MAT129 - Calculus I - Spring, 2016

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

MEETING TIME/PLACE: 2:00-3:15 (MW, MEP314) and 2:00-2:50 (F, MEP306). Note that we'll be in a computer lab on Fridays, so that we can do more computational exercises. Bring your laptop on Fridays, if you wish.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: MAT 129 Calculus I (4,0,4) Limits differentiation and integration with application. Recommended for all students interested in mathematics or science. Credit is not given for both MAT 129 and MAT 128. 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 sections 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 and in chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5. We will use Mathematica relatively often.

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.

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 Mondays. 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: Homework will be assigned regularly. You should expect to do a lot of homework in order to do well in the course. Some homework will be on-line (using the IMath automated system), whereas other assignments will be handed in for grading (more challenging exercises).

QUIZZES: Quizzes will (generally) be given on Wednesdays, at the end of the hour; Quizzes will be short and 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) two of your lowest homework and 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 is March 21st, 2016. After that day it is not usually permitted.

OFFICE HOURS: MW 10:00-11:00, 12:00-2:00;TR 8:30-9:20 and 10:50-12:00; F 10:00-11:00, 12:00-2:00. I am also available by appointment, and at random when approached with a smile.

Notes:

• Course homepage: http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat129/ (this syllabus is available on-line there).
• Learning Objectives: http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat129/LearningObjectives.html
• Email: When writing an email, you should include your full course number (i.e. mat129) in the message.
• 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.
• NKU's course evaluation policy