Syllabus for MAT229, Spring 2025

INSTRUCTOR: Andy Long. Office: MEP 443; phone: 572-5794; email: longa@nku.edu (and the best way to get ahold of me).

MEETING TIME/PLACE (5 credit hours): MF: MEP306, 1:00pm (computer lab); TR: MEP325, 1:40-2:55 (standard classroom).

OFFICE HOURS MTRF, 12-12:50pm; R, 3:00pm-4pm. I'm often available for a short Zoom at the drop of a hat: email me.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Calculus of exponential, logarithmic, and inverse functions; techniques of integration; arc length; calculus of parametric equations and polar curves; infinite sequences and series; introduction of vectors and geometry of space; dot product and cross product. Credit is not given for both MAT 229 and MAT 228. PREREQ: C- or better in MAT 129 or MAT 227.

TEXT/MATERIALS: There is no required textbook, although I will make extensive use a free on-line textbook from MIT, authored by a brilliant educator named Gil Strang:

Volume 2 covers most of the same territory as we will cover in MAT229.

You will be assigned readings and some problems to turn in from that textbook.

We will be making extensive use of the software package Mathematica, which you can obtain free-of-charge as an NKU student (get your copy here; follow the directions for "Student Download").

GRADING: There will be four exams (which will be given on Thursdays) and a comprehensive final. Homework will be assigned regularly, and you will be assessed over homework by in part by weekly quizzes on Fridays on those weeks when you don't have an exam.

I will drop several of your worst quiz grades.

Your course grade will be determined as follows:

Quizzes and Homework 30%
Exams 50%
Final 20%
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:

<60 60-70 70-71 71-79 79-80 80-81 81-89 89-90 90-91 >91
F D C- C C+ B- B B+ A- A

I do generally curve exams, as as I see necessary and fit.

ATTENDANCE: The student is responsible for all material assigned for class. Attendance and participation may be used to resolve borderline grades.

CALCULUS TUTORING: A Calculus Lab, run by the Mathematics Department out of MEP457 and staffed by our upper level students, provides free tutoring to Calculus students in our department.

WITHDRAWAL: The last day to withdraw from any class with a "W" is Monday, March 24th, 2025. After that day it is not usually permitted.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: are on-line.

NOTES:


Website maintained by Andy Long. Comments appreciated.