Oakton College

Generic Course Syllabus

I Course Course Course
Prefix Number Name Credit Lecture Lab
MAT 140 College Algebra 3 3 0
II. Prerequisite
MAT 120 (Intermediate Algebra) with a grade of C or better.
III. Course (Catalog) Description
A study of the following functions and their graphs: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and special functions; systems of equations and inequalities, sequences and series, and the binomial theorem.
IV. Learning Objectives
A. Understand the concepts of relation and function.
B. Understand the use of function notation.
C. Understand the relationship between a function and its inverse.
D. Graph and recognize the basic characteristics for the following functions: linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic.
E. Solve systems of linear and nonlinear equations and inequalities.
F. Apply the concepts of sequence and series.
V. Academic Integrity
The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity. Therefore Oakton Community College has adopted a Code of Academic Conduct and a Statement of Student Academic Integrity. These may be found in the Student Handbook. You may also find a summary of the Code of Academic Conduct on the College Catalog.  Among the violations of academic integrity listed and defined are: Cheating, plagiarism, falsification and fabrication of records and official documents, personal misrepresentation and proxy, and bribes, favors, and threats.
It is the student's responsibility to be aware of behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty.
Pursuant to the due process guarantees contained in the Policy and Procedures on Student Academic Integrity, the minimum punishment for the first offense for a student found in violation of the standards of academic integrity is failure in the assignment. In addition, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice-President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
VI.  COURSE TOPICS:
A. Functions and their graphs
  1. Operations on functions: combinations
  2. Graphing techniques
  3. Translations
4. Inverse functions
B. POlynomial Functions: Graphs and Zeros
  1. Quadratic functions
  2. Polynomial functions of higher degree
  3. Remainder and Factor Theorems
4. Complex zeros of polynomial functions
5. Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
6. Applications
  C. Rational Functions and Conic Sections
  1. Rational functions and their graphs
  2. Conic sections
a. Center at origin
b. Translations
D. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
1. Exponential functions and their graphs
  2. Logarithmic functions and their graphs
  3. Properties of logarithms
4. Solving exponential and logarithmic equations
5. Applications
E. Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  1. Linear systems
  2. Nonlinear systems
  3. System of linear and nonlinear inequalities
  4. Applications
  F. Sequences and Series
  1. Fundamentals of sequences and series
  2. Arithmetic sequences
  3. Geometric sequences
4. Binomial Theorem
  5. Applications

 
VII. Methods of Instruction
(To be completed by instructor.) Methods of presentation can include lectures, discussion, experimentation, audio-visual aids, small-group work and regularly assigned homework. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate. 
VIII. Course Practices Required
(To be completed by instructor.)
IX. Instructional Materials
(Contact your instructor.)
A graphics calculator is required.  A TI-83 or higher numbered model will be used for instructional purposes.
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
(To be completed by instructor.)

Evaluation methods can include assignments, quizzes, chapter or major tests, individual or group projects, computer projects and/or a final examination.
XI. Other Course Information
Other course information If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services.  All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.