Math 1021 College Algebra Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

Course Overview

Introduction to Math 1021: College Algebra

Math 1021 is a foundational college algebra course designed to prepare students for further study in mathematics and related fields. The course covers essential algebraic concepts, problem-solving strategies, and applications relevant to precalculus and other quantitative disciplines.

• Course Eligibility: Requires a qualifying ACT, SAT, or ALEKS PPL score.

• Course Structure: Combines weekly class meetings with required lab hours in the LSU Math Lab and online assignments via MyLab Math (MLM).

• Textbook: Algebra & Trigonometry, 4th edition by Kirk Trigsted (eText included with MLM access).

Course Topics

Major Topics Covered

The course content aligns with standard precalculus and college algebra curricula, focusing on the following topics:

• Solving Equations and Inequalities

• Lines and Circles

• Systems of Equations

• Functions and Their Graphs

• Inverse Functions

• Polynomial, Rational, Exponential, and Logarithmic Functions with Applications

Additional info: These topics correspond to Chapters 1–5 and 12–14 in a standard precalculus textbook.

Learning Outcomes

Skills Developed

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Apply algebraic methods to increasingly complex problems.

• Communication: Engage actively in class and lab discussions, and communicate mathematical reasoning effectively.

• Self-Awareness: Develop independent learning strategies and complete the learning cycle each week.

Course Components and Policies

Class and Lab Participation

• Class Meetings: Once per week, 50 minutes. Attendance and active participation required.

• LSU Math Lab: Minimum of 3 flexible hours per week required. Lab participation is graded.

• Participation Grade: 5% for class, 5% for lab (total 10% of course grade).

Assignments and Assessments

• Homework: Completed in MLM, available from semester start, due dates posted. Two lowest scores dropped.

• Quizzes: Mini-tests on weekly material, up to 10 attempts per quiz, lowest score dropped.

• Tests: Four proctored tests, lowest test score replaced by Final Exam score if higher.

• Final Exam: Cumulative, counts for 25% of course grade (or more if used as a replacement score).

Calculator Policy

• Approved Calculators: TI-30XIIS (solar) or TI-30XIIB (battery) only.

• Other Calculators: Not permitted on tests, exams, or in the Math Lab.

Required Materials

• Class Notes (purchase or print from Moodle/MLM)

• LSU Student ID card (for lab and testing center access)

• Stable internet and compatible device for MLM access

Grading Structure

Course Grade Calculation

Category	Weight	Details
Participation	10%	5% class, 5% lab
Homework	10%	Lowest 2 scores dropped
Quizzes	10%	Lowest score dropped
Tests	45%	4 tests, lowest replaced by Final Exam if higher
Final Exam	25%	Cumulative, never dropped

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A+	97–100%
A	93–96%
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	0–59%

Course Policies and Procedures

Attendance and Participation

• Active participation in both class and lab is required for success.

• Absences must be documented and communicated according to university policy.

Academic Integrity

• All work must be your own. Use of unauthorized resources is a violation of the LSU Code of Student Conduct.

• Violations may result in non-replaceable zeros and referral to the Office of Student Advocacy & Accountability.

Testing Procedures

• All tests and the Final Exam are proctored and must be scheduled in advance.

• Valid LSU or State ID required for entry to testing centers.

• Only approved calculators and scratch paper provided by the center are allowed.

Accommodations

• Students with disabilities must register with LSU Disability Services and submit accommodation letters in advance.

• Extended time and other accommodations require advance notice and proper scheduling.

Integrative Learning Core (ILC)

Quantitative and Formal Reasoning

• This course fulfills 3 credit hours of the Louisiana Board of Regents Area of Mathematical/Analytical Reasoning.

• Develops skills in quantitative reasoning, problem-solving, and application of mathematical concepts.

Emergency Procedures

Alternative Instruction

• In the event of campus closure, instruction may move online via MyLab Math and LSU Videos.

• Testing may be conducted via ProctorU, and grading policies may be adjusted as needed.

Summary Table: Key Course Components

Component	Description
Class Meetings	Weekly, 50 minutes, required attendance
Lab Hours	Minimum 3 hours/week in LSU Math Lab
Homework	Online via MLM, two lowest scores dropped
Quizzes	Online via MLM, lowest score dropped
Tests	Four proctored, lowest replaced by Final Exam if higher
Final Exam	Cumulative, proctored, 25% of grade
Calculator	TI-30XIIS or TI-30XIIB only
Textbook	Trigsted Algebra & Trigonometry, 4th ed. (eText)

Additional info: For detailed content on equations, functions, and other algebraic topics, refer to the class notes, etext, and video lectures provided in the course resources.