CALCULUS I - MA 109 - (4 credits) - Fall 2009
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| The tangent line INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Botsko TEXT: Calculus and Its Applications, 12th edition by Goldstein, Lay, Schneider & Asmar COURSE CONTENT: We will cover chapters 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the above text. Calculus I consists of a study of the elementary functions, limits, the derivative, the definite integral, and techniques of integration. Applications are presented from biology and the social sciences. The computer will be used to study various concepts of Calculus. OBJECTIVES: Students are expected to know the basis concepts and the fundamental theorems of the course, to develop proficiency in applying the problem solving techniques in the course, and to make connections between Calculus and other area of mathematics. Quizzes and exams will be used to assess the level to which these objectives are being attained. Exams: There will be 3 exams and a final and you will be given a week's notice for each exam. In addition there will be a quiz at the beginning of each class consisting of one problem from the assignment due that day. At the end of the semester your 4 lowest quizzes will be dropped. The quizzes will then be averaged and that average will count as 1 test grade. No quizzes or exams can be made up for any reason. If you miss a quiz, the grade for that quiz is zero. GRADING POLICY: The final will count as 1/5 of your grade as will each of your exams. The grading system will be according to the current SVC bulletin. CLASS ATTENDANCE: Please make every effort to keep up with assignments and to attend
all classes. Since you are not permitted to make up quizzes, it is
vital that you be present for each and every class. Students who are
planning to participate in official sports activities must, at the
beginning of the semester, provide the instructor with a schedule
of events which may conflict with class attendance. Do remember, however,
that no more than 4 of your daily quizzes can be dropped. If for some reason class is cancelled, an announcement will be posted on the Blackboard site for this course. TECHNOLOGY STATEMENT: As part of an effort at Saint Vincent College to enhance and expand student learning, this course incorporates technology as a significant component in the process of acquiring skill and knowledge. In this class, students will encounter assignments that require the following: Mathematica, graphing calculators, and Blackboard. CALCULATORS: We will be using theTI-86 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator throughout the course. You will be permitted us use this calculator both for homework and for the quizzes and exams. This calculator will produce the graph of a function within an arbitrary viewing window, differentiate and integrate numerically, and solve equations. MATHEMATICA: In addition to using graphing calculators, we will also use the powerful computer algebra system known as Mathematica to study Calculus and to solve difficult problems. There will be four Mathematica assignments this semester. Each Mathematica assignment is equivalent to two daily quizzes. ACADEMIC HONESTY: “Saint Vincent College assumes that all students come for a serious purpose and expects them to be responsible individuals who demand of themselves high standards of honesty and personal conduct. Therefore, it is college policy to have as few rules and regulations as are consistent with efficient administration and general welfare. Fundamental to the principle of independent learning and professional
growth is the requirement of honesty and integrity in the performance
of academic assignments, both in the classroom and outside, and in
the conduct of personal life. Accordingly, Saint Vincent College holds
its students to the highest standards of intellectual integrity and
thus the attempt of any student to present as his or her own any work
which he or she has not performed or to pass any examinations by improper
means is regarded by the faculty as a most serious offense.” CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: An essential characteristic of Saint Vincent College is the dignity and civility with which students and instructors conduct themselves both inside and outside the classroom. All students share in the responsibility of making the classroom a positive place to learn. Attendance is more than just being in the classroom; students are expected to be prepared and attentive. Some specific behaviors that are distracting and should be avoided include holding side conversations, laughing at other students or the instructor when mistakes are made, shouting out questions or answers without raising your hand and being recognized, arriving late and leaving early, or doing work for other classes. Cell phones, pagers, DISABILITY STATEMENT: Students with disabilities who may be eligible for academic accommodations and support TUTORING FOR THE COURSE: I will be in my office (4th floor of Alfred Hall) at the following times during the week. Do feel free to stop in when you are having any difficulty with the material. Office Hours: Monday: 9:30 to 10:30 and 3 to 4 Tuesday: 9:30 to 10:30 Wednesday: 9:30 to 10:30 Friday: 9:30 to 10:30 In addition to my office hours, student tutors will be assigned by the Mathematics Department and their hours will be given to you during the first week of class. You are also free to come to them for help in the course. If you would like to preview our mathematica assignments, simply click here . If you would like to see an informal discussion of various areas of mathematics, simply click on the following link. If you are interested in some famous curves, click on the second link. Blackboard (If this link doesn't work, try here)
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