Clark University
                        Math 120   Calculus I
Fall 2011
Prof. D. Joyce, BP 322, 793-7421
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Clark University 
[This page is obsolete.  I'll create a new version of it when I teach it again.]
Please bookmark this page, http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/ma120/, so you can readily access it.

Sections

Office hours

My office hours are MWF 10-11 and 1-2, subject to change.

My office is right across the hall from the classroom. My phone extension is 7421. Email me at djoyce.

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
  1. pass the math placement test, available on-line, anytime,
  2. have passed the Advanced Placement test in Calculus, 4 or 5 required, or
  3. 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.

Web pages for related courses

  1. Math 121, Calculus II
  2. Math 122, Calculus III
  3. Math 130, Linear Algebra
  4. Math 131, Multivariate Calculus

Goals

See goals for an outline of the course goals including knowledge, intellectual and practical skills, skepticism and the mathematical mind, and integrating knowledge and skills

Text

Our text for this course is University Calculus by Hass, Weir and Thomas. We will discuss the first four chapters in Math 120. This same book will also be used in Math 121 and Math 122.

Assignments

The course will use the software MyMathLab for the homework assignments and some of the tesgts. It will also be employed to practice problem solving. To start using it, you must register to your section online at http://pearsonmylabandmastering.com/ using the Course ID given to you by your instructor and your access code. The assignments are all on line, but if for any reason you can't access them, here's a corresponding list of exercises from the text.

  1. Due Wed Sept. 14. 1.1: 5, 7, 25, 53, 65; 1.2: 5, 55, 65; 1.3: 8, 15, 53
  2. Due Mon Sept. 19. 1.5: 2, 21; 1.6: 13, 21, 31, 45, 51, 67
  3. Due Wed Sept. 21. 2.1: 4, 5, 13, 21; 2.2: 1, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 25, 27
  4. Due Fri Sept. 23. 2.2: 29, 31, 33, 35, 47, 51, 53, 57, 63, 79, 81
  5. Due Mon Sept. 26. 2.3: 7, 11, 15, 23, 31, 45, 57
  6. Due Fri Sept. 30. 2.4: 1, 5, 35; 2.5: 1, 7, 19, 37, 53, 55, 65, 67
  7. Due Mon Oct. 3. 2.6: 1, 5, 13, 17, 25, 37, 53
    First midterm. Fri Oct 7, in class. On chapter 2.
  8. Due Mon Oct. 17. 3.1: 2, 3; 3.2: 27, 28, 34, 35, 47
  9. Due Wed Oct. 19. 3.3: 3, 5, 9, 17-19, 23, 25, 29, 31, 33, 35, 41, 45
  10. Due Fri Oct. 21. 3.3: 53, 72, 77; 3.4: 1, 3, 10, 17, 21, 23, 28
  11. Due Mon Oct. 24. 3.5: 1, 3, 7, 9, 15, 17, 23, 61
  12. Due Wed Oct. 26. 3.6: 9-23 odd numbers, 35, 41, 53, 55, 65
  13. Due Mon Oct. 31. 3.7: 2, 3, 9, 12, 15, 25, 27, 43, 45
    Quiz Wed Nov. 2.
  14. Due Fri Nov. 4. 3.8: 2, 4, 11, 17, 21, 23, 27, 29, 43, 51, 89, 93
  15. Due Mon Nov. 7. 3.9: 5, 21, 23, 33; 3.10: 7, 13, 15, 17, 23
  16. Due Wed Nov. 9. 3.10: 27, 29, 33, 40
    Second midterm. Fri Nov. 11, in class. On chapter 3.
  17. Due Fri Nov 18. 4.1: 1, 3, 7, 11, 13, 21, 27, 31, 80, 81
  18. Due Fri Dec 2. 4.2: 1, 2, 19, 21, 29, 33, 37, 43, 45
  19. Due Wed Dec 7. 4.3: 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 22, 27, 41, 57, 61
  20. Due Fri Dec 9. 4.4: 1, 5, 17, 23, 41, 54, 81, 82, 101
    Quiz Fri Dec 9. On finding critical points, local max & mins
  21. Due Mon Dec 12. 4.6: 1, 3, 5, 7, 20, 38, 53, 60

Time and study

Besides the time for classes, you'll spend time on reading the text, doing the assignments, and studying of for quizzes and tests. That comes to about five to nine hours outside of class on average per week, the actual amount varying from week to week. For more detail about how to study mathematics, see About studying mathematics in general, and Calculus in particular.

Tutors

Experienced upperclass 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.

Tests and final exam

There will be two tests during the semester and a final examination during finals week in December. The final is cumulative, but post-midterm material will be emphasized. Short 15-20 minute quizzes will be given periodically throughout the semester.

Course grade

The course grade will be based on 20% for homework assignements and quizzes, 25% for each of the two midterms, and 30% for the final.

Course pages and other associated pages

This page is located on the web at
http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/ma120/
David E. Joyce