College Algebra Syllabus and Course Overview – Math 130 (Mt. San Antonio College)

Course Overview

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive study of algebraic concepts at the college level. Topics include real numbers and sets, algebraic functions and relations, radicals and exponents, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations, complex numbers, series, theory of equations, mathematical induction, and the binomial formula.

• Textbook: College Algebra, 13th edition, by Lial, Hornsby, and Schneider

• Calculator Policy: Only TI-30XIIS, TI-30XS (MultiView), or TI-30Xa scientific calculators are permitted on exams and quizzes.

Course Policies

Attendance

• Regular attendance is required. Absences must be documented and reported to the instructor.

• Missing the first class results in being dropped from the course.

• Three or more unexcused absences after the first day may result in being dropped.

• Arriving late or leaving early without a valid reason counts as an unexcused absence.

• Students are responsible for dropping the course if they do not intend to complete it.

Homework

• Assigned via MyLab; due every Monday and Wednesday by 11:59 pm.

• Late homework is penalized 10% per day, up to two days late.

• Homework is essential for success, as quizzes and exams are based on assignments and lectures.

Quizzes

• Weekly quizzes every Wednesday, covering homework-related concepts.

• No make-up quizzes; advance arrangements required for excused absences.

• Lowest two quiz scores are dropped.

Exams

• Three exams and one cumulative final exam.

• No make-up exams; early exams possible with advance notice and valid reason.

• Exam Dates:

  • Exam 1: March 25

  • Exam 2: April 29

  • Exam 3: May 27

  • Final Exam: June 10, 2026 (7:30–10:00 am)

Calculator Policy

• Only specified scientific calculators are allowed.

• Calculator rentals available at the MARCS lab.

• Cell phones may not be used as calculators.

Classroom Conduct

• Cell phones must be silent or off; no texting or web browsing during class.

• Violations result in being asked to leave for the day.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating results in a zero and possible further disciplinary action.

• No leaving the classroom during exams/quizzes except for documented medical reasons.

Grading

Grade Breakdown

Component	Percentage
Homework	15%
Quizzes	5%
Exams (3)	48%
Final Exam	32%

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
90–100%	A
80–89%	B
70–79%	C
60–69%	D
59% and below	F

Important Dates

• March 7: Last day to add a class

• March 8: Last day to withdraw without a “W”

• March 31: Holiday

• May 6: Last day to withdraw with a “W”

• May 25: Holiday

Student Resources

Accommodations for Disabilities

• Contact the instructor early for quiz/test accommodations.

• Register with ACCESS for official accommodations.

Tutoring Centers

• MARCS: Free tutoring, study spaces, calculator rentals (Building 6).

• ASAC: Free tutoring (Building 6 South Entrance).

Learning Outcomes & Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• Simplify expressions involving polynomials, rationals, radicals, exponentials, or logarithms.

• Solve equations (polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, or literal).

• Graph functions or relations (polynomial, rational, exponential, or logarithmic).

Course Measurable Objectives (CMOs)

• Simplify expressions, including polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic forms.

• Solve equations and inequalities, including linear, higher-order polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and literal equations.

• Perform operations with functions, including composition.

• Determine domain, range, and inverse of functions.

Additional info: The syllabus aligns with standard college algebra topics, including equations and inequalities, functions and their graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations, and further algebraic concepts. The course emphasizes both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding, preparing students for advanced mathematics or related fields.