Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

College Algebra (Face-to-Face)

MATH 1050-08

Course: MATH 1050-08
Credits: 4
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: MATH
CRN: 11274

Course Description

An exploration of the properties and applications of functions and their graphs. Students will construct and analyze mathematical models from a wide variety of fields using appropriate technology. Topics include polynomial, rational, inverse, logarithmic, and exponential functions as well as matrix methods for solving systems of equations. Additional topics may include sequences, series, and conic sections. May be taken concurrently with MATH 1060 - Trigonometry in preparation for MATH 1210 - Calculus I. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): MATH 1010 or adequate test score within the last two (2) years - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Prerequisite Test: ACT Math Subscore or Accuplacer Elementary Algebra or ALEKS PPL - Prerequisite Test Score: 23 or 100 or 50 Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Quantitative Literacy

Required Texts

College Algebra by Rockswold, 6th edition (ebook available on MyMathLab, written text optional) 
Required:  MyMathLab access for the course; access to iClicker (paid subscription).

Learning Outcomes

In successfully taking this course, you should be able to do the following: 
  • Be able to solve problems with and without the use of a graphing calculator 
  • Be able to graph common functions. 
  • Solve (systems of) equations and inequalities 
  • Work with arithmetic and geometric sequences and series 
  • Demonstrate properties of exponential and logarithmic functions, and solve exponential and logarithmic equations. 

Furthermore, Math 1050 satisfies the Quantitative Literacy requirement for General Education: Upon successful completion of the General Education Quantitative Literacy requirement, students will be able to:
  1. Communicate: Use correct terminology and proper notation to explain quantitative or mathematical relationships (equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, data) and to support an argument, assertion, or purpose using quantitative or mathematical evidence;
  2. Mathematization: Convert quantitative or mathematical information into appropriate mathematical representations and/or models such as equations, graphs, diagrams, or tables, including making and evaluating important assumptions as needed;
  3. Calculation: Use algebraic skills and techniques to solve problems, including the ability to identify and correct errors in calculations and understanding the role and proper use of technology in assisting with calculations;
  4. Analysis: Draw appropriate conclusions through quantitative or mathematical analysis of data or models, including understanding and evaluating important assumptions in order to recognize the limits of the analysis; and
  5. Application / Creation: Solve concrete and abstract problems across multiple disciplines.

Course Requirements

 There will be three midterms this semester, and each will account for 18% of your grade.  The final exam will account for another 25% of the grade.  The additional 6% of your grade will be attendance and participation based on participation using iClicker.  Homework will account for 15% of your grade.  A student’s letter grade will be based on the following scale: 
 
A 93 – 100  | A-  90 – 92
B+  87 – 89  | 83 – 86  | B-  80 – 82
C+  77 – 79  | 73 – 76  | C-  70 – 72
D+  67 – 69  | 63 – 66  | D+ 60 – 62
F  Below 60  |   |  

Course Outline

Unit 1:  Chapters 1-2:  Linear functions, equations, and inequalities.  Absolute value functions, equations, and inequalities.  Circles
Unit 2:  Chapters 3-4.5:  Quadratic functions, equations, and inequalities.  Polynomial functions, equations, and inequalities.  Graph transformations.
Unit 3:  Chapters 4.6-5:  Rational functions, equations, and inequalities.  Root equations.  Exponential and logarithmic functions and equations.
Unit 4:  Chapter 6:  Systems of equations and matrices.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Homework will be due Fridays at 11:59 pm.  Late work will be accepted at a 20% penalty.  All late work must be submitted by 11:59 pm on the last day of class.

Attendance Policy

Attendance will be taken daily with iClicker and will be counted as part of the "Attendance and Participation" portion of your grade.

Course Fees

$5

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.