College Algebra Syllabus and Course Overview – Fall 2025

Course Information

This document provides the syllabus for a College Algebra course at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) for the Fall 2025 semester. It outlines instructor details, course structure, required materials, technology requirements, competencies, and institutional policies.

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Brandon Thornton, Professor of Mathematics

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office Hours: Flexible; email responses within 24 hours

Course Description and Structure

The course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of College Algebra, including equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. Instruction is delivered online, with asynchronous access to materials and assignments. Students are expected to engage in regular, substantive interaction through online platforms such as Blackboard.

• Delivery Mode: Online, asynchronous instruction

• Topics Covered: Linear, quadratic, rational, and radical equations; inequalities; functions; graphing; and applications

• Interaction: Regular feedback, participation in discussions, and timely completion of assignments are required

Required Textbook(s) & Materials

• Textbook: MyMathLab digital content (access provided with course fee)

• Calculator: Optional; preferred model is Casio 300 ES scientific calculator. TI-30XIIS is also acceptable. Graphing calculators are not permitted for this course.

• Headphones: Required for online work and proctored exams

Technology Requirements

Students must have access to a computer meeting the following minimum and preferred specifications:

Component	Minimum	Preferred
Processor	Intel Core i3 or higher	Intel Core i5 or higher
Memory	8GB or higher	16GB or higher
Disk	256 GB Solid State	256 GB Solid State or higher
Camera	Integrated or standalone webcam	Integrated or standalone webcam
Operating System	Windows 10 or MacOS	Windows 10 or MacOS
Internet Speed	Minimum 30.8 Mbps (down)/1.8 Mbps (up)	Minimum 50 Mbps (down)/5 Mbps (up)
Software	Office 365 + any additional course-required applications	Office 365 + any additional course-required applications

Course Competencies

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Perform operations on integers and real numbers, including order of operations.

2. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers and decimals.

3. Solve application problems involving ratios, proportions, and percentages.

4. Simplify fractions and decimals; calculate percent change.

5. Apply concepts of length, area, volume, time, currency, and speed.

6. Solve equations in one variable, including linear, quadratic, and rational equations.

7. Solve inequalities in one variable.

8. Graph linear equations and inequalities in the Cartesian coordinate system.

9. Interpret slope and intercepts of lines.

10. Factor polynomials, including common factors, grouping, and special products.

11. Simplify rational and radical expressions.

12. Solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.

13. Solve and evaluate linear, polynomial, rational, and exponential functions.

14. Apply algebraic concepts to real-world problems.

Professional Conduct and Academic Integrity

• Students must adhere to the KCTCS Student Code of Conduct.

• Professionalism includes: respectful communication, appropriate use of technology, and academic honesty.

• Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

Assessment and Grading

• Grades are based on assignments, quizzes, exams, and participation.

• Proctored exams are required and may use online proctoring services; a webcam and microphone are necessary.

• Late work and withdrawal policies are outlined in the syllabus; students are responsible for understanding these policies.

Accessibility and Student Support

• Students with documented disabilities may request accommodations through the Accessibility Services office.

• Contact: Dr. David Travis, Accessibility Services Coordinator, [phone], [e-mail]

Important Policies and Resources

• Freedom from Retaliation: Students are protected from retaliation when filing complaints.

• Discrimination and Grievance Procedures: Procedures are in place for addressing discrimination or grievances. See the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct for details.

• FERPA and Privacy: Student privacy is protected under federal law.

Course Outline & Weekly Schedule

The course follows a weekly schedule, with assignments and assessments due as posted in Blackboard. Students are responsible for keeping up with all deadlines and announcements.

Summary Table: Key Course Components

Component	Description
Textbook	MyMathLab digital content (access included with course fee)
Calculator	Optional; Casio 300 ES or TI-30XIIS recommended
Delivery Mode	Online, asynchronous
Assessment	Assignments, quizzes, proctored exams, participation
Technology	Computer with webcam, microphone, and reliable internet
Support	Accessibility Services, instructor office hours, online resources

Additional info:

• Specific weekly topics and assignment deadlines are posted in the course’s Blackboard shell.

• Students are encouraged to communicate regularly with the instructor for support and clarification.