1) READ the current section of the text (see the schedule link) and supplementary notes.
2) SOLVE PROBLEMS from the recommended text problems and practice problems that accompany the supplementary notes.
These are all found on the syllabus page, along with solutions for the supplementary practice problems. The book has answers to odd-numbered problems. If you have questions about other problems, you can contact me. You are not expected to complete every practice problem or recommended problem. Use your judgement regarding when you feel you understand the relevant concepts and how they are applied.
3) COMPLETE THE WEBWORK ASSIGNMENTS (25% of the grade) We recommend that you print out the assignment and work out the solutions off-line. When you are ready, you have as many attempts as you need to get the answer without penalty. Whenever possible, enter your answers symbolically (e.g. sin(pi/4)^3 ) instead of numerically (2.82...) for several reasons: You let Webwork do the calculating, it won't be called wrong because you didn't enter enough digits, it is easier for you to spot a mistake, or for us to see how you arrived at the answer when you ask for help, and you can often transfer the answer to other related parts of a question. Use the Preview button to check if Webwork is interpreting the answer in the way you meant it to. If you have tried a problem and aren't getting the correct answer and need some advice, don't email us directly, click the `Email instructor' button. It opens a window where you can send us an email telling us what you have tried and/or what you do not understand, and provides us a direct link to your version of the problem, so you don't have to describe the problem, just your questions about it.
4) TAKE THREE REGULAR EXAMS (3x 15% of the grade) AND ONE FINAL EXAM (30% of the grade). You must register for each exam at least two weeks in advance of that exam, through UONLINE. About a week before the exam, a new practice exam will be posted, but there are many from previous semesters that you can look at at any time. A few days before the exam, detailed solutions for the new practice exam will be posted. In between, it is recommended you try the practice exam problems before you consult the solutions, so you know what you can do yourself and what you need to study more.
I try to put additional background material in these solutions to explain the methods. You do not have to rederive everything in your solutions during the actual exam, but you do have to show your work for credit. If you just give a correct answer, you will get little or no credit. On the other hand, if you show your work, the correct formulas, equations, and perform the right operations, then you will get full credit even if you have an arithmetic error.
We do not get the exams taken Thursday and Saturday from UOnline until the following Tuesday or Wednesday, and even later for out-of-area students. We try to have them graded over the weekend, and you will receive your score by webwork email early the following week. You can see your exams in office hours, although we are supposed to keep them.