MAT128 - Calculus A - Spring, 2023

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

MEETING TIME/PLACE: 2:00-3:15 (MW), 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: We'll be using the free, on-line text Active calculus, by Matthew Boelkin. We will cover most of the material in chapters 1-3 (and maybe the first section of chapter 4).

GRADING: There will be weekly quizzes, one midterm exam, and a comprehensive final. Homework will be assigned regularly, activities will be undertaken in class, and the quizzes will cover that (as well as the assigned reading). Your course grade will be determined as follows:

Your course grade will be determined as follows:

IMath Homework: 15% Quizzes: 35% Midterm Exam 25% Comprehensive Final (2:30 pm on 5/3) 25%

Exams will be given in-class, closed notes. 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:

COVID:

• If you need to quarantine because of COVID, let me know as soon as possible. I will work with you as best as I can to help you get through the course while you cannot be on campus.
• NKU's has a site devoted to its COVID policies and best practices.

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 Monday, March 20. After that day it is not usually permitted.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:

• For use in class and on homework, you will want access to a laptop, tablet, graphing calculator, or an online app like Desmos available at https://www.desmos.com.
• For exams, you will be allowed a graphing calculator (and nothing more -- and, in particular, phones can't be used).

OFFICE HOURS: MW 3:15pm-4:30pm; TR 6:00pm-7:00pm. I am also available by Zoom.

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 -- it helps me to prioritize your email!
• 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.