MATH 150-15 / 25  - Elements of Calculus I - Spring 2001

Dr. Bernd Rossa                                                                                                                        Office Hours:
Hinkle 130        MW 12-1:30
745-3686 (office)           F   12-1:15
624-8880 (home)        and appointments
e-mail rossa@xu.edu

 
TEXT: Calculus Concepts, An Informal Approach to the Mathematics of Change, 1st ed., by LaTorre, Kennelly, et. al., Houghton Mifflin (1998) 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Calculus is the mathematics used to describe processes of change. Differential calculus is used to study rates at which change occurs, and integral calculus is used to calculate how much change accumulates given that the rate of change is known. MATH150 is an informal introduction to both differential and integral calculus. We will begin with learning to "model" realistic situations using the TI-83 graphing calculator. We will then use calculus techniques to analyze our models (functions!) and draw conclusions about the situation which generated them. We will use the numerical and graphical capabilities of the TI-83 in our analysis and also to enhance our understanding of the basic calculus concepts. Thus, a three-fold development of calculus (numerical, graphical, and algebraic) replaces the traditional (purely algebraic) development. Strong emphasis in MATH150 is placed on clearly communicated questions and interpretations of the results obtained from this multifaceted analysis.

PREREQUISITE: The prerequisite for MATH 150 is MATH 120 - Elementary Functions, or its equivalent. In particular, you should be familiar with the graphs and basic properties of linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, and logarithmic functions. You should be able to do routine algebra when necessary. 

CALCULATORS: A Texas Instruments TI-83 or 83 Plus is required for this course. You will need it in class, for homework and on the exams. Other calculators are not adequate.

CLASS PREPARATION: In preparation for each class, you must read (maybe 15-20 minutes per section) and write a short list of key words and a summary for the section indicated (see daily schedule). The summaries should be no more than a paragraph. These summaries will be collected at the beginning of each class. Ideally, your summary will end with a question or two. I will try to respond to these questions, and I will record which summaries you submitted over the course of the semester.

ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is crucial. The class meetings provide the introduction and explanation of new topics, you will see how the calculator is used, and you will see how problems are solved. Class notes are to be used in conjunction with the text, in order to elicit a fuller understanding of Calculus. Please be courteous and come to class on time. University policies on class attendance are on p. 47 of the University catalog. If you have to miss an exam for any reason, you must discuss it with me beforehand. If you miss an exam without an alternative arrangement, a grade of 0 will be assigned

GRADING:

Your course grade is determined strictly from the percentage of points you accumulate from the available point total. The grading scale is

A: 90% - 100%     (exceptional)
B: 80% -  89%      (good)
C: 70% -  79%      (satisfactory)>
D: 60% -  69%      (minimal passing)
F: Below  60%      (fail to pass)

GETTING HELP:  One of the best resources for additional help is the Mathematics Tutoring Room, Hinkle 126. This room is staffed by mathematics tutors who are just WAITING to help someone! Hours of operation have always been M-R 9-9, F 9-3, Sunday 2-9. Please give our tutors something to do!!

GROUP WORK:   I encourage you strongly to study and to do homework with your classmates. Working in a group can be beneficial, as long as you make sure that everyone is making contributions and that no one is left out. Do not copy answers from one another as this will backfire come test time. Instead, let concepts ferment after group discussion and then write up your own solutions.

HOW TO DO WELL IN THIS COURSE: Come to class! Read the text! Go to the Tutoring room! Come visit me during office hours! Try the problems! Smile! Study hard! Read your class notes! Make sure you keep up with the material in class! Don't panic! Enjoy! Most important of all, if you feel that you are falling behind, or that you do not understand a topic, or if you would just like to discuss a mathematical idea (or anything else), come to visit me.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Feb. 6             Exam 1 (Chapter 1, 2)
March 1          Exam 2 (Chapter 3, Sec 4.1, 4.2)
March 5-9       NO CLASSES (Spring Break)
April 10          Exam 3 (Chapters 4 and 5)
April 12-16     NO CLASSES (Easter Break)
April 17          Last Day to Withdraw
May 8              Final Exam for Section 15 (8:30-10:20) (comprehensive, Chapter 1-6)
May 10            Final Exam for Section 25 (8:30-10:20) (comprehensive, Chapter 1-6)


TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE (contains homework assignments)