Heartland Community College
STEM-Business Division
Fall 2013 Student Course Syllabus
Course Title: College Algebra for Business and Social Science
Course Prefix and Number: 106-06
Days and times the course meets: M/W 4:00pm – 6:30 pm
Instructor’s Name: Tom Thakral
Phone: 309.838.1176 (cell)
Credit Hours: 4
Room: ICB 1102
Email: tom.thakral@heartland.edu
Office Hours: M/W: 6:30pm – 7:30pm in classroom, and by appointment
Catalog Description
Prerequisite: Completion Intermediate Algebra Level 1 (Milestone 3) or assessment. Note, a graphing
calculator is required for this course (instruction will be based on a TI 83+).
A brief review of basic algebraic concepts and introduction to more advanced concepts. Topics are viewed
graphically, as well as algebraically. Topics include graphing and solving linear, logarithmic, exponential,
polynomial, power, radical, and rational functions, systems of linear equations, and application problems.
Note, a graphing calculator is required for this course (instruction will be based on a TI 83+).
Textbook: You must have EITHER the textbook OR MyLabsPlus!
Harshbarger, Yocco (2013). College Algebra in Context: With applications for the managerial, life, & social
sciences, Fourth Edition, Boston, MA: Pearson
MyLabsPlus: You must have EITHER the textbook OR MyLabsPlus!
The access code is packaged with the book when purchased from the bookstore. An access code must be
purchased even if you do not purchase the book from the bookstore. This program offers math practice,
tutorials, video lessons, immediate feedback and free tutoring. Register at www.heartland.mylabsplus.com
using the login and password that was emailed to your heartland email account. You will be prompted to enter
an access code after clicking on any link in your course.
Student Communication: To access WebCT, IRIS, and your Heartland Student Email, you will need to log
into myHeartland, at https://my.heartland.edu
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transferability: MATH 106 fulfills 4 semester
hours of elective credit for the A.A. and A.S. degrees. It should transfer to most colleges and universities as an
elective course. However, since this course is not part of either the General Education Core Curriculum or a
baccalaureate major program described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative, students should check with an
academic advisor for information about its transferability to other institutions.
Required Writing and Reading: Required writing will be part of most assignments and tests. Students will be
expected to explain how they found the solution, describe the solution graphically, and interpret the answer in
the context of the problem. Students are expected to read the material in the textbook for each section studied.
Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this course (instruction will be based on a TI 83+). You will
not be allowed to borrow a calculator from another student during exams. Be sure to bring your calculator to
class.
Student Conduct, Academic Integrity, Plagiarism: You are expected to conduct yourself in a courteous and
responsible manner at all times. Please refer to the Student Conduct Policy in the Heartland Community
College CATALOG for specific policies concerning discipline, academic integrity and plagiarism.
Course Outline:
1.
Linear Functions and Linear Systems
2.
Quadratic, Piecewise-Defined, and Power Functions
3.
Higher-Degree Polynomial, Radical, and Rational Functions
4.
Transformations, Symmetry, Combining Functions, One-to-One Functions, and Inverse
Functions
5.
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes):
After completing this course, you should be able to:
Course Outcomes
HCC General Education Outcomes
Define, graph, solve, and evaluate linear functions
and linear inequalities.
Solve systems of linear equations
Recognize functions and properly use function
notation.
Determine characteristics of a quadratic function
such as the vertex, maximum/minimum value, and
the intervals on which it increases/decreases.
Solve equations using various techniques, including
factoring, the intercept-method, the root method, and
the quadratic formula.
Determine characteristics of polynomial functions
such as local minima/maxima, absolute
minima/maxima, intercepts, and end behavior.
Graph, solve, and evaluate absolute value
equations/inequalities, piecewise-defined functions,
radical functions, and power functions.
Convert between radical form and exponential form
and apply exponent rules.
Evaluate and solve rational functions.
Graph rational functions and find asymptotes/holes in
the graph.
Graph, solve, and evaluate exponential and
logarithmic functions.
Model data with various function types and use
technology and other methods to determine which
function type is the best fit to a set of data.
Identify the family of a graph by the characteristics
that it exhibits.
Determine the domain and range of various types of
functions.
Use problem solving strategies to solve application
problems
Understand how technology can be used to solve
problems and understand the limitations of the use of
technology.
Throughout the semester, students
will achieve the following Gen Ed
outcomes. A specific course outcome
may correlate to one or more of the
following Gen Ed outcomes:
PS 3: Students identify the type of
problem and, from multiple problem
solving methods, chooses the best
method and solves the problem.
Students try to apply multiple
strategies to solve problems.
Students show ability to solve
problems which have not been
previously demonstrated by the
instructor. Students are not as
dependent on instructor.
Range of
Assessment
Methods
Throughout the
semester, the
following
assessment
methods may be
used to measure the
course and Gen Ed
learning outcomes:
MyLabsPlus /
Textbook
Homework;
Quizzes;
Exams;
Projects
CO 1: Students create a message
using various structures, claims,
support, credibility, etc., depending
upon their topic, purpose, and
audience.
CO 2: Students effectively deliver a
message via various
channels/modalities.
CT 3: Students generate an answer,
approach, or solution through an
effective synthesis of diverse sources
and arguments and provide a
rationale.
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading System): Your course grade will be determined as follows,
100-90% = A, 89-80% = B, 79-70% = C, 69-60% = D, 59-0% = F. Methods of evaluation may consist of, but
are not limited to test(s), quiz(zes), homework, project(s), and a final exam.
Homework / Attendance
Group Unit Quizzes (4)
Individual Unit Exams (4)
Comprehensive Individual Final Exam
10%
20%
50%
20%
**I do not drop test scores. However, the percent score on your final exam can replace your lowest test percent
score provided that your final is not your lowest test score.
o
You may only replace the score on an exam that you took. If you missed an exam without contacting
me and you received a zero score as a result, that score is not replaceable.
o
You may not replace any exam where you received a zero score as a result of academic dishonesty.
Unit Exams
 Tests will be given 4 times throughout the class – as close as possible to the calendar attached.
 Tests will cover material from handouts, homework assignments, and quizzes.
 You must bring your own calculator to the test.
Participation (or Attendance)
Regular attendance is not only expected, but is a must in order to be successful in this class. If you are absent, it
is your responsibility to obtain class notes and assignments from someone in the class.
Withdrawal Policy: If you miss 4 or more class periods then you may be withdrawn from the course.
Make-up Work
 See me prior to an anticipated absence or contact me on the day of an emergency absence in order to
make arrangements for make-up work. There will be NO make-ups for exams, quizzes, or assignments
if no contact is received before the next class meeting.
 Unless you make arrangements with me ahead of time, I will assume that you are taking the test in our
classroom during our normal class period.
Final Exam:
 The final is comprehensive and will contain material from every unit of the course.
 Our final exam will be Monday, December 9 from 4:00pm – 6:30pm (our classroom)
Incompletes: An incomplete grade may be given to you if, by the withdrawal date, you can reasonably be
expected to pass the course. Incompletes may be granted only when justified by extreme circumstances (e.g.,
serious illness, accident, death or serious illness in the immediate family). Incomplete grades are not given for
such reasons as unjustified failure to appear for the final examination. A written agreement, outline the
requirements to be met, must be signed by both you and I. The agreed upon requirements must be completed no
later than the end of the following semester. By the agreed upon date, I will assign a grade or the incomplete
will be changed to an F if the requirements are not completed.
Cell Phones: You should never be actively using your cell phone in class. If you are expecting an important
call, then your phone should be set on silent/vibrate and you should step out of the classroom to take the call.
Otherwise, your phone should be stowed in a bag or in your pocket. Cell phones must be SILENCED and
STOWED during all exams.
Important Dates:
Sep 9
Sep 17
Oct 25
Nov 11
Nov 27
Nov 28-29
Dec 6
Dec 9 - 13
Dec 9
Dec 16
Classes Begin for 12-Week
Final Day to Drop with Refund for 12-Week Session
Midterm Grade Rosters due by Midnight for 12-Week
Final Day to Withdraw for 12-Week Session
Thanksgiving Break Begins (No Classes, College Open)
Thanksgiving Break (College Closed)
Classes End for 12-Week
Final Exam Week for 12-Week Session
Final Exam from 4:00 – 6:30pm MONDAY
Final Grade Rosters due by Midnight for 12-Week
Tentative Day to Day schedule, Fall 2013:
Week
Date
1
M 09/09
W 09/11
2
M 09/16
W 09/18
3
M 09/23
W 09/25
4
M 09/30
W 10/02
5
M 10/07
6
7
W
M
W
M
W
10/09
10/14
10/16
10/21
10/23
Section covered
Syllabus, GC
1.1, 1.2
1.3, 1.4
2.1, 2.2
2.3,7.1
2.4
Group Quiz Unit 1
Individual Test Unit 1
3.1, 3.2
3.3, 3.4
Group Quiz Unit 2
Individual Test Unit 2
6.1, 6.2
6.3, 6.4
Week
Date
8
M 10/28
W 10/30
9
M 11/04
W 11/06
10
M 11/11
W 11/13
11
M 11/18
W 11/20
12
M 11/25
W
M
W
Final M
13
11/27
12/02
12/04
12/09
Section covered
6.5, 6.6
4.1, 4.2
4.3, 4.4
Group Quiz Unit 3
Individual Test Unit 3
5.1, 5.2
5.3, 5.4
5.5, 5.6
Group Quiz Unit 4
No School – Thanksgiving
Break
Individual Test Unit 4
Final Exam Review
FINAL EXAM 4:00-6:30pm
Syllabus is subject to change!
You are responsible to be in class to hear the changes!