BUS 201: Introductory Accounting

Introduction

Welcome to BUS 201, the first course in financial accounting. In a typical class there will be business majors and accounting majors.

There are certain expectations for students in this class. This course is highly structured and has a timetable of events. Once a student gets behind, it is difficult to catch up.

It is very important to understand the first unit of the course. This is the foundation for the whole course. Learning accounting is just like building a structure. If the foundation is poor, the whole structure will be poor.

It is important to communicate with the instructor on a regular basis. This allows students to ask questions and clarify issues. Group members need to "talk" with each other for the projects to be successful.

Description

UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for BUS 201: Introductory Accounting - 4 credits. Fundamental principles, terminology, techniques and applications; books, accounts and financial statements for retailing and wholesaling concerns; treatments and presentation of proprietorship, partnership and corporate accounts. This course fulfills the UWC requirement for Application and Performance (AP).

Prerequisites: Open to second semester freshmen or consent of instructor.

Proficiencies

Institutional proficiencies assigned to this course

Successful completion of this course will enhance the student's ability to:

  • Select and apply scientific or other appropriate methodologies
  • Solve quantitative and mathematical problems

Requirements

This is a time-intensive course with homework assignments due weekly throughout the semester. Students will need to be able to devote at least 9 hours per week for working on this course. As you work through the problems in this course you will find that it is useful to have a good calculator and/or Microsoft Excel. During the summer session, the amount of time required will be double (at least 18 hours per week).

Software

  • Microsoft Word
    The most current edition of MS Office (containing MS Word, Excel and other valuable programs) is available to University of Wisconsin students at discounted prices through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog.

About the Instructors

  • Photo of Bruce DuckworthBruce Duckworth
    Associate Professor, Business
    BS, Colorado State University
    MBA, University of Minnesota