Master Syllabus
(Generic Course Outline)
NOTE: The intention of this master course syllabus is to provide a general outline of the
contents of this course, as specified by the faculty of Wharton County Junior College,
regardless of who teaches the course, when it is taught, or where it is taught. This
generic outline is not intended to restrict the way any individual faculty member teaches
the course. The master syllabus, therefore, should be general enough to allow for a
diversity of individual approaches to teaching the course, while at the same time it
provides guidance on what the course should cover.
Division or Administrative Unit: Math and Science
Course Prefix and Number: MATH 1314
Course Title: College Algebra
DIGITAL DESCRIPTIONS
STUDENT DESCRIPTION
PAY-HOUR DESCRIPTION
# Cr Hrs
# Lec Hrs
# Lab Hrs
Lec Hrs + Lab Hrs = Total Pay Hrs
3
3
0
__3__ + [_0__ x ½] = __3__
Catalog Description:
Includes systems of linear equations; selected topics on determinants and matrices;
quadratic equations; systems involving quadratics, ratio and proportion, variation,
exponents and radicals; inequalities; progressions; permutations and combinations; the
binomial theorem; and selected topics in theory of equations and partial fractions.
Prerequisites/Corequisites:
TASP math requirement met.
Text.
College Algebra, by Sullivan, ‘99 edition
Course Objectives: See attached
Topical Outline (major areas of coverage): See attached
Site Requirements (classroom & lab space, special equipment or workstations, etc.):
Chalkboard and chalk.
Recommended maximum class size for this course: 30
Prepared by:
Name
Date: ________________________________
Signature
(Additional pages may be appended and the syllabus expanded as needed.)
Master.syl (rev. 7-2-98)
Wharton County Junior College
Math/Science Division
College Algebra
(MATH1314)
Course Objective:
To have students be able to evaluate and solve problems from four major topics:
A) Be able to do fundamental operations on algebraic expressions such as simplify, add,
subtract, multiply, divide, or factor:
1) expressions with exponents, both integer and rational
2) polynomials
3) roots and radicals
4) complex numbers
B) Be able to solve
1) any linear equation with one variable
2) any quadratic equation
C) Be able to do basic graphing techniques such as listed in the topical outline of major
areas of coverage.
D) Be able to solve a system of equations
Topical Outline:
Major areas of coverage
A) Evaluate an algebraic with any exponents, positive, negative, zero, or fractional
exponent.
B) Add, subtract, multiply, or divide polynomials with more than one term.
C) Factor a polynomial by finding the greatest common factor, the difference of two
perfect squares, or a trinomial, or declare that the polynomial cannot be factored,
prime.
D) Simplify, add, subtract, multiply, or divide roots and radicals.
E) Add, subtract, multiply, and divide complex numbers.
F) Solve a linear equation.
G) Solve a quadratic equation.
H) Evaluate a given function for a given value of x.
I) Find the distance between 2 given points.
J) Find the mid-point between 2 given points.
K) Find the x and y intercepts.
L) Find the slope of a line passing through 2 given points.
M) Find the slope of a line when given the equation of the line
N) Find the slope of a line
1) parallel to a given line
2) perpendicular to a given line
O) Give the center and radius of a circle when given the equation of the circle.
P) Write the equation of a circle when given the center and radius.
Q) Tell which way a parabola opens.
R) Find the vertex of a parabola.
S) Identify an equation as being a linear, parabola, ellipse, circle, or hyperbola.
T) Solve a system of equations.
U) Evaluate a determinant.
V) Solve a “story” or “word” problem.
Course Grading: College Algebra
In order to promote flexibility, individuality, and intellectual excellence, the grading system used
by individual instructors is left to the instructors. There are mandatory stipulations.
1.
Semester grades are A,B,C,D,F, and sometimes I.
2.
Grades should reflect a variety of measures.
3.
To help in the Departmental evaluation of College Algebra goals, a standardized
departmental posttest is given and accurate scores are reported. (Weight of posttest in
grading system is at the discretion of the instructor.)
4.
Students receive a clearly worded, written description of the grading system included in
the course outline.
EXAMPLE:
Unit test
Project/Journal
Homework
Daily work/participation
Final (60% is posttest + 40% added by instructor)
*Semester grade
35%
18%
12%
5%
30%
A: 92% - 100%
B: 84% - 91%
C: 72% - 83%
D:64% - 71%
F: LESS THAN 64%
I: INCOMPLETES GIVEN ONLY FOR STUDENTS
MISSING FINALS FOR LEGITIMATE REASONS.