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Elementary Applied Calculus (Business Calculus) Syllabus and Study Guide

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Course Overview

Course Title and Description

Elementary Applied Calculus (MATH 150) is an introductory course in differential and integral calculus with applications in business, economics, social sciences, and life sciences. The course covers:

  • Functions and their graphs

  • Constructing mathematical models

  • Differentiation and its applications

  • Integration and its applications

  • Exponential and logarithmic functions

  • Functions of several variables

This course is recommended for students in business, economics, and related fields. It is not intended for students seeking a calculus course for engineering or physical sciences.

Prerequisites

  • Grade of C or better in MATH 181 (or MATH 096), or appropriate placement score.

  • Assessment levels: ENGL 101/101A, READ 099, AELW 940, AELR 930.

Course Materials

Textbook

  • Calculus for Business, Economics, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences, 14th edition, Barnett et al.

  • ISBN-13: 978-0134676061

  • ISBN-10: 013467606X

  • Published by Pearson Education Inc.

  • MyLab Math online access code is required.

  • Temporary access available for 14 days.

Calculator Policy

  • A graphing calculator (TI-83 or TI-83+ or TI-83, TI-89 strongly recommended).

  • DESMOS online calculator is permitted.

  • Calculators with computer algebra systems (CAS) are not permitted unless approved.

  • Cell phone calculators and calculator sharing during quizzes/tests are not allowed.

Course Structure and Grading

Grade Calculation

Grades are determined by the following weighted categories:

Grade Category

Weight

Test 1

15%

Test 2

15%

Test 3

15%

Test 4

15%

MyLab Math Assignments

12.5%

Integrative Writing Assignment

2.5%

Final Exam

20%

Final Grade

Percentage

A

90 and above

B

80 – 89.99

C

70 – 79.99

D

60 – 69.99

F

Below 60

Key Dates and Deadlines

  • Withdraw with Refund: September 8

  • Withdraw with No Grade or Switch Audit/Credit: September 22

  • Withdraw with Grade of W: November 19

  • Final Exam: December 16 (Special Time: 10:15 AM to 12:15 PM)

  • Holidays: No classes October 21 (Advising Day), November 27 (Thanksgiving)

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

  • Active participation is expected, including attending class meetings and engaging with course materials.

  • Respect others' ideas and ask for clarification when needed.

  • Absences may be reported to the MC Registrar’s Office.

Late Work and Make-Up Policy

  • Extensions for assignments may be granted for legitimate reasons if advance notice is given.

  • No make-up tests or grade improvement projects are accepted.

  • Lowest grades are not dropped.

Academic Integrity

  • Students are expected to maintain honesty in all academic work.

  • Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited.

  • Violations may result in disciplinary action and an automatic "F" for the course.

Classroom Conduct

  • Respectful and inclusive behavior is required at all times.

  • Disruptive behavior may result in disciplinary action.

Support Services

Accessibility

  • Disability Support Services (DSS) are available for students with documented needs.

  • Accommodations must be arranged as early as possible and are not retroactive.

Free Tutoring

  • Math Learning Centers and Virtual Tutoring are available.

  • Online resources such as Khan Academy are recommended.

Course Outcomes

  • Apply calculus concepts to solve problems in business, economics, and social sciences.

  • Construct and analyze mathematical models using calculus.

  • Demonstrate understanding of differentiation and integration and their applications.

  • Communicate mathematical reasoning effectively.

Contact Information

  • Instructor: Brian Kotz

  • Email: brian.kotz@montgomerycollege.edu

  • Office Hours: Tuesday 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM, Thursday 11:50 AM – 12:50 PM (On Campus); Wednesday 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Virtual)

  • Class Location: HT 304

  • Class Times: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 AM – 11:40 AM

Additional Info

  • Students are encouraged to use all available resources, including office hours, tutoring, and online materials, to succeed in the course.

  • Withdrawal deadlines are strictly enforced.

  • Course outcomes and further details can be found on the MATH 150 Elementary Applied Calculus website.

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