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MA 109-1 Syllabus



Calculus I



Primarily for Biology and Social Science Majors



Spring 2008



Saint Vincent College



General Information

  • 4 credits
  • Prerequisite: Although there is no formal prerequisite, students should have a good background in precalculus mathematics (such as that provided by MA 104, Elementary Functions).
  • Instructor: Brother David Carlson
  • Office: Physics 201
  • Office hours:
    • Mon Wed Fri 9:00 - 10:15 am
    • Mon 2:00 - 4:00 pm
    • Thurs 12:30 - 2:30 pm
    • and by appointment
  • Phone: 724-805-2416 or extension 2416 on campus
  • Email: carlsond@stvincent.edu
  • The mathematics department will have tutors available to assist students with this course.
  • Text: Calculus and Its Applications, 11th. ed., by Goldstein, Lay, Schneider, and Asmar, Prentice-Hall (2007).

Description


The course covers chapters 0 through 6 of the above text. Calculus I consists of a study of the elementary functions, limits, the derivative and its applications, the definite integral and its applications, as well as techniques of integration. Applications are presented primarily from biology, business, and the social sciences. Graphing calculators and Mathematica are used to assist in the study of various concepts of calculus.

Why Take This Course?


This is a required course for some majors. Calculus is often a prerequisite for entry into graduate schools as well. Since mathematics in general, and often calculus in particular, is the language used to describe much of modern science, it is an essential tool for science students.

Core Goals


This course contributes especially toward the following core curriculum goals, listed in order of emphasis. Writing good mathematics in the solution of problems is the key communication skill for this course.
  1. To develop mathematical skills and quantitative literacy
  2. To form habits of ordered inquiry, logical thinking, and critical analysis
  3. To develop effective communication skills

Course Goals and Means of Assessment

  1. By the end of the course, the student should know and understand the basic concepts of calculus.
  2. By the end of the course, the student should know and understand the fundamental theorems covered.
  3. By the end of the course, the student should be proficient in applying the problem-solving techniques treated in the course, including the use of Mathematica and the graphing calculator.
  4. By the end of the course, the student should see connections between calculus and other areas of mathematics.
These goals will be assessed mainly through the use of quizzes and exams. Informal discussion with students will also assist, especially with the last goal above.

Grading and Course Policies

  • 20% First Exam
  • 20% Second Exam
  • 20% Third Exam
  • 20% Final Exam: Thurs, Dec 13, 8:30 am - 10:30 am
  • 20% Quizzes and Homework
Letter grades will be assigned according to the scheme given in the current College Bulletin. Exams will be announced in advance. A quiz will be given during many class periods. This quiz will usually consist of one problem of the type found in the assignment due that day or very recently. On ocassion a homework assignment, especially one involving the use of a graphing calculator or Mathematica, may be graded and counted in the quiz catetory. Exams and quizzes will be closed-book, closed-notes in nature. Calculators may be used on the exams and quizzes. Cell phones and pagers should be turned off and put away during exams and quizzes. On a test students may only use the test itself, calculators, pens, pencils, and erasers. Calculators may not be passed between students during exams or quizzes. No laptops or other computers may be used on an exam or quiz.

The questions posed on tests, quizzes, and homework will generally be of the mathematical problem-solving type. These require careful analysis using the rules of mathematics and logic, writing of the steps of the problem's solution in good mathematical language, and the production of correct conclusions. You may also be asked to produce a graph of a certain situation and to interpret what you find. A typical problem requires a third to a half page of mathematical explanation, and a typical exam contains at least a dozen such problems.

A graphing calculator is required for this course. It will be used for certain homework assignments as well as on exams and quizzes. The TI-82, TI-83, TI-85, TI-86, and similar are recommended but other calculators that can handle the same types of problems will suffice. You must have a calculator that can produce the graph of a function within an arbitrary viewing window, integrate numerically, and solve equations.

Both the instructor and students are expected to do their best to produce a good class and to treat each other with respect. This includes many factors, such as listening when someone else is speaking, trying to understand what others are saying, being of assistance to others, etc. It definitely does NOT include making fun of others. On a practical level, do your best to improve your grade: read the text, attend class, do the work, ask questions, and try to answer questions in class! Mathematics is not a spectator sport! It requires active participation and repeated practice. If you begin to feel lost, consult one of the tutors, see the instructor, or work through the difficulties with the help of another student in the course. Do not let yourself get behind. Note in particular that attendance is expected. Student performance is bound to deteriorate when classes are missed. In order to emphasize the importance of attendance, the policies outlined after this paragraph will be used.
  • If the student does not attain an overall passing combined test average, a failing grade will be received for the course.
  • Each unexcused class absence after the first 5 results in 1 percentage point being deducted from the final course grade.
  • Arriving late for class or leaving early (without a proper excuse) is counted as 1/2 of an absence.
  • An unexcused absence from an exam results in the failure of the course.
  • Unexcused absence from more than one-third of the semester's classes results in the failure of the course.
  • Attendance is used to decide borderline grades at the end of the semester.
  • Unexcused absence from class means a grade of zero on any quiz given in that class.
  • Late work is not accepted unless resulting from an excused absence.
  • Written documentation (such as a note from a doctor's office or coach of one's sports team) is normally required for an absence to be excused. Always bring a copy of such a note to give to your instructor when class must be missed. In special circumstances, check with your instructor.
  • The lowest 3 quiz grades (but not homework grades) will be dropped at the end of the semester. This is intended to cover absences due to minor illnesses, sports, and the like.
Make-up quizzes will not normally be given. For an excused absence, the student will simply be excused from the quiz. Make-up exams are strongly discouraged. If possible, take the regularly scheduled exam. For an excused absence for a significant reason, the instructor may agree to give a make-up exam. Whenever possible, see your instructor ahead of time if you know you must miss an exam (e.g. due to sports). Normally some type of written documentation is required (such as a note from the coach, doctor, etc.). Students participating in sports teams are required to provide the instructor at the start of the semester with a schedule of games that might conflict with class. If the documentation or reason for missing an exam is poor, the student can count on receiving a significantly more difficult exam, if one is given at all! Do ask about a makeup exam if you have a good reason to miss an exam, as it is understood that illnesses and other complications do happen.

Intellectual honesty is important at Saint Vincent College. Attempts to pass off the work of another as one's own, or group work as one's individual work, will result in action appropriate to the seriousness of the situation. All cases of apparent intellectual dishonesty are referred to the college administration. In this course, students are expected to do entirely their own work on the exams and quizzes. Other work can be done together unless explicitly stated otherwise. Some students learn better when working mostly alone. Others do better when working together. However, never simply copy someone else's work as that does little to help you to learn the material. Remember that you are responsible for knowing how to solve the homework problems and that you will have to face the test questions on your own. Be sure to read the Regulations section of the College Bulletin (which covers such things as grading, academic honesty, etc.) and the Student Handbook (especially the section on academic honesty).

Students with disabilities who may be eligible for academic accomodations and support services should please consult Mrs. Sandy Quinlivan by phone (724-805-2371), email (sandy.quinlivan@email.stvincent.edu), or by appointment (Academic Affairs - directly above the post office). Reasonable accomodations do not alter the essential elements of any course, program, or activity.

If the instructor needs to cancel class, every effort will be made to post a note to this effect on the course web page and on the door to the classroom. If this cannot be done, as a last resort the instructor's phone greeting will be changed to indicate that class is cancelled.



Maintained by: Br. David Carlson
Last updated: January 09, 2008
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