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MiraCosta College | MATH 150 | ONLINE | Course Number 1268 | 6/8/26 - 7/31/26
math 150 Course Description
math 150 Course Description
This course is the first in a three-semester calculus sequence designed for mathematics, science, and engineering majors. Topics include limits and continuity; differentiation of algebraic functions and their inverses, trigonometric functions and their inverses, and exponential functions and their inverses; integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus; and applications of differentiation and integration. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for MATH 115, MATH 115S, MATH 150, or MATH 150H. C-ID MATH-211.
Prerequisite: MATH 131 or MATH 131H or MATH 135 or eligibility determined by the math placement process
Upon entering this course, the student should be able to do the following:
Upon entering this course, the student should be able to do the following:
Choose an appropriate method and then find the roots of a polynomial function.
Solve an exponential equation using properties of logarithms.
Construct the graphs of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
Analyze a composite function and evaluate the resultant domain.
Solve quadratic and rational inequalities.
Analyze the graphs of the inverse trigonometric functions and specify their ranges.
Judiciously use appropriate technology to solve problems from the course topics.
Define the six trigonometric functions in terms of right triangles or coordinates of points on the unit circle.
Use the definitions of the trigonometric functions to find the value of a trigonometric function of any angle or real number.
Solve applied problems using trigonometric functions.
Solve trigonometric equations involving a single function, a quadratic form, and multiple angles.
Evaluate inverse trigonometric functions.
Construct graphs of trigonometric functions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS AND MINDSET
REQUIRED MATERIALS AND MINDSET
Textbook & Technology
Textbook & Technology
Calculus - Early Transcendental Functions, 8th edition by Ron Larson and Bruce Edwards (ebook included with WebAssign)
WebAssign: This program allows you to complete assignments and gives you access to the ebook. Available for purchase from the MiraCosta Bookstore or directly through Canvas for $39.99
Serena's ChatBot: An AI tool specifically designed for our Math 150 course - Access here
Graphing Calculator: A graphing calculator will be used throughout this course. If you're purchasing a calculator, I strongly recommend the TI-84.
Computer or tablet with reliable internet access – Essential for this fully online course.
Calculator Resources
Calculator Resources
Free online emulator: ti84calc.com
Alternative online calculator: Desmos.com is an excellent graphing calculator
For exams: A graphing calculator will be available at the APC during your proctored exams
Most Important Requirement
Most Important Requirement
Determination, hard work, and desire to succeed! 🎯
Summer calculus is fast-paced and demanding, but with consistent effort and the support systems available to you, you have everything you need to succeed: WebAssign practice, Serena's ChatBot, and free tutoring at the TLC.
Time commitment
Time commitment
You can expect to spend approximately 30 hours per week in this class. Keep in mind that this is a condensed summer course covering a full semester of calculus in 8 weeks, so the workload is real — please plan accordingly before the course begins.
All assignments are due on Tuesdays, which gives you flexibility to spread your work across the week however works best for your schedule. You are also welcome to work ahead if you need to.
I plan to open Canvas a few days early so you can take a peek around and get familiar with the course before the first deadline.
Accessibility Statement
Accessibility Statement
I have made every attempt to ensure this course is accessible for all students. If you encounter any accessibility-related difficulties with required or optional course materials, please contact me as soon as possible so that we can investigate the matter further and provide equally effective alternatives, if needed.
Course Structure
Course Structure
Our class will be completely housed on Canvas. This link will take you to MiraCosta's Online Education page, where you will find the Canvas login page as well as contact information for online student support. Please make sure to test your Canvas login right away.
A typical week in this course will consist of a weekly module with all items due on Tuesday. I normally use more frequent due dates in a regular semester, but for summer I've kept it to one deadline per week so you have the flexibility to spread your work across the week however works best for your schedule. A typical week includes:
Lecture videos for each section, watched while taking detailed handwritten notes
WebAssign homework for each section (highly recommended practice, but not graded this summer)
A WebAssign quiz covering the week's material
Other Canvas assignments as listed in the module
I will be in regular contact via Canvas announcements and Pronto. Feedback will be given on assignments as annotations, rubrics, or in the assignment comments.
proctored exams
proctored exams
There are two exams that must be scheduled through the Academic Proctoring Center (APC). Please schedule both as early as possible — summer slots fill up quickly.
Midterm Exam (Chapters 2 and 3): July 7 – 10
Final Exam (Chapters 4 and 5): July 28 – 31
If you need to reschedule, contact the APC directly. Please make sure to read through all of the APC exam information for students before your exam. You will need to bring a valid photo ID. A graphing calculator will be provided for you at the APC.
If you cannot make it during one of these windows, please reach out to me as soon as possible to arrange an early exam time.
If you do not live near campus, alternative testing facilities may be available. Contact the APC for more information.
Tips on how to be successful in this class:
Tips on how to be successful in this class:
To maximize your success in Math 150 this summer, I recommend the following:
Watch all videos completely and take detailed handwritten notes — this is the core of how the course works, so don't skip or rush through them
Practice with WebAssign for every section — your best preparation for exams, and it counts toward extra credit at the end of the semester
Use Serena's ChatBot when you're stuck — it's available 24/7 directly through Canvas and is specifically designed for this course
Stay on top of weekly deadlines — all assignments are due on Tuesdays, but don't wait until Monday night to start
Spread your work across the week — calculus builds on itself, and cramming a week's worth of material into one or two days will make it much harder to retain
Reach out early — if something isn't clicking, contact me through Pronto or email before it snowballs. Summer moves fast and there isn't much time to catch up
Take advantage of the TLC — free tutoring is available at the Learning Centers, including online via Zoom
Schedule your APC exams early — summer slots fill up fast, so don't wait until the week of the exam
Remember: Success in calculus comes from consistent daily effort, not cramming. You're covering a full semester of material in 8 weeks, so staying steady every day makes a real difference.
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