MAT128 - Calculus A - Fall, 2016

INSTRUCTOR: Andy Long. Office: MEP 443; phone: 572-5794; email: longa@nku.edu

MEETING TIME/PLACE: 1:00-1:50 (MWF), MEP312

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: MAT 128 Calculus A Limits and differentiation with applications. Recommended for all students interested in mathematics or science. Credit is not given for both MAT 128 and MAT 129. A general studies course (mathematics). PREREQ: B- or better in MAT 119 or placement.

TEXT: Calculus 7E, by James Stewart. We will cover most of the material in chapters 1-3. We will use Mathematica from time to time. I encourage you to download a free copy.

GRADING: There will be three exams and a comprehensive final. Homework will be assigned regularly: each homework will be turned in, but only a few problems (chosen randomly) will be graded. Quizzes will occur on Fridays.

Your course grade will be determined as follows:

Homework: 20% Quizzes: 10% Three Exams 50% Final 20%

The tests will be given in-class, on Fridays. Make-up exams will not be given except in extreme circumstances.

I use the standard grading scale, with a small buffer zone for the assignment of plus/minus grades:

HOMEWORK and QUIZZES: Homework will be assigned regularly. You should expect to do a lot of homework in order to do well in the course. Quizzes will be short, occur at the end of class on Fridays, and be conceptual (rather than computational) in nature. Knowledge of definitions, classes of functions, important examples, and theorems will be the emphasis. It is important to have some information at one's fingertips (or synapses), and this is the information that will be covered during these quizzes. I will drop at least your two lowest homework grades and your two lowest quiz grades.

ATTENDANCE: The student is responsible for all material assigned or discussed in class. Attendance will be taken, and may be used along with class effort (as measured by participation - asking questions, answering other students' questions, group work, etc.) to resolve borderline grades.

WITHDRAWAL: The last day to withdraw from any class with a grade of W is October 31th. After that day it is not usually permitted.

OFFICE HOURS: MWF 11:30-1:00; MW 3:30-4:45; TR 12:10-1:30. I am also available at other times by appointment, and at random when approached with a smile.

Notes:

• Course homepage: http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat128/
• Learning Objectives: http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat128/LearningObjectives.html
• Email: When writing an email, please include "mat128" in the message subject line.
• If you miss a class, you should get the notes from another student in the class. Of course, if you are missing class for an extended time (such as illness or other serious problem), you should contact me as soon as possible.
• I reserve the right to alter this syllabus if necessary. Any changes will be discussed in class, and all students will be notified.
• If you need accommodations for a physical, psychological, or medical disability please talk with me so that I may do my best to meet your needs.
• The Departmental Syllabus for all Mathematics courses is a part of the syllabus for this course. Additional information concerning Secondary Education Students is available on the Departmental Syllabus.
• No electronics (other than calculators, and laptops when explicitly allowed) are permitted in class without a doctor's orders. If you should choose to use another electronic device (intentionally or not) without my permission, you will be excused from class immediately, and not allowed to return to class that day.
• NKU's course evaluation policy