Calculus for Business & Social Sciences Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MATH-1325-002 Calculus for Business & Social Sciences

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or 1414 College Algebra or MATH 1324 Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences

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 2313 or 2413, Calculus I.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Washington Street Campus Bookstore:  (806)371-5304

Supplies

Internet:  You need access to reliable internet service to access the class on a daily basis.  (If your internet service is interrupted, it is also a good idea to have a back-up plan for accessing the internet elsewhere so that you can complete your school work!)

Electronic Devices:  You will need a working laptop, computer, tablet, or phone with a functioning camera to watch video lectures, take pictures of your handwritten work to submit online, and complete online homework and tests.  You will also need access to a reliable printer to produce class notes and other materials.  (Computers and printers are available for student use in the Underground in the WARE Building on the Washington Street Campus.  Every student has $20 pre-loaded onto their student ID to cover printing costs!)

Calculator:  You will need a graphing calculator for this course.  The recommended calculator is a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus.  Other forms of Texas Instruments or Casio graphing calculators will be permitted at the instructors discretion.  Note that TI-89s, TI-NSpires, and graphing calculator apps are not permitted in the Math Testing Lab. 

MyMathLab:  Students must have access to MyMathLab.  You may either purchase the student access kit from the Amarillo College Bookstore, or you may pay for access directly from the MyMathLab website. 

Optional/Helpful Apps:  You may either use your iPhone to convert pictures of your work to pdf form, or you can download the free CamScanner app to use to convert pictures of your handwritten work to pdf form.  You may also want to download the Zoom app to take advantage of the remote tutoring available through the Math Academic Success Center.  You may download a free calculator emulator for 90 days to use at https://education.ti.com/en/downloads/trial-software or search your app store for a free app to use at home. Please note that the emulators will not have all of the same functionality as the TI-84.

Student Performance

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

EXPECTATIONS

1.    This online math course requires self-discipline and motivation. You will be expected to learn the material by watching the lecture videos, completing course notes on a daily basis, submitting your completed notes for a grade, working all the homework problems, reviews, and unit exams on MyMathLab, and submitting documentation of your work for a grade.

2.    While unit exams will be administered online, you are required to come to the Math Testing Lab to take an in-person, pencil and paper, Midterm Exam during week 5 and an in-person comprehensive Final Exam during Week 8. No exceptions. (Students distant from Amarillo will be required to locate a proctor at a local school or library to take your exams in person.)  A photo ID is required to take the in person exams.  

3.    You may either complete daily lecture notes by printing them and writing on them, or by saving them as a digital file and completing them on your tablet with a stylus pen.  Either way, you will need to submit them for a grade as a pdf file.  If you complete notes on paper, take pictures of each page, convert to a single pdf, and submit your file.  If you complete notes on a tablet, save the pdf and submit your file.  By signing up for an online course, you are communicating that you have access to the tools necessary to complete the coursework.

4.  When you take a unit exam on MyMathLab, you will be required to document each problem by hand with pencil and paper.  Number each problem, write the problem down, show all necessary work, and circle or box your answer.  Enter your answers on MyMathLab, where your exam will be automatically graded, and submit your handwritten work on Blackboard as a single pdf file.

5.    This class demands a great deal of time. Online courses often take more time than in-class delivery courses. Please expect to spend at least 8-12 hours each week on this course.  If your other life commitments do not allow you this amount of time to spend on the course, you may want to choose another course or delivery method.

6.    Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are posted on the MyMathLab website and in the class schedule posted in Blackboard (through the AC Connect Portal).  However, because this is an online course, I can tailor it to your individual needs without disrupting the flow of the course.  If you need a deadline extension for MyMathLab homework assignments (up to 2 days), please don't hesitate to ask!  However, no MyMathLab homework extensions will be granted past online or in person exam opening dates. Extensions will not be given for online or in person exams. 

Also note that it is perfectly acceptable to work ahead of schedule!

7.    Technical difficulties happen. If you experience problems, contact me immediately, via Remind.  I will do my best to assist you.  Please don't panic, I am here to work with you.  However, completing assignments and exams a few days ahead of time ensures that if you have any technical difficulties, we can take care of them before the due date to keep you on schedule.

8.  You are responsible for getting help when you need it.  On the MyMathLab website, there are step-by-step tutorials you can access for each homework problem you complete.  Take advantage of it!  All students may obtain free tutoring from the Academic Success Center for Math either in person in Durrett Hall Room 104 or using the Zoom meeting platform.  To access tutoring, please join the zoom meeting by following this link:  https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID 541 139 851.  Online tutoring is also available through Smartthinking.

ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Your online presence in the course will be established through correspondence with me and public discussions with other students in the course.  Through any venue, disrespectful language will not be tolerated.  Using foul language in emails or discussions will result in receiving a zero for that assignment and possible removal from the course.  You are expected to express yourself with courtesy and consideration at all times. 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and "Student Rights & Responsibilities" will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to: removal from the course, consultation with the department chair or other AC authority, or withdrawal from the course or college.

Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the rules and regulations described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook under Student Conduct and Responsibilities.  Consequences for cheating may include  receiving a zero for an assignment, permanent removal from the class, or failing the course.

Grading Criteria

Notes: You will be required to watch lecture videos and complete guided notes printed from Blackboard on a daily basis. Notes will be submitted as a single PDF file on Blackboard for a grade.  You will receive a 100 if your notes are complete, a 50 if anything is left blank, and a zero if you do not submit notes.  Due dates are posted on the class schedule in Blackboard.  Five points per day will be deducted for late notes.  If you get behind on the notes every once in a while, please go ahead and submit late notes.  Some points are always better than no points!

Homework:  All homework will be completed online using the MyMathLab website.  Help buttons will be available for each problem in MyMathLab, and you may rework problems multiple times until you get the correct answer.  Assignment deadlines will be provided in our Blackboard class calendar and indicated in MyMathLab with each homework assignment.  Although this homework will be submitted online, I strongly suggest that you keep an organized written homework lof of your work to accompany each homework assignment to better learn the process of solving problems.  You will complete the work on notebook or graph paper with each problem clearly labeled and all necessary work shown. Two online homework assignments will be dropped when calculating your overall homework average.  I understand that sometimes life happens.  If you need a deadline extension for MyMathLab homework assignments (up to 2 days), please don't hesitate to ask!  However, no MyMathLab homework extensions will be granted past online or in person exam opening dates.

Written Spotlight Assignments: Assignments will consist of completing written assignments covering the concepts we have discussed in the lecture. Usually, these problems require a deeper understanding of the basic concepts and students must apply critical thinking skills. Spotlight assignments will be submitted in a signle PDF file on Blackboard and graded by the instructor. Your work on the Spotlight assignments should be formatting and structured like the notes. Assignment deadlines will be announced as the material is covered. Written work will be submitted I do not accept late written assignments.

Exam Reviews:  Reviews will be assigned before each major exam and serve as a practice exam.  You must score a minimum of a 70 on a completed exam review before you will be allowed to take your exam.  

Exams:   Four unit exams will be given on MyMathLab.  In addition to entering your answers on MyMathLab, you will be required to show work for each test problem on paper.  MyMathLab will automatically score your answers, and then you will need to upload your written work as a single PDF file to Blackboard for a grade.  Five online exam points per day will be deducted for late written online exam work.  Due dates for exams are posted in the class schedule in Blackboard and also on MyMathLab.

MANDATORY TUTORING : If your weekly  average is below a 75, you will be required to  complete one hour of tutoring by the provided due date.  Tutoring may be completed on campus in the Academic Success Center for Math or remotely by joining https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID:  541 139 851.  Details regarding the tutoring assignment will be given when tutoring is assigned. 

Make-up exams will not be given.  If an online unit exam is missed, the grade will be replaced with the score you make on the final exam. This policy applies to one online exam only. If you miss more than one online exam, a grade of zero will be averaged for the other missed online exam(s). If you do not miss an online exam during the semester, the grade on the mandatory final exam, if higher, will replace the lowest major online exam grade.  

IN-PERSON MIDTERM EXAM

During Week 5, you will be required to come to the Math Testing Lab on the Washington Street Campus in Amarillo (or another testing site in a different town approved by me) to take your written midterm exam.  This exam is mandatory, and it counts as 20% of your grade.  To prepare for the exam, you may complete the midterm review worksheet available in Blackboard. Turn in your midterm review worksheet in when you take your exam. Dates for the midterm are listed in Blackboard and on the course calendar.   There will be no extensions for this deadline.  If you miss the midterm exam, the grade will be recorded as a 0 and the final exam will NOT replace it. Please make sure to review the testing center policies and hours of operation before showing up to take your exam. 

IN-PERSON COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM

On Week 8, you will be required to come to the Math Testing Lab on the Washington Street Campus in Amarillo (or another testing site in a different town approved by me) to take your comprehensive final exam.  This exam is mandatory, and it counts as 20% of your grade.  To prepare for the exam, you may complete the final exam review worksheet available in Blackboard. Turn in your final exam review worksheet in Blackboard before you take your exam.  Dates for the final exam are listed in Blackboard and on the course calendar.   There will be no extensions for this deadline, as I have to report final grades to the school on time.  If your final exam grade is higher than any one online unit exam grade, the final exam will replace it. Please make sure to review the testing center policies and hours of operation before showing up to take your exam. 

Your course average (A  100 - 90, B  89 - 80, C  79 - 70, D  69 - 60, F Below 60) will be calculated using the following scale:

Note Checks/Written Exam Work  (no drops)        2.5%

MyMathLab Homework (drop the lowest 2)             10%

Spotlight Written Assignments(no drops)                 5%

MyMathLab Online Reviews (no drops)                2.5%

MyMathLab Online Exams (4 Exams, no drops)   40%

Midterm Exam ( IN PERSON)                                20%

Comprehensive Final Exam (IN PERSON)            20% 

I do not accept late work except using the process described above and extra credit is not given. 

Attendance

Through distance learning, you will establish your presence online.  Several times per week, you will need to log into Blackboard to check email and grades, obtain the week's assignments, access the lecture videos, and submit class notes.  In addition, you will need to log into MyMathLab regularly to complete homework and unit exams.

You will be required to come to campus to take the midterm exam and comprehensive final exam in person in the Math Testing Lab.  If you do not live in Amarillo, you are still required to take the comprehensive final exam in person, but we will work together to locate a proctor at a local school, library, or college in your area.  

ADMINISTRATIVE DROP POLICY - Students who do not attend class by logging in and complete the all of the following assignments by the census date for this course which is Monday, June 15, 2026, will be administratively dropped from the course. 

1. Sign and submit the course contract via the assignment in Blackboard.

2. Enroll in MyMathLab

3. Complete the first TWO MyMathLab Homework assignments (Algebra Essentials and 11.1) with 70% accuracy 

The deadline to drop this course is Tuesday July 21, 2026.  To complete the drop process, you must submit your drop form to me for my signature by NOON.  If you stop attending class and you do not officially drop the course by this deadline, you will receive the grade earned in the grade book counting 0s for all missed assignments.  

Note:  Late drops will NOT be given under any circumstance.

Calendar

Additional Information

Phones/Smart Watches: It is the policy of the Mathematics & Engineering Department that cell phones and smart watches must be turned off or on silent mode in the classrooms and the computer labs. During testing, phones and smart watches must be stored out of sight and in silent mode. If a student answers a call during a test, the test will be collected and graded with no further work being done.

AC Connect:  Students will be required to log in to AC Connect on a regular basis to check e-mail, course announcements, and grades. To get into AC Connect, use the website address:  http://acconnect.actx.edu. Once you have logged in, you should see our class listed on your home page. If you need help logging into the site, contact Ask AC at (806) 371-5000

BLACKBOARD

Students should login to Blackboard via the AC Connect portal on a regular basis to check e-mail, course announcements, grades, and access course materials. To get into Blackboard, go to www.actx.edu and click the AC Connect portal.  Log in to Blackboard.  Once you have logged in, you should see our class listed on your home page. If you need help logging into the site, contact Ask AC at (806) 371-5000

GETTING STARTED WITH MYMATHLAB

To register for MyMathLab, follow the instructions posted in Blackboard.

TUTORING, Ware Student Commons 4th Floor

We want you to succeed, so we have provided you with support systems to help you achieve your goals.  Free tutoring is available in the Math Academic Success Center in person on campus or virtually by Zoom.  To join an ongoing Zoom Meeting for tutoring, click the Tutoring Zoom link in Blackboard, or go to  https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID:  541 139 851
In Person Tutoring Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday: CLOSED
806-371-5119

MATH TESTING, Ware Student Commons Room 123
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: CLOSED
No tests will be given out less than 90 minutes before closing, and all tests will be collected 15 minutes before closing.  806-371-5088

Final note: These co-requisite courses require team work.  We all must work together as a team to be successful.  My part is to work closely together with your Math 1314 instructor to build foundational skills to support materials presented in your Math 1314 class. Your job is to be in class every class period, participate, do your assignments on time, and study for your exams. We are here to help you, and you can be here to help each other as well. If you have a problem, please bring it to me or to the group, so that we can work together to solve it. You can succeed in the co-requisite courses, Math 0314 and Math 1314, if you will make the commitment of effort and time.