorded. If you prefer not to have your likeness included in a recorded session, please contact me for editing arrangements.

Required Statement

Students may be required to disclose personally identifiable information to other students in the course, via digital tools, such as email or web-postings, where relevant to the course. Examples include online discussions of class topics, and posting of student coursework. All students are expected to respect the privacy of each other by not sharing or using such information outside the course.

Disability Resources

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with the Disability Resource Office at Holmes Hall, Suite 304, 2751 Cates Avenue, Campus Box 7509, 919-515-7653. For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (NCSU REG 02.20.01).

Student Support

Everyone is encouraged to take care of themselves and their peers. If you need additional support, there are many resources on campus to help you:

  1. Counseling Center 
  2. Health Center
  3. Share a Concern
  4. Pack Essentials.

 

Disclaimer

This syllabus is the general syllabus for the online section of MA 107, and it should suffice for course selection and transfer credits. Current students should always consult the actual semester syllabus posted in Moodle. If there are any discrepancies between this syllabus and the Moodle syllabus, the latter is the correct version.