College Algebra Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Course Title and Credit Hours

College Algebra is a 3-credit hour course designed to introduce students to foundational algebraic concepts and problem-solving techniques essential for further study in mathematics and related fields.

Course Description

This course covers a variety of equations and inequalities, functions and their inverses, higher degree equations, systems of equations, determinants, logarithms, exponentials, and applications. It is equivalent to MOTR MATH 130 and requires a prerequisite of Math 95 with a grade of C or higher or appropriate placement.

Textbook and Materials

Required Textbook

• College Algebra (5th Edition) by Kirk Trigsted, provided as an eBook bundled with an access code for MyLab.

• Access to a scientific calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed during proctored exams).

• Computer with internet access is required for assignments and exams.

• Formula Sheet: Available in Canvas for use during assignments and exams.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

1. Apply algebraic techniques to simplify polynomial expressions and determine roots.

2. Apply algebraic reasoning to simplify polynomial, radical, rational, exponential, and logarithmic expressions and determine roots.

3. Apply rational exponents to expressions and simplify a variety of expressions and solve equations.

4. Solve and apply systems of equations and inequalities.

5. Investigate and describe how quantities change together.

6. Compute, describe, and interpret rates of change.

7. Analyze and interpret the patterns and relationships present in linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, logarithmic, rational, radical, piecewise, and absolute value functions.

8. Create, apply, and interpret linear functions and/or equations and convert between forms.

9. Generate, apply, and interpret exponential and logarithmic functions and/or equations and convert between forms.

10. Create, apply, and interpret polynomial, power, and rational functions.

11. Construct, apply, and describe transformations, operations, compositions, and inverses of functions.

Communication and Feedback

Communication Types

• Announcements: Time-sensitive information posted on the Announcement page.

• Inbox: Used for personal communication with the instructor.

• Discussions: Includes regular discussion questions, general questions, and homework questions for class interaction.

Communication Turnaround Time

• Expect responses to emails and discussion board questions within 24 hours Monday through Friday.

Grades and Feedback Turnaround Time

• Discussion forums graded within 3 days after the due date.

• Section homework assignments and chapter quizzes are automatically graded and posted in MyMathLab and Canvas.

• Exams are graded and posted in Canvas within one week after the due date.

Grading Policy

Weighted Grades

Category	Weight
Class Discussions	10%
Section Homework	20%
Chapter Quizzes (7 – lowest is dropped)	10%
Proctored Exams (3 – 2 Unit Tests & 1 Comprehensive Final Exam)	60%
Total	100%

Letter Grades

Letter	Percentage Range
A	90–100%
B	80–89%
C	70–79%
D	60–69%
F	59% or less

Assignment Types

Discussion Boards

• Used for class interaction and sharing thoughts on course material.

• Graded using rubrics; comments and grades posted in Canvas.

Assignments

• Computer-based assignments for each section, accessed through MyMathLab.

• Includes all materials needed for learning and practicing skills.

Quizzes

• Quizzes for all chapters; lowest quiz grade is dropped.

• Automatically graded and posted in Canvas.

Unit Exams (Proctored)

• Three unit exams covering all material in the unit.

• Completed online with proctoring software; scientific calculator and formula sheet allowed.

Final Exam (Proctored)

• Comprehensive exam covering the entire semester.

• Completed online with proctoring software; scientific calculator and formula sheet allowed.

Proctored Exams and Environment Scan

Proctored Exams

• Exams are proctored using Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor.

• Requires webcam, microphone, and compatible device (Chromebooks not compatible).

• Cannot be completed on phones, tablets, or mobile devices.

Environment (Room) Scan Notification

• Room scan required before starting proctored exams.

• Must show photo ID, workspace, calculator, pencils, and formula sheet.

• Workspace must be clear of unauthorized materials and distractions.

• Must remain seated and visible on camera during the exam.

Course Policies

Non-graded and Required Activities

• Includes practice problems, surveys, and other activities to support learning.

Late Work

• Policies for late submission of assignments, exams, and discussions are outlined in Canvas.

Netiquette

• Students are expected to communicate respectfully and appropriately in all course interactions.

AI Policy

• Specific guidelines regarding the use of AI tools are provided in the course policies.

Right to Amend

• The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus and course policies as necessary.

Example: Types of Functions Studied in College Algebra

• Linear Functions: $f(x) = mx + b$

• Quadratic Functions: $f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c$

• Polynomial Functions: $f(x) = a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1x + a_0$

• Rational Functions: $f(x) = \frac{p(x)}{q(x)}$ where $p(x)$ and $q(x)$ are polynomials

• Exponential Functions: $f(x) = a^x$

• Logarithmic Functions: $f(x) = \log_a(x)$

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, policies, and expectations for College Algebra, but does not include direct mathematical content or worked examples. For detailed study notes on specific algebraic topics, refer to the course textbook and assignments.