COURSE: MATH 083 -- Technical Calculus
TEXT: Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus, Allyn J. Washington (9th edition).
INSTRUCTOR: Amos Ong
OFFICE: Prischak Bldg, Room 9 PHONE: x
6009
COURSE OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this course is for you to learn about Calculus through functions. You will study definitions relating to functions generally, and will learn about several important classes of functions. Then you will learn how to find their derivatives, integrals and their applications. We will also introduce a bit of Ordinary Differential Equation near the end of the course.
You will study some of the applications of these topics. You will learn to apply the rules of calculus to business, economics and engineering examples.
SYLLABUS AND EXAMS: We will cover chapters 23 through 26 of the book and also a bit of chapter 28. There will be three midterm and one final exams.
LESSON AND HOMEWORK: I have divided the material to be covered into lessons and will distribute the schedule of lessons in class. We will cover one lesson per class meeting. YOU MUST READ THE INDICATED SECTIONS OF THE TEXT. There will also be regular homework and Web Homework that I assign during class.
MAPLE PROJECTS: There will be computer projects you have to do in groups of three or four. Please find your group members early and submit you group member names before the beginning of the project.
FINAL EXAM: The final exam is comprehensive and will be on December 15th, 2009 (6:00PM - 7:50PM) in 144H HAMMERMILL.
GRADING: Your final grade will be computed with these weights: 3 exams 45%, final exam 20%, quizzes, attendance and projects 10%, regular homework 25%. I use this grading scale:
| A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | D | F |
| > 92 | > 90 | > 88 | > 82 | > 80 | > 78 | > 70 | > 60 | < = 60 |
ATTENDANCE: You should be present and be on time at every class meeting. You should also understand that absence from class does not excuse you from learning the material covered or from turning the assignments in on time. If you need help after a missed lecture, please talk to me. You are responsible for knowing about assignments and the dates they are due, and changes in scheduling of exams or other changes in the syllabus.
SOME FINAL WORDS: Mathematics cannot be learned passively; the learner must be an active participant in the process of learning. You learn mathematics by doing mathematics. The daily homework assignments and the applications exercises are an essential part of the course. Do not leave them to the last minute, and please come to my office if you have any questions.
"The best way to learn anything is to discover it by yourself...
.
What you have been obliged to discover by yourself leaves a path
in your mind which you can use again when the need arises."
-- George Polya
I encourage you to work on this course with your classmates. Some of the most successful math students are those who form regular study groups to review class material, discuss homework, and prepare for exams.
Please do not hesitate to come to my office. I can give you help with particular problems; I can also give suggestions about how to learn math in general and how to study for math exams.