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MATH 181-03 Home Page

Important links:

Official course website

Calendar

Homework (Book problems)

Homework / Handouts

Quizzes (current semester)

Old Quizzes (previous semesters)

Course description

MATH 181 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

Functions, elementary transcendental functions, limits and continuity, differentiation, applications of the derivative, curve sketching, and integration theory.

Prerequisites: Complete one of the following;
* Pass Math 160 with a C- or better,
* A level V pass on the MPLEX,
* A score of 610 on the SAT or of 27 on the ACT.

Syllabus type information

Contact information for me is available here.

This class meets MTThF from 10:00-10:50, in Wilson 1-141,

The textbook for this class is Single Variable Calculus Early Transcendentals 6e by James Stewart.

Grades for this class will be determined by three 100 point common hour evening exams, 100 points from homework, quizzes, etc., along with a 150 point cumulative final.

I expect all students to Read the Book, my lectures are designed to supplement the book and to reiterate the most important and potentially difficult sections. If I don't mention something in class that appears in the book don't assume that you won't be tested on that material, rather assume that I believe that you can master that material without additional help from me! I heartily recommend that everybody at least skims each section of the book before we cover that topic in class, try to work through an example or two, and figure out what the big picture for the section is. Not only does this give you a jump start on the learning process for this material but it provides a focus for your better understanding of my lecture.

Homework

Most homework will not be collected but if you expect to do well in this class you must keep up with the assigned problems (this will also help with our daily homework quizzes). Part of the homework for every section is to read through the relevant material in the book. I recommend that before you attempt the homework problems you read through and pick out the main ideas, make sense of the things that at first glance made no sense, and only then attempt the homework problems. When doing the homework problems strive to not look back through the book except as a last resort, and don't fool yourself into thinking you understand the material if the only way that you can do the problem is to mimic a similar example problem (or even worse doing the problem with constant references to a solutions guide). If you find yourself in this situation make sure to come and get some help!

Important dates

There are no classes on Jan 19 (MLK day), Feb 16 (Presidents day), Mar 16-20 (Spring Break), and April 10 (University day).

Our mid-term tests are given on Thursdays between 6 and 7pm on: February 12, March 12, and April 9. On test days there is no class at our normal time. The location for the tests is not yet set but I will notify you when it is, note that this is typically not our normal classroom.

The final exam will be given on Tuesday May 5, 6:00-7:50 pm , again in a location yet to be set.

Make-up policy

Homework (when it is due) may be turned in late for a reduced score (extremely late work will have an extremely reduced score).

For quiz policies please see Quiz info .

Tests can only be taken other than the scheduled time if arrangements are made in advance and a valid and admissible reason for not attending the scheduled time is provided. People that miss tests without making arrangements in advance are not likely to be able to take that exam. There are, of course, exceptions for extraordinary circumstances.

Other information

Make sure to take a look at my office hours posted on my schedule and drop in if you have any questions. If those hours don't work for you, you can always just stop by and maybe I'll be in, or you can schedule an appointment during any of my non-blocked out times.

For additional help the Math Department staffs a "Math Learning Center" in Wilson 1-112 staffed by both Graduate (between 9 and 2 [I happen to be there on Tuesdays at 1]) and Undergraduate tutors (all day). This room is open on:
* Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
* Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
* and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
To enter the room you must 'swipe' your Cat-card through a scanner at the door where-after you may sit at one of the tables and work on your homework and if you come across any questions that you can't figure out one of the tutors will assist you.

You are allowed to, and should use (when necessary), any calculator or computer software to help you on the homework problems and other learning. However, you will not be allowed to use these items on tests and quizzes.

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