Mathematics 121-03
Calculus I
Syllabus

        The FINAL EXAM is Friday, May 5, 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. (the official time for mathematics finals at this level), in JONES 204 (across from The Tilton Library).

        Latest homework: for Friday, April 21: 6.3 # 4, 6, 12, 16, 18; 6.4 # 8, 10, 14, 22; 6.5 # 4, 10, 18.

        Previous homework: for Friday, April 7: 5.5 # 20, 22, 26, 54, 58, 62; 6.1 # 12, 18, 22; 6.2 # 50, 54, 2, 6, 12.

        Previous homework: for Friday, March 31: 5.3 # 10, 12, 16, 22, 24; 5.5 # 10, 14, 18, 24, 28.

        The next exam is Friday, April 21, on Chapters 5 and 6.

        This course assumes basic knowledge of algebra and covers the first six chapters of our textbook, Calculus (early transcendentals), 5th ed., by Stewart: functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals.

        Calculus I is a lot of work. Like a great man in the previous century I promise you nothing but blood, toil, tears, and sweat, but, with enough toil and sweat, exams will not bring you to tears, and the blood you shed will be that of derivatives and integrals, not your own. Your best strategy is to work problems for 2 or 3 hours after each lecture. It is a sad fact that mathematics is not learned by cramming at the last minute. Steady and continuous problem working is much more effective. Unwary freshmen ignore this fact at their own peril.

        Some problems in this class require a calculator. We cannot support all calculators, so the Mathematics Department chose the Texas Instruments TI-83, TI-83 plus and TI-84 for all Math courses, because of their capabilities and ease of use. Other calculators will get no support. Calculators with symbolic manipulation capabilities are not allowed on exams; if you have one, do not develop a dependency. See also
http://www.math.tulane.edu/undergrad/calculator.html.

        Weekly labs give students an opportunity to interact with an instructor on a more personal level to aid in solving homework problems.

        Abundant homework will be assigned weekly, turned in on Friday (the day after lab), and returned during the next lab.

        Three tests will be given in class or in lab. The dates for these tests will be announced in class. Likely test dates are Feb. 16 or 17; Mar. 23 or 24; Apr. 20 or 21. No test score will be dropped. A doctor's note will be required for absences due to medical emergencies. Other excuses for absences will be dealt with on an individual basis, depending on when the firing squad's available. No make-up exams will be given; missing exams (with valid excuses) will be made up by giving additional weight to the other exams or to the final.

        All daytime 100-200 level math courses, including MATH 121, have final exams at a single time: Friday, May 5, 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. The place of this year's final exam will be announced in class, hopefully before the semester ends. All students, including University College students, are expected to take this final.

        Homework, three tests, and the final exam determine your grade for the class, as follows:

 

Three tests 45% Homework 20% Final Exam  35% Total           100%

The average of your three letter grades on tests is a good predictor of your grade for the class, though the latter is likely to be a bit higher.