College Algebra Syllabus and Course Guide – BPCC

Course Overview

Course Description

This course, College Algebra (MATH 102), covers foundational and advanced topics in algebra, preparing students for further study in mathematics and related fields. The curriculum includes complex numbers, radical and rational equations, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities, lines and slope, graphs, inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, conic sections, and applications. The course aligns with the Louisiana Statewide Common Course Catalog (CMAT 1213: College Algebra).

Course Structure and Policies

Assignment and Test Policies

• Assignments: All assignments are available from the start of the semester and must be completed by their due dates. Late homework is accepted until the day before the test on that material; late discussion boards are not accepted.

• Tests: All tests must be taken on or before their assigned dates. No late submissions are allowed for tests.

• Attendance: Online attendance is based on academic activity. Students must submit at least one academically relevant assignment with a score of 70% or higher within a 3-day period to avoid withdrawal for non-attendance.

• Dropped Test Policy: The lowest test score is automatically dropped after the first two tests, and always remains the lowest as more tests are taken.

Grading Scale

Course Average (CA)	Overall Grade
90% - 100%	A
80% - 89%	B
70% - 79%	C
60% - 69%	D
0% - 59%	F

• Unproctored Assignments: 25% of the final grade

• Proctored Exams: 75% of the final grade (lowest exam score dropped)

• Comprehensive Final Exam: Required for all students

Attendance Requirements

• Attendance is mandatory and tracked through assignment submission and participation.

• Missing 15% of the course may result in withdrawal.

• Students must officially withdraw to avoid a failing grade.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Solve linear, rational, and quadratic equations

• Solve other types of equations and linear inequalities

• Perform operations on functions, evaluate formulas, and graph linear equations and circles

• Graph quadratic functions

• Solve and graph exponential and logarithmic functions

• Solve systems of equations and inequalities

• Graph conic sections

Required Course Materials

• Textbook & Access Code: MyLab Math with Pearson eText Access Code for College Algebra, 8th Edition, Robert F. Blitzer, Pearson, 2021 (ISBN: 9780136970613)

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• Calculator: TI-36X Pro (recommended). No graphing calculators, CAS calculators, or internet-connected devices are permitted.

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Technology and Testing Requirements

• High-speed internet access

• Webcam and cellphone camera for proctoring

• All exams are proctored via MonitorEDU; students must maintain a continuous connection during exams

• Printed or handwritten materials and a standalone/handheld scientific calculator are allowed during tests

Course Deadlines and Withdrawal Policies

Academic Drop Deadlines

Session	Last day to drop without a grade of "W"	Last day to drop with a grade of "W"
Maymester	May 18, 2026	June 1, 2026
Session A	June 7, 2026	July 14, 2026
Session B	June 3, 2026	June 19, 2026
Session C	July 2, 2026	July 16, 2026

Refund Deadlines

Session	Last day to drop for 100% refund	Last day to opt-out of BPCC Book Pass
Maymester	05/18/2026	05/18/2026
Session A	06/07/2026	06/07/2026
Session B	06/03/2026	06/03/2026
Session C	07/02/2026	07/02/2026

Academic Integrity and Student Support

• Students must adhere to the Academic Misconduct policy as described in the Student Handbook.

• Grievance procedures and nondiscrimination policies are in place to ensure student rights and fair treatment.

• Contact information for Title IX and ADA coordinators, as well as division contacts, is provided for additional support.

Summary of Main Topics Covered

• Fundamental concepts of algebra

• Equations and inequalities (linear, quadratic, rational, absolute value)

• Functions and their graphs (including inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions)

• Polynomial and rational functions

• Systems of equations and inequalities

• Conic sections and analytic geometry

• Applications of algebraic concepts