BackBUS 214 – Financial Accounting: Syllabus and Course Structure Overview
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Course Overview
Introduction to Financial Accounting
This course provides a foundational understanding of financial accounting, focusing on the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements. Students will learn the principles and procedures necessary to record business transactions and communicate financial information effectively.
Primary Objective: To develop the ability to prepare, interpret, and analyze financial statements.
Key Skills: Transaction analysis, accrual accounting, internal control, and financial statement analysis.
Applications: Real-world business scenarios, ethical considerations, and decision-making using accounting data.
Course Topics and Structure
Main Topics Covered
The course is organized into weekly modules, each focusing on a specific chapter from the textbook. The following topics align with standard financial accounting curriculum:
Ch. 1: The Financial Statements
Ch. 2: Transaction Analysis
Ch. 3: Accrual Accounting and Income
Ch. 4: Internal Control and Cash
Ch. 5: Receivables and Revenue
Ch. 6: Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold
Ch. 7: Plant Assets, Natural Resources, and Intangibles
Ch. 8: Current and Contingent Liabilities
Ch. 9: Long-Term Liabilities
Ch. 10: Stockholders' Equity
Ch. 11: The Statement of Cash Flows
Ch. 12: Financial Statement Analysis
Additional info: The syllabus also references appendices and supplemental modules, such as Apple Inc. Annual Report analysis and time value of money concepts.
Course Objectives
Understand the role of financial accounting in business decision-making.
Develop proficiency in recording and analyzing business transactions.
Prepare and interpret the four basic financial statements:
Income Statement
Balance Sheet
Statement of Stockholders' Equity
Statement of Cash Flows
Apply ethical reasoning to accounting practices.
Utilize accounting information for internal and external decision-making.
Required Materials
Textbook: Financial Accounting, Harrison, Horngren, Thomas, Tietz (Pearson, 12th edition, eBook)
Online Homework Platform: MyLab Accounting (MLA)
Supplemental Module: Excel module (required for BUS 214 students)
Assessment and Grading
Grading Components
Component | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Examinations (2) | 150 | 37.5% |
Final Examination | 100 | 25% |
Quizzes (8) | 40 | 10% |
Homework (MLA) | 40 | 10% |
Video Assignments | 20 | 5% |
In-Class Exercises / Polls | 20 | 5% |
Excel Module Final Assignment | 30 | 7.5% |
Total | 400 | 100% |
Grading Scale
Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
A | 93-100% |
A- | 90-92% |
B+ | 87-89% |
B | 83-86% |
B- | 80-82% |
C+ | 77-79% |
C | 73-76% |
C- | 70-72% |
D+ | 67-69% |
D | 63-66% |
D- | 60-62% |
F | Below 60% |
Course Schedule
Weekly Breakdown
The course schedule is organized by week, with each week covering specific chapters and topics. Homework assignments, quizzes, and exams are distributed throughout the term.
Week | Chapter(s) | Class Content | Homework Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | N/A | Course Introduction, Syllabus | Read Syllabus, Complete Course Comments |
2 | 1 | The Financial Statements | Chapter 1 Homework, Video Assignment |
3 | 2 | Transaction Analysis | Chapter 2 Homework, Video Assignment |
4 | 3 | Accrual Accounting and Income | Chapter 3 Homework, Video Assignment |
5 | 4, 5 | Internal Control and Cash; Receivables and Revenue | Chapters 4 & 5 Homework |
6 | 6 | Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold | Chapter 6 Homework |
7 | 7 | Plant Assets, Natural Resources, and Intangibles | Chapter 7 Homework |
8 | 8, 9 | Current and Contingent Liabilities; Long-Term Liabilities | Chapters 8 & 9 Homework |
9 | 10, 11 | Stockholders' Equity; Statement of Cash Flows | Chapters 10 & 11 Homework |
10 | 12 | Financial Statement Analysis | Chapter 12 Homework |
Additional info: The schedule includes exam dates, review sessions, and academic holidays. Specific assignments and deadlines are listed for each week.
Recommendations for Success
Review and keep current with course materials and assignments.
Attend all scheduled classes and participate actively.
Complete homework and quizzes on time.
Prepare thoroughly for exams and seek help when needed.
Respect academic integrity and university policies.
University Policies
Academic Integrity: Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited.
Accommodations: Students with disabilities should contact the Disability Resource Center.
Diversity & Inclusion: The course values diversity and inclusion in all aspects.
