Business Calculus Syllabus and Course Policies Study Guide

Business Calculus Syllabus and Course Policies

Course Overview

This document outlines the structure, requirements, and policies for a college-level Business Calculus course. It provides essential information for students regarding course logistics, assessment methods, and academic expectations.

• Instructor: Dr. Trask

• Contact: Through Canvas Inbox only

• Course Platform: Canvas (for announcements, assignments, and communication)

• Pearson MyLab: Used for homework, quizzes, and video lectures

Course Structure

• Instructional Modes: Combination of synchronous (live Zoom sessions) and asynchronous (self-paced online) learning.

• Assessment Types: Homework, quizzes, "Show-Your-Work" quizzes, and exams (including a final exam).

• Class Meetings: Scheduled via Zoom; attendance and participation are expected.

Registration and Technical Support

• Pearson Registration: Instructions are provided on Canvas. Course ID: trask78770.

• Technical Support:

  • Pearson: support.pearson.com

  • Canvas: [phone]; help.illinoisstate.edu/get-it-help

Assessment and Grading

Types of Assessments

• Pearson Homework (PHW): Online assignments involving video viewing, interactive activities, and problem-solving. Must be completed by the due date and time specified in the schedule/calendar.

• Pearson Quizzes (PQ): Online quizzes available after completing homework. Each quiz opens after the corresponding homework and closes at 11:59 pm on the due date.

• Show-Your-Work Quizzes: Handwritten assignments requiring students to demonstrate their problem-solving process. These are a significant part of the grade and must be submitted as instructed.

• Mega Quizzes: Larger quizzes covering multiple topics, scheduled on specific dates.

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, consisting of multiple-choice and show-your-work problems.

Grading Breakdown

Assessment	Weight
Homework	10%
Pearson Quizzes	20%
Pearson Mega Quizzes	10%
Show-Your-Work Quizzes	30%
Final Exam	30%

Assignment Policies

• Deadlines: All assignments must be submitted on time. Late submissions may lose up to 25% of points unless a valid excuse is provided and approved.

• Excused Absences: Only the Dean of Students office can issue excused absences for active military duty, required quarantine/isolation, or bereavement. Other issues must be addressed with the instructor and may be referred back to the Dean.

• Make-up Work: Only allowed for excused absences as defined above.

Using Pearson Effectively

• Watch assigned videos before attempting homework.

• Use provided worksheets and resources to support learning.

• Check Pearson daily for new assignments and quizzes.

Calculator Policy

• Recommended calculators: TI 82, TI 83, TI 84, or TI 85.

• Department strongly urges use of these models for consistency and support.

Course Policies and Expectations

Attendance and Participation

• Students are responsible for attending class and completing all academic work.

• Absences for religious obligations or extended illness must be documented and approved by the Dean of Students office.

Academic Integrity

• All work must be your own. Plagiarism or academic dishonesty will be reported and may result in disciplinary action.

• Collaboration is only allowed where explicitly permitted.

Student Accommodations

• Students with documented disabilities should contact Student Access and Accommodation Services for support.

Diversity and Inclusion

• The university is committed to a welcoming and respectful learning environment for all students.

Staying on Top of Grades

• Grades are posted weekly, typically on Sundays.

• Pearson's gradebook is not official; check Canvas for accurate grades.

Learning Outcomes

The course is designed to help students:

• Use derivatives and integrals to analyze and model real-world situations.

• Interpret mathematical results, both conceptually and numerically.

• Apply critical and creative thinking to solve problems.

• Develop personal and social responsibility in academic work.

• Identify and solve problems using appropriate mathematical tools.

Example: Application of Derivatives in Business

• Definition: The derivative measures the rate at which a function changes. In business, it is often used to find marginal cost, marginal revenue, and optimize profit.

• Formula: $f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}$

• Example: If $C(x)$ is the cost to produce $x$ items, then $C'(x)$ is the marginal cost, or the cost to produce one additional item.

Summary Table: Key Course Policies

Policy	Summary
Assignment Deadlines	Strictly enforced; late work penalized unless excused by Dean
Excused Absences	Only for military duty, quarantine/isolation, or bereavement (Dean approval required)
Academic Integrity	All work must be original; violations reported
Calculator Use	TI 82/83/84/85 recommended
Grade Posting	Official grades on Canvas, not Pearson

Conclusion

This syllabus provides the foundational information for success in Business Calculus. Students are expected to adhere to all policies, complete assignments on time, and engage actively with course materials and resources.