Math 116: College Algebra
A dual credit course offered by Western Kentucky University and BGHS
Course:
College Algebra – 3 Credit Hours
This course provides students with the ability to understand and apply mathematical skills
and concepts. Math 116 students will be able to: use fundamental mathematical
reasoning principles; interpret information presented in tables or graphical displays; use
graphical, symbolic, and numeric methods to solve practical problems; and apply an
appropriate mathematical model to the problem to be solved. The content of the course
will include:
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Introduction to Functions
Linear and Quadratic Functions
Polynomial and Rational Functions
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Systems of Equations
Learning
Objectives:
This course fulfills the Quantitative Reasoning requirement in the Foundations category
of WKU’s Colonnade program. As part of that program, Math 116 has the following
learning objectives:
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Interpret information presented in mathematical and/or statistical forms.
2. Illustrate and communicate mathematical and/or statistical information symbolically,
visually and/or numerically.
3. Determine when computations are needed and execute the appropriate computations.
4. Apply an appropriate model to the problem to be solved.
5. Make inferences, evaluate assumptions, and assess limitations in estimation modeling
and/or statistical analysis.
Prerequisite:
The following must be met in order to be admitted into Math 116 at WKU:
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Officially admitted to WKU
A math ACT score of 22
A score of 14 or higher on the WKU Math Placement Exam
Instructor:
Suzanne Harwood
Office Hours:
8:30 – 9:25 and 2:10 – 3:05
Email:
suzanne.harwood@bgreen.kyschools.us
Phone:
BGHS – (270)746-2300 Personal Cellphone – (270)793-3427
Textbook:
Essentials of College Algebra with Modeling and Visualization, 4th Edition, 2012,
Rockswold. The Textbook is optional: the entire content of the textbook can be
accessed online within MyMathLab.
MyMathLab:
A subscription to MyMathLab is required. Directions for setting up your account are
attached.
Calculator:
Students are expected to have a graphing calculator (TI 84) for homework, quizzes, and
exams.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned using MyMathLab. A homework assignment will be given
for each section covered and will be due at 11:59 pm (Central Time) on the dates listed in
MyMathLab. Students will have unlimited attempts to correctly complete each problem
within the time constraints of the due dates. While homework will remain open after the
deadline, questions completed late will be assessed a penalty of 5% per day.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be assigned using MyMathLab and must be completed during class time at
BGHS. Students will have a maximum of two attempts to take each quiz. The higher of
the two scores will be counted toward the grade in the class.
Exams:
All exams will be administered using MyMathLab, which algorithmically generates
different versions of each test.
Students will work their exam/quiz questions on paper and enter the answers into the
computer. For all testing the instructor will review the written work, awarding partial
credit when deemed appropriate and making any necessary grade adjustments.
Each student will be allowed two attempts for each exam/quiz. The second attempt must
be completed during class time and within one week of the original exam/quiz. The score
for the exam/quiz will be the higher of the two attempts.
Course Grade:
A weighted average for this course will be calculated using the following scale:
Homework
10%
Quizzes
10%
Exams
60%
Final Exam
20% (comprehensive and only one attempt is allowed)