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Syllabus and Course Guide: Calculus for Business and Social Sciences (MAC 2233)

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Course Overview

Introduction to Calculus for Business and Social Sciences

This course, MAC 2233, is designed for students majoring in business or social sciences. It covers foundational calculus concepts including limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration, with a focus on applications relevant to business, economics, and social sciences. The course emphasizes analytical, numerical, and graphical methods to foster scientific and quantitative reasoning.

  • Credit Hours: 3

  • Prerequisites: College Algebra or equivalent (MAC 1105, MAC 1105C, or MAC 1140 with a grade of C or higher, or satisfactory placement test score)

  • Session Length: 15 weeks

  • Delivery Mode: Online

Course Topics and Structure

Major Topics Covered

  • Limits and Continuity: Understanding limits numerically, graphically, and algebraically; continuity of functions.

  • Differentiation: Techniques including the power, product, quotient, and chain rules; higher order derivatives.

  • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Properties, differentiation, and applications to growth and decay models.

  • Applications of Differentiation: Optimization, marginal analysis, and sketching graphs using first and second derivatives.

  • Antidifferentiation and Integration: Finding antiderivatives, definite integrals, and interpreting integrals as areas under curves.

  • Applications of Integration: Consumer and producer surplus, integrating growth and decay models.

Weekly Course Outline

  • Weeks 1-5: Limits, continuity, and differentiation (including all major rules and higher order derivatives).

  • Weeks 6-7: Exponential and logarithmic functions, their derivatives, and applications to growth and decay.

  • Weeks 8-10: Applications of differentiation, including optimization and marginal analysis.

  • Weeks 11-12: Antidifferentiation and definite integrals, with emphasis on area interpretation.

  • Weeks 13-15: Applications of integration, including economic models and cumulative review.

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Use algebraic techniques to solve calculus problems involving limits, derivatives, and integrals.

  • Calculate limits using algebraic, graphical, and numerical methods.

  • Apply differentiation rules to algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

  • Apply integration rules to algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, including definite integrals.

  • Interpret definite integrals as areas under curves and accumulated change.

  • Solve real-world problems in business, economics, and social sciences using calculus concepts.

Assessment and Grading

Grade Breakdown

Category

Weight

Points

Online Homework

10%

100

Online Quizzes

20%

200

Online Proctored Tests

70%

700

Total

100%

1000

  • Letter Grades: A (90–100), B (80–89), C (70–79), D (60–69), F (<59)

  • Tests: Three proctored, in-person tests; lowest test grade dropped if all are taken.

  • Bonus: 3% bonus for scoring 85%+ on review quizzes before tests.

Course Policies and Success Strategies

  • Attendance: Measured by weekly online activity and timely completion of assignments.

  • Late Work: 85% valuation for late submissions; deadlines are firm.

  • Academic Honesty: Cheating and plagiarism (including use of AI for graded work) are strictly prohibited.

  • Technology: Reliable computer, internet, and a scientific (non-graphing) calculator required.

  • Support: Library, tutoring, and accessibility services are available to all students.

Steps for Success

  1. Schedule all testing appointments early in the semester.

  2. Engage with the eText, videos, and take thorough notes.

  3. Complete all homework and quizzes, using them to assess mastery.

  4. Attend or watch review sessions before tests.

  5. Arrive prepared and on time for all proctored tests.

Important Dates

  • Class Starts: Jan 12, 2026

  • 100% Refund Deadline: Jan 20, 2026

  • Withdraw Deadline: Mar 26, 2026

  • Class Ends: May 05, 2026

  • College Holidays: Jan 19 (MLK Jr.), Feb 16 (President's Day), Mar 16–22 (Spring Break)

Contact and Support

  • Instructor: Jodie Broussard

  • Email: J.Broussard@fscj.edu

  • Office Hours: Tue & Thu 4:00–5:30 pm (C-134, South Campus); Mon & Wed 11:00 am–12:30 pm (virtual/email)

  • Course Platform: Canvas (canvas.fscj.edu)

  • Required Materials: MyLab Math subscription, scientific calculator (TI-30XIIS recommended), paper, and pencil/pen

Accessibility and Academic Integrity

  • Reasonable accommodations are available for students with disabilities through the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD).

  • Academic honesty is strictly enforced; violations result in severe penalties, including course failure.

Additional Resources

  • Library and Learning Commons (LLC): Free tutoring, library resources, and computing services.

  • Online Tutoring (Brainfuse): 24/7 real-time tutoring available to all students.

  • Technology Support: IT Student Services and Canvas Help Desk available for technical issues.

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