Math 120 Calculus I
This course page is obsolete. I'll prepare a new page next time I teach the course.
Sections
Description for the course
This is the first course in a three-semester calculus
sequence designed for students majoring in a field that requires the tools of
calculus. Besides the computational aspects of calculus, we will develop the concepts
of calculus with some rigor.
The subject in this first course, Math 120, is differential calculus.
Topics include functions, limits, continuity, differentiation
of algebraic and trigonometric functions, mean value theorem,
and applications of derivatives.
A detailed syllabus is available for Math 120.
See also
Clark
University Academic Catalog for more information on the Calculus sequence
(Math 120/121/122) and the Honors Calculus sequence (Math 124/125).
Prerequisites
In order to register for Math 120, you need to either
- pass the math placement test, available
on-line, anytime,
- have passed the Advanced Placement test in Calculus, 4 or 5 required, or
- pass Math 119, Precalculus, or Math 114, Discrete Mathematics,
with an appropriate grade
For more information, see the page on
Calculus Background. The placement test
is available on-line, to be taken anytime. Information on how to take
it is at
http://aleph0.clarku.edu/text_2003/courses/placement_test.shtml
Text
Our text for this course is Calculus, One and Several Variables,
by Salas, Hille, Etgen, 10th edition. We will discuss the first four
chapters in Math 120. This same book will also be used in Math 121 and
Math 122.
The 9th edition will do. Part of section 3.4 in the 9th edition was moved
to section 4.9 in the 10th, and all of section 3.8 was moved to section 4.10.
Also, the exercise numbers have been changed. The changes are noted in the
practice problems.
Tests and final exam
There will be three tests during the semester and a final examination
during finals week in December.
The three tests will each be given in a three-hour block in the
evening. The tests are common for all students taking Math 120 and
will be based on material discussed in the lecture or presented in the
text prior to the date of the exam. Although each exam is designed as
a one-hour test, you may take up to three hours to complete it. You
may arrive anytime between 6:00 and 7:00 and finish before 9:00.
The exams will be held in Johnson Auditorium, Sackler Science Center.
They will be closed book, closed notebook. The use of calculators will not be
allowed. In the event that you have a legitimate, documented excuse
for missing a test, you must contact your instructor prior to the
scheduled test time. A makeup may be rescheduled at the instructor's
convenience.
- Exam 1. September 27
- Exam 2. October 25
- Exam 3. November 29
- Final Exam. During finals week, date to be determined
The final is a comprehensive exam, given during the
final exam period.
Homework and quizzes
Practice problems will be assigned daily from the text to help
you master the concepts discussed in class. Although the problems will not be
collected regularly, it is expected that you will keep up to date on the problems.
Periodically, a few specific problems will be assigned, collected,
and graded. Homework is due in class on the assigned day. No late assignments will
be accepted.
Short 15-20 minute quizzes will be given periodically throughout the semester.
Tutors
Tutors will be available in the evenings, 8:00 to 10:00, on Sundays through Thursdays
(but not Fridays or Saturdays) in the seminar room BP312. Tutoring by experienced upperclassmen
will be provided by the department as soon as it can be arranged.
Course grade
The course grade is based on the three midterm exams, the homework and
quizzes, and the final exam. The precise weightings for these components is as
follows: 20% for each midterm exam, 30% for the final exam, and 10% for
homework and quizzes.
Course pages
Other associated pages
Pages on the web that you may find interesting
This page is located on the web at
http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/ma120/
David E. Joyce
