Benedictine University at Springfield
Course:
Meeting:
Location:
Business Calculus
Wednesday 6PM – 10PM, Jan 7 – Mar 11, 2015
D-103
Instructor: Steven Stowers
Email : sstowers@ben.edu
Phone: (217) 718-5288
Pre-Class Assignment:
Review, if necessary, the content of the first four chapters of the textbook MATHEMATICS WITH
APPLICATIONS, Tenth Edition, by Lial/Hungerford/Holcomb prior to our first class meeting.
 Look ahead at sections 1 through 4 of Chapter 6.
 Be sure to bring your graphing calculator with you to our first class!

MATH 115 – BUSINESS CALCULUS
I. Course Description
A survey of mathematical techniques used in the managerial, social and life sciences. Topics include systems
of linear equations and matrices, linear programming, differential calculus, and applications of the derivative.
II. Required Textbook and Materials

MATHEMATICS WITH APPLICATIONS, Tenth Edition, by Lial/Hungerford/Holcomb ISBN 0-321-64553-7

You will be expected to have a graphing calculator (such as a TI-83 or TI-84). While it is possible to get
along without one, not having one will make some things significantly more difficult, and no special
accommodations will be provided. You will not be allowed to use electronic devices, such as
smartphones or tablets running calculator apps, during tests.
III. Mission Statement
Benedictine University is dedicated to the education of undergraduate and graduate students from diverse
ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. As an academic community committed to liberal arts and
professional education distinguished and guided by our Roman Catholic tradition and Benedictine heritage, we
prepare our students for a lifetime as active, informed and responsible citizens and leaders in the world
community.
Course Philosophy:
The topics and applications used in this course should be mastered by its students as many of these same
topics and applications may present themselves again in other forms of mathematics, such as statistics, linear
programming, and operations research.
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IV. Goals, Objectives, and Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, each student will be able to perform the following:
A. Goals:
Students will develop an appreciation for the concepts of finite mathematics and basic differential and
integral calculus. They will become proficient in using these concepts to set up and solve problems in
business and the natural and social sciences.
B. Course Objectives:
Upon completing this course, students should have a good working knowledge of the subject matter.
In particular, they should be able to do the following:
1. Set up and solve systems of linear equations, and use them to solve real-world problems.
2. Use linear inequalities and graphs to set up and solve linear programming problems.
3. Understand the meaning and significance of (first and second) derivatives; be able to find
derivatives of various kinds of functions; and use derivatives to solve various kinds of problems
including those involving rates of change, optimization, and curve sketching.
4. Be able to find simple antiderivatives and understand basic concepts and uses of integration.
C. Mode of Inquiry Learning Goals and Objectives:
1a: Students will demonstrate critical thinking and analysis through exercises including:
 discussing appropriate and inappropriate uses of statistical techniques, calculations, and graphs
 using hypothesis testing to evaluate statistical claims
1b: Students will identify, study, and solve problems of various kinds, including solving probability
problems using applicable rules, formulas, and distributions.
1c: Students will achieve computational skills and an ability to understand and interpret numerical
data in many ways throughout the course, including
 applying statistical methods to organize, graph, and interpret numerical data
 calculate statistical measures (such as means, medians, and standard deviations) and confidence
intervals
6a: Students will develop intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning by gaining an
understanding of the techniques and principles underlying the statistical information and studies
they will encounter throughout their lives.
7a: Students will use knowledge, theories, and methods from the arts, humanities, natural sciences,
and social sciences to raise and address questions germane to those areas of study. They will
analyze and interpret data, perform calculations, solve problems involving situations arising from
different areas including business and marketing, psychology and sociology, and criminal justice.
7d: Students will explore connections between classroom knowledge and real-world experiences by
applying statistical techniques and calculations to answer questions and study situations relating to
the real world.
V. Teaching Methods/Delivery System
The teaching method will primarily be in a lecture format, supplemented by discussion, demonstration, and inclass work. The beginning of each course will always start with questions and answers about material we
covered earlier, and we will always go over any questions regarding homework or assignments that were
assigned.
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VI. Course Requirements
Attendance Policy:
This course is highly accelerated, and students will need to take a great deal of responsibility for their own
learning outcomes. Attendance is required in each class meeting for the full period of time. Any absence must
be due to extraordinary circumstances and will require documentation for it to be considered excused.
Documentation must be provided immediately in order to determine what, if any, accommodations are
reasonable or possible. Class attendance will directly impact your final grade, and each undocumented
absence will be considered unexcused and will result in a 20% reduction in the final grade for the course.
Due to the accelerated nature of the course, should you experience a medical condition which prevents you
from attending any class(es), appropriate medical documentation must be provided immediately so it may be
determined what, if any, accommodations are reasonable or possible.
In the event of any absence (excused or not), it is your responsibility to do whatever is necessary to find out
what you missed, learn the material covered, and hand in all assignments.
Benedictine University at Springfield Student Academic Honesty Policy
The search for truth and the dissemination of knowledge are the central missions of a university. Benedictine
University at Springfield pursues these missions in an environment guided by our Roman Catholic tradition and
our Benedictine heritage. Integrity and honesty are therefore expected of all University students. Actions
such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, forgery, falsification, destruction, multiple submission,
solicitation, and misrepresentation are violations of these expectations and constitute unacceptable behavior
in the University community.
Student’s Responsibility
Though there is no formal honor code at Benedictine University at Springfield, students are expected to
exhibit academic honesty at all times. Violations against academic honesty are always serious and may result
in sanctions which could have profound long-term effects. The final responsibility for understanding the
Academic Honesty Policy of the institution, as well as the specific policies for individual courses normally
found in syllabi, rests with students. If any doubt exists about what constitutes academic dishonesty, students
have the responsibility to talk to the faculty member. Students should expect the members of their class to be
academically honest. If students believe one or more members of the class have been deceitful to gain
academic advantage in the class, students should feel comfortable to approach the faculty member of the
course without prejudice.
Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs.
Along with a verbal warning, the following are consequences a student may face for academic dishonesty:
 a failing grade or “zero” for the assignment;
 dismissal from and a failing grade for the course; or
 dismissal from the Institution.
VII. Means of Evaluation
Tests: We will have three or four chapter tests, as listed in the Course Outline, and a comprehensive final
exam at the end of the course. The average of those exam scores will be 85% of the final grade.
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All tests must be taken when scheduled. In case of emergency, other arrangements can be made, but
you must contact me before or immediately after the test (well before the next class period). Otherwise,
you get a score of 0 for the missed test.
During a test, you are not allowed to use electronic devices of any kind other than an approved
calculator; to use your book, notes, or other aids except where specifically permitted by the instructor; to give
or receive assistance from anyone else; or to look at or copy from any other student’s test paper. Failure to
abide by these rules may result in a score of 0 for the test.
Tests may have both an in-class component and a take-home component. Take-home tests are subject
to the same rules as in-class tests, and they must be turned in when they are due in order to receive credit.
Homework will be assigned each for each section covered, to be turned in at the beginning of the following
class period. Any homework turned in late will receive half credit. The homework average will be 15% of the
final grade.
On the homework, please write neatly and show all your work. Homework will be graded on
correctness, completeness, and clarity—not just on what your final answers are, but also on how well you
communicate those answers and how you got them.
When doing the homework assignments, you are allowed, and even encouraged, to work together,
compare answers, or seek outside help, if this helps you in learning the material. You are not allowed,
however, to merely copy someone else’s answers. If I become convinced that you have merely copied the
answers to any of the homework problems (i.e. from another student or from the back of the book), without
working them out for yourself, I will not grade the rest of your paper and you will get a 0 for that assignment.
In addition to handing in the assigned homework, you are also expected to do whatever additional
work is necessary and effective for you to master the material, such as reading each section of the book as it is
covered in class and/or going back to review it later, doing additional exercises other than those assigned to
be turned in, using resources available on-line, or seeking outside help. Be aware that tutorial assistance is
available through the campus Resource Center (in the lower level of Becker Library) or online through
SmarThinking.
Some in-class work, such as minor review quizzes, review problems, or group exercises, may be graded
and their scores included in the homework portion of your course grade. These may not be made up in the
case of absence.
Tests (including final exam): 85%; Homework: 15%;
Grade: 90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; under 60% = F
Grade Appeal Process:
If a student believes that an error has been made in reporting a grade, an appeal must be made in writing to
the instructor and must be initiated within 60 calendar days after the end of the term for which the grade in
question was reported. The appeal should contain specific information about why it is believed the grade
reported is inaccurate. See the Student Handbook for additional details.
Add/Drop Dates: Please refer to the current academic calendar for add/drop dates
Incomplete Request:
To qualify for an “I” grade, a minimum of 75% of the course work must be completed with a passing grade,
and a student must submit a completed Request for an Incomplete form to the Registrar’s Office. The form
must be completed by both student and instructor, but it is the student’s responsibility (not the instructor’s)
to initiate this process and obtain the necessary signatures.
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Student Withdrawal Procedure:
It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course by completing the appropriate form, with
appropriate signatures, and returning the completed form to the Advising Office. Please refer to the Student
Handbook for important financial information related to withdrawals.
VIII. Topical Course Outline:
(This schedule may need to be adjusted slightly. Any changes to test dates, etc. will be announced in class.)
Week 1:
January 7
Chapter 6: Systems of Linear Equations and Matrices
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Systems of Two Equations in Two Variables
Linear Systems of Linear Equations
Applications of Linear Equations
Basic Matrix Operations
Week 2:
January 14
Chapter 7: Linear Programming
7.1
7.2
7.3
Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two Variable
Linear Programming: The Graphical Method
Applications of Linear Programming
Week 3:
January 21
TEST over Chapter 6 & 7
Chapter 11: Differential Calculus
11.1
11.3
Limits
Rates of Change
Week 4:
January 28
Chapter 11: Differential Calculus [Continued]
11.4
11.5
11.6
Tangent Lines and Derivatives
Techniques for Finding Derivatives
Derivatives of Products and Quotients
Week 5:
February 4
Chapter 11: Differential Calculus [Continued]
11.7
11.8
11.2
The Chain Rule
Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
One-Sided Limits and Limits Involving Infinity [if time permits]
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Week 6:
February 11
TEST over Chapter 11
Chapter 12: Applications of the Derivative
12.1
Derivatives and Graphs
Week 7:
February 18
Chapter 12: Applications of the Derivative [Continued]
12.2
12.3
12.4
The Second Derivative
Optimization Applications
Curve Sketching
Week 8:
February 25
TEST over Chapter 12
Chapter 13: Integral Calculus
13.1
13.2
Antiderivatives
Integration by Substitution
Week 9:
March 4
Chapter 13: Integral Calculus [continued]
13.3
13.4
Area and the definite Integral
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
TEST over Chapter 13 (if time permits and we decide to have a separate Chapter 13 test)
Review/Catch up for Final Exam
Week 10:
Final Exam
March 11
IX.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Benedictine University at Springfield provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to
participate in educational programs, activities, and services. Students with disabilities requiring
accommodations to participate in campus-sponsored programs, activities, and services, or to meet course
requirements, should contact the Resource Center as early as possible: springaccess@ben.edu or 217-7179253.
X.
Assessment:
Goals, objectives, and learning outcomes that will be assessed in the class are stated in this syllabus.
Instructor will use background knowledge probes, one-minute papers, reflective essays and/or other
Classroom Assessment Techniques as deemed necessary in order to provide continuous improvement of
instruction.
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