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INSTRUCTOR: / Bette Nelson / E-MAIL: /
OFFICE: / G149 / PHONE: / 281-756-3705
OFFICE HOURS: / Monday: 11-12:30, 2:30-3
Tuesday: 9:30-12:30, 1-2:30
Wednesday: 11:00-11:30, 2:30-3:00
Thursday: 9:30-10:30
Friday: 8:00-9:00
WEBSITE: /

WELCOME TO:

Course Title: Business Calculus

Course Number: Math 1325-01

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 0

Total Contact Hours:48

Term and Year: Spring 2017

Class Days & Times: 1:00-2:20, MW

Classroom Location: G122

  1. COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR: The preferred methods of communication are an office visit, a phone call or an e-mail. Please leave your first and last names, the class you are in and a phone number or email address. Explain clearly what you need to discuss with me. I will normally respond within 24 hours Monday-Thursday and by the next business day Friday-Sunday.
  1. Course Description:

This course is the basic study of limits and continuity, differentiation, optimization and graphing, and integration of elementary

functions, with emphasis on applications in business, economics, and social sciences. This course is not a substitute for MATH 2413, Calculus I.

Graphing calculators (TI-83/84 or comparable) are recommended. The TI89 or the Inspire with the 89 face or comparable calculators are not allowed. The course meets three hours per week.

Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or Math 1324; or equivalent Approval.

  1. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course covers differential and integral calculus. Calculus is a powerful tool for analyzing the behavior of functions. Since many situations in business and the sciences can be modeled by such functions, calculus is extremely useful in dealing with problems in these areas. This course will prepare students to further their studies in business, management and economics. The student must demonstrate an understanding of the topics covered in the course through testing.

The student will:

1. Apply calculus to solve business, economics, and social sciences problems.

2. Apply appropriate differentiation techniques to obtain derivatives of various functions, including logarithmic and exponential functions.

3. Solve application problems involving implicit differentiation and related rates.

4. Solve optimization problems with emphasis on business and social sciences applications.

5. Determine appropriate technique(s) of integration.

  1. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS

TextCalculus for Business, Economics, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences, 13th edition, by Barnett, Ziegler, and Byleen –or-My MathLab Student Version Stand Alone Access Code.

For more information about the textbooks and access codes, including details about how to order your book online and have it delivered to you, visit the ACC College Store at

  1. CORE REQUIREMENTS (Only required for CORE courses)

As part of the Texas and ACC Core Curriculum, students in this course will gain a foundation of knowledge in human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning. The chart below details the core requirements that are applicable to this course, the activities in which students will participate to develop skills in the required areas, a determination of how students’ mastery of those areas will be assessed, and the level of expertise students are expected to demonstrate. Please note that these requirements are already included in the computation of the course grade and not a separate grade.

* / Core Objective / Activities / Assessments
Critical Thinking Skills: to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. / Homework / Quizzes and tests
Communication-Written: effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas / Writing paper / Paper
Communication-Oral: effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas / Asking and answering questions in class
Communication-Visual: effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas / Graphing and matrices / Quizzes and tests
Empirical and Quantitative Skills: to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions. / Homework / Quizzes and tests
Teamwork: to include the ability to consider different point of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared goal.
Social Responsibility: to include intercultural competency, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
Personal Responsibility: to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.

*Indicates core areas required for this course

  1. COURSE OUTLINE (Schedule is Tentative)

R. Functions and Graphs

1. Linear and Quadratic Functions

2. Polynomial and Rational Functions

3. Exponential Functions

4. Logarithmic Functions

  1. Limits and the Derivative
  2. Introduction to Limits
  3. Infinite Limits and Limits at Infinity
  4. Continuity
  5. The Derivative
  6. Basic Differentiation Properties
  7. The Differential
  8. Marginal Analysis in Business and Economics

B. Additional Derivative Topics

1. The Constant e and Continuous Compound Interest

2. Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

3. Derivatives of Products and Quotients

4. Chain Rule

5. Implicit Differentiation

6. Related Rates of Elasticity of Demand (optional)

C. Graphing and Optimization

  1. First Derivatives and Graphs
  2. Second Derivatives and Graphs
  3. L Hospital’s Rule
  4. Curve-Sketching Techniques
  5. Absolute Maxima and Minima
  6. Optimization

D. Integration

  1. Antiderivatives and Indefinite Integrals
  2. Integration by Substitution
  3. Differential Equations; Growth and Decay
  4. The Definite Integral
  5. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

E. Additional Integration Topics

  1. Area Between Curves
  2. Applications in Business and Economics
  3. Integration by Parts
  4. Other Integration Methods

F. Multivariable Calculus (optional)

1. Functions of Several Variables

  1. Partial Derivatives
  2. Maxima and Minima
  1. EXAMS AND MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS
  • The paper will be graded according to the rubric given and will count as 25 points. Late papers will not be accepted.
  • Homework will be given and graded on MYMATHLAB or done in the book. In both cases all homework will be kept in a homework notebook for this class only..
  • An End of Course Exam will be given. This exam is given on BlackBoard and is required. The End of Course Exam constitutes 5% of the semester grade. The student must take the End of Course Exam before taking the final.
  • Hour exams will be announced in class. There will be three hour-exams. Each hour exam will cover approximately two chapters. NO MAKE-UP EXAMS will be given.
  • A comprehensive final will be given. The final is a required component of the class. The final will count twice.
  • Quizzes, on BlackBoard, should be taken approximately once a week. The quizzes will be short and will be over problems similar to those on the homework. The student is allowed to take each quiz twice—the higher grade will be the score on that quiz. Quizzes may be taken until the hour exam covering that material. After the hour exam, quizzes over that material will no longer be available. The average on the best tenquizzes will constitute a grade equivalent to an hour exam. There will be NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES.
  1. POLICIES ABOUT COURSEWORK AND DEADLINES
  • Unless otherwise state, every other odd problem will be assigned from the book or all of the problems in MyMathLab on each homework assignment. Students’ questions on homework problems will be answered in class. If the student determines he/she needs to do additional problems, the instructor will answer questions on those problems as well. If there is not enough time to answer all of the student’s questions, the student should meet with the instructor during office hours, go to the Learning Lab, watch a video over the material, go to the online help ( or meet with other students. THE HOMEWORK WILL BE KEPT IN A NOTEBOOK DESIGNATED FOR MATH 1325 HOMEWORK ONLY. THIS HOMEWORK NOTEBOOK SHOULD BE USED TO REVIEW FOR HOUR EXAMS AND THE FINAL. THE HOMEWORK NOTEBOOK MAY BE USED DURING HOUR EXAMS.
  • NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED.
  1. GRADING SUMMARY

GRADING:

One low score-- from the hour exams or the final one time—will be dropped. The average of the remaining grades will determine the grade in the course. The final letter grade will be given using the ten percent grading system.

QUIZZES (100 PTS)_____

HOUR EXAM 1 (100 PTS)_____

HOUR EXAM 2 (100 PTS)_____

HOUR EXAM 3 (100 PTS)_____

PAPER (25 PTS)_____

FINAL (100 PTS)_____

FINAL (100PTS)_____

EOC(25 PTS)_____

TOTAL:_____

AVERAGE = TOTAL/550

GRADES WILL BE AWARDED ON THE BASIS OF THE AVERAGE IN THE CLASS.

10 percent Grading System

Course AverageGrade

90 - 100 A

80 - 89 B

70 - 79 C

60 - 69 D

Below 60 F, W, or I

  1. WITHDRAWING FROM CLASS/COLLEGE

It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing. Current course withdrawal information can be found in the printed version of the ACC Schedule for this semester or online atACC Course Withdrawal Instructions. Students who file withdrawal requests by the published deadline and have not exceeded the withdrawal maximum will receive a grade of W.

Six Drop Limit

The Texas Legislature passed a ruling that limits the number of classes a student can drop during their years as an undergraduate student to six. This policy applies to any student who was a first time college freshmen fall, 2007, or later, who attends a Texas public institution of higher education. Courses dropped while attending a private or out of state college do not count toward the six drop limit. For further information, refer to the ACC Catalog or contact Student Services.

  1. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

You should study the material for every class you are taking every day. A rule of thumb is that you should spend two hours studying outside of class for every hour you spend in class. Hence, a student taking 12 hours is considered a full-time student because we assume that the student spends 12 hours per week in class and at least 24 hours per week studying outside of class. Going to school is a full-time job.

If you have some medical condition that will affect your attendance and participation in this class, please let me know as soon as possible. Sit in the class where you can exit quickly if necessary.

Camcorders and other video recording devices are prohibited in the classroom. Audio may be allowed ONLY with the permission of the instructor.

Cellular phones are not to be used and are not to ring during the class. Cell phones are not to be out during tests—or at other times. If there are special circumstances, arrangements must be made with the instructor in advance.

CLASS RULES:

  • Students should arrive in class and be prepared to ask question, to take notes, and to listen carefully as soon as class begins.
  • The row of seats closest to the door is reserved for late arrivals. If you arrive late, quietly take a seat in the row reserved for late arrivals. If you do arrive late, do not walk in front of the board. Habitual lateness is not allowed.
  • Cell phones and other electronic devices (except for calculators) must be turned off and stored during class. If you are expecting a call, you will inform your instructor, place the phone on the instructor’s desk and your instructor will answer when the call is received.
  • Iphones or similar devices are not to be used as calculators and must be turned off and stored during class. If your instructor sees a phone out during a test, a grade of 0 will be given immediately on the exam.
  • Ask questions dealing with homework problems or the mathematics being presented. When asking a question, raise your hand. Otherwise, there is to be no talking of any kind by the students.
  • Thorough notes should be taken. These notes will benefit the student when doing homework, taking online quizzes, or going to the Learning Lab to seek help.
  • No one is to leave during class or before the class is dismissed.

These rules exist to give all students maximal access, without distractions, to the mathematics being explained by the instructor during class. If a student is a distraction or cannot abide by the “Class Rules”, he/she will be asked to leave the classroom.

  1. GRADE APPEAL PROCESS

Students have one year from the date of the grade assignment to challenge a grade. Refer to the grade appeal process as published in the ACC Catalog at

  1. CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY

Alvin Community College students are required to attend classes. If an absence is unavoidable, the student is responsible for completing all work missed during the absence. Instructors will not withdraw students for non-attendance, except in developmental courses. Absences in excess of two weeks are to be reported to the Office of Advising Services, along with appropriate recommendations. Departments and faculty may have other attendance policies for their course.

  1. CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY

Alvin Community College students are members of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge through a formalized program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor, lie the core values of academic integrity which include honesty, truth, and freedom from lies and fraud. Because personal integrity is important in all aspects of life, students at Alvin Community College are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom. Incidents of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and students guilty of such conduct are subject to severe disciplinary measures.

  1. CLASSROOM PROTOCOL

It is the right of each student to participate in his or her learning, and it is the responsibility of each student to not interfere with the learning of other students. It is the expectation of the college that each student assumes the responsibility to follow college policies and procedures governing classroom conduct on campus and online. This information is published in the ACC Student Handbook on page 42.

  1. EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION

Alvin Community College is dedicated to student success. As part of its ongoing improvement efforts, students will provide input for each course prior to the end of the semester enrolled. Evaluations will be completed in either online or paper format as directed by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Research.

  1. ACC ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES

The ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab, located upstairs in building A, provides students with a variety of services including tutoring (math, writing, and other disciplines); computers and printers; and tables/carrels. Call 281-756-3566 or visit the ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab Websitefor more information.

The ACC Library is an excellent source for research and writing help. Quiet rooms are available for studying and doing class work. For more information, visit theACC Library Website or call 281-756-3559.

ACC Counseling Services assist students with issues that may negatively impact academic success. To contact a counselor, call the office of Advising Services at 281-756-353.

Americans with Disabilities Act

ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking an education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations must register first with the Office of Disability Services, A 136, or call 281-756-3533. Instructors are not able to provide accommodations until the proper process has been followed.

Assessment Care Team (ACT) – The Assessment Care Team (ACT) at Alvin Community College is committed to improving community safety. College faculty, staff, students and community members may communicate safety concerns to the BIT team by email, ACare or through an electronic reporting option located on the ACT pageof the college website.

MY Blackboardsupport can be obtained by completing theOnline Support Form.

WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Lab Information:If you experience problems with WebACCess, please call the Help Desk at 281-756-3544 or email .

  1. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES

As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, substance use, feeling down, difficulty concentrating, and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Advising services employs two Licensed Professional Counselors who can assist students with issues that negatively impact academic success. Consultation and referrals are confidential. The Counseling Referral form is located at:

Emergencies:

If you or someone you know at ACC feels overwhelmed, hopeless, depressed, and/or is thinking about dying by suicide, supportive services are available by requests at the Enrollment Services Center or by calling 281-756-3531, ask for a Counselor. You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255. This is a 24 hour, toll free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crises or emotional distress. If, however, you or someone you know is in an immediate crisis, go to the nearest Emergency Room, or call 911.

  1. DISCLAIMER

(The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as needed and will notify the students of any changes using email or Blackboard.)

MATH1325 WritingAssignment

Write a formal business letter to me describing the math skills that you had acquired prior to taking this course and how they are helping you to succeed in Finite now. Describe math skills in your background that were lacking. Describe the skills which you have obtained that you will use in other classes, in your workplace, and in your life, in general.

This assignment will be valued at 25 points of your total course points. Responses will be graded for content, organization and English usage. A sheet that identifies the major English usage errors that will be counted and a copy of the rubric that will be used to evaluate your paper is included. Please follow the instructions below in writing your letter:

  • Your letter should be a minimum of 500 words.
  • Your letter should be prepared using Microsoft Word or in Rich Text Format and the spelling and grammar checks should be used. You should also carefully proofread your letter to find errors that the software will not correct. You should use either Times New Roman or Arial font size 11-12 and your response should be double spaced. If you do not have a home computer or a program that will produce the correct format, computers with Microsoft Word are available in the Cyber Lab (A-173) or the Learning Lab (A-204B). If you are unable to come to the campus, most public libraries have computers with a word processing program that will produce the required format.
  • Your letter should be prepared in paragraph form. The paper should have an Introduction that includes a topic sentence and paragraphs that elaborate different points in support of the topic. Your paper should also have a concluding paragraph that summarizes the topic. Please be sure that you address all parts of the prompt.
  • If you use ideas or words from your textbook, be sure to provide the appropriate citation to avoid plagiarism. MLA format should be used to cite references within the text and on the Works Cited page. It is not necessary to use references other than the textbook for this assignment. If you are not sure what constitutes plagiarism, there is link on the ACC library homepage and also one in MyBlackboard under Web Links that explains what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. The plagiarism site also provides some basic information about MLA format. There is another web link in MyBlackboard to an MLA site with basics of MLA formatting. More information on a business letter format can be found at
  • Any obvious cheating or plagiarism meant to mislead me will result in a failing grade for the assignment, an academic dishonesty sanction and the possibility of failing the course. Keep in mind that “good faith” paraphrasing with documentation, even if you aren’t very good at it, will not cause you to fail. It is sometimes difficult to put information into your own words. If you use words directly from the textbook, use quotation marks.
  • YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR WORK BY THE DEADLINE OR IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. THE DEADLINE FOR THIS SEMESTER IS GIVEN IN THE TENTATIVE SCHEDULE. THIS PAPER WILL BE HANDED IN TO THE INSTRUCTOR IN BLACKBOARD SEPARATE BLACKBOARD AND IN HARD COPY TO THE INSTRUCTOR IN CLASS. THIS PAPER WILL BE HANDED IN A TOTAL OF TWO TIMES!

MATH1325 WRITING ASSIGNMENT GRADING RUBRIC