Math 1210-2 Summer 2008 Syllabus

Instructor:  Robert Hanson

Office:  JWB 314

email:  bobby@math.utah.edu (this is the best way to contact me)

Office Phone:  801.581.5568

Office Hours:  I am usually available after class, or by appointment.

Class
    MTWHF 11:15 a.m. -- 12:45 p.m. in JFB B1.

Text
    Calculus, 9th Edition; Varberg, Purcell, Rigdon.

Prerequisites
    Math 1050 (College Algebra) and Math 1060 (Trigonometry) are the prerequisites for this course.  This means that you should be familiar with functions and graphs; linear models; exponential and logarithm functions; the basic trigonometric functions; periodicity; and polar coordinates.  The first assignment for the course will be a take-home exam which you and I can use to assess your understanding of this material.

Objectives
    The purpose of this course is to understand the concepts of differentiation and integration by studying these techniques and their applications. The central difference between Calculus and Algebra is the notion of change. Whereas the letters x, y, z, etc. are used to represent "unknowns" in Algebra, in Calculus they are interpreted as "variables": all situations are viewed as changing (potentially or actually), and the purpose of the Calculus is to be able to make predictions based on the laws of change of the variables.

Homework
    Mathematics is the art of solving problems.  Calculus is a tool which we use in this art.  The only way to learn how to use the tool is to solve problems (just like the only way to learn how to use a paintbrush is to paint).  For that reason, homework is very important in this class.  Accordingly, it is a major part of your grade.  I should give you the ground rules for homework so that you are prepared to succeed in this class.
    First, I will not accept late homework.  The homework will be assigned weekly.  Please plan around conflicts that you know will arise (such as exams or papers in other classes, and family commitments).  I realize that there will also be conflicts that you cannot foresee.  Unfortunately, with this shortened semester, there just is not time for late homework.
    Homework must be neat.  Since you are new to learning calculus, I hope that you will be making mistakes.  One learns more from failure than from success.  Therefore, you should use a pencil.  If you write your homework in a spiral notebook, please  remove the "ruffles".  Or, better yet, you can leave the paper in your notebook and turn in a photocopy.  Your papers should be stapled.  By this I mean with metal staples.  No origami staples.  Be sure to put your name and assignment number on your paper as well.
    Regarding notation, you should write only true statements.  This means, among other things, that you should use an equals sign only to show that two things are equal.  Please box your answer, show all of your work, and include units where appropriate.  Feel free to write down estimates to the answer, especially if you are unable to do the problem.  Be sure to include a statement on how you got the estimate.  If the estimate is good and well-founded, then I am likely to give partial credit.
    I recommend that you work in small groups (2 to 4 people seems best) on your homework.  Each person should, however, turn in their own work.

Quizzes
    I may give an unannounced "pop" quiz from time to time.  These quizzes will count towards your homework grade.

Midterm Exams
    There will be two midterm examinations.  These exams will cover the material in all readings, not just that covered in lecture.  You must keep up with the readings.

Final Exam
    The final exam will be held on Thursday, July 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  This will be a comprehensive exam, covering the material from the entire semester.  You must take this exam to pass the class.

Grading
    The following relative weights will be used  in determining the final grade for the course:

HW:  30%
Exam 1:  20%
Exam 2: 20%
Final Exam:  30%

The grading scheme is as follows:

A at least 90%
B at least 80%
C at least 70%
D at least 60%

The +/- scores will be awarded at the fringes of these intervals.

Tutoring
    Tutoring is offered by the Mathematics Department free of charge on a drop-in basis.  The tutoring center is located in the Math Center.  It is open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday.  It is closed on weekends and University holidays.

Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires accommodations be provided for students with physical, cognitive, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities.  Please contact me at the beginning of the semester to discuss any such accommodations for this course.