Course Information
Brief Calculus, Math 160--Sections 4, 60
Fall, 2000

Office Hours: Th 1:00-1:50pm (Problem Session in LS 105 on request), M, W 10:30am-12:00pm,
T 10:00-10:45am, and after class or by appointment or e-mail.

Objectives: The first goal of this course is for you to develop a thorough understanding of the ideas of differentiation and integration and the relationship between them.  A second important goal is that you develop the ability to solve problems and communicate your solutions effectively through writing, including explanations and meanings of solutions.

Prerequisites: The prerequisite for this course is Math 143, College Algebra, or something equivalent.  Chapter 1 will provide a quick review of polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions, with an emphasis on understanding them and communicating about them using tables, graphs, formulas, and words.

Materials: The text is Applied Calculus, by Hughes-Hallett et al, Chapters 1-4 and parts of 5 and 6.  You should have a graphing calculator.  I will be using a TI-83.

Format and Evaluation: Time in class will be spent exploring the material through discussions, group and individual work, and lectures.  Homework will be assigned and collected.  It should be neatly organized and presented, stapled with no ragged edges, and should include all work and contain complete, clear explanations.  There may be occasional quizzes in class. Since your lowest homework and quiz grades will be dropped, I will accept no late homework and give no make-up quizzes.

The three exam dates below are somewhat tentative, the final date is firm, so please mark it down now.
 

Overall percentages of 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% will guarantee the letter grades A, B, C, D.

Philosophy: I believe that all of you can succeed and that hard work counts for a great deal.  I expect you to attend each class session and to be responsible for material covered in any sessions you are forced to miss.  Studying together and discussing problems are encouraged, after you have worked hard yourself to understand the material or solve a problem, since this can be a very effective and rewarding way to learn mathematics.  However, you should write up homework on your own in order to guarantee your own understanding of the material.  Sharing or obtaining complete solutions is not allowed.

Accommodations: If you have a diagnosed disability or believe you have a disability that may require reasonable accommodation on the part of ISU, please call 282-3599 to make an appointment with Dian Jenkins, Director, ADA and Disabilities Resource Center.

Expectations: It is important to keep in mind that university courses are very different than high school courses.

In this class you will be expected to become largely responsible for your own learning.

You should strive to learn actively, both within and outside of class, by

• attending every class session;
• participating in group work and lectures during class;
• taking thorough notes;
• formulating questions;
• recording and asking questions on material and problems you do not understand;
• working at least 2-3 hours (on average) outside of class for every hour in class;
• learning from mistakes of your own and others (including me);
• being organized, clear, and accurate;
• developing efficient and effective study, work, and problem-solving skills;
• learning to read the textbook effectively, which may involve rereading maybe many times;
• reading the material for the first time before the class in which it will be covered;
• seeking out additional resources for help on material or additional skills;
• taking responsibility for learning material not explicitly covered in class, or which you did not understand or missed.

I plan to be prepared, patient, available, approachable, and fair.

I look forward to a successful and rewarding semester of learning together.