Math 251: Calc I - Fall 2010

Instructor: Jodi Fasteen

• Office: 328 Neuberger Hall. Enter door 334 and hang a left.
• Office hours: Fall 2010: (tentatively)
  • W 10-11am
  • TR 1-2pm
  or by appointment.
• e-mail: "jfasteen" at "pdx.edu"
• website: http://www.mth.pdx.edu/~jfasteen
• Homework

Prerequisites: The prerequisite for this course is Math 112 (Trigonometry), as well as as Math 111 (Algebra). Similar courses are sometimes called "PreCalc". To determine whether you are ready for Calc I, make sure you are comfortable with functions (f(x) style), algebra, and graphing, as well as order of operations, fractions, and basic arithmetic. We will also assume that you are familiar with trigonometry, especially the sin, cos, and tan functions and useful identities. One of the best ways to ensure success in calculus is to have a strong foundation in the prereqs. There will be a placement test during the first week.

Topics: Limits and derivatives, explored with graphs, algebra, and applications.

Goals:

• Think visually with the aid of concrete models and diagrams
• Understand and connect ideas and concepts
• Problem solve and reason mathematically
• Invent procedures and make generalizations
• Communicate mathematically
• Respect and understand the mathematical thinking of others
• Enjoy learning and doing math!

Attendance: There is a strong emphasis in this course on activity based learning. You will be constructing your knowledge of math concepts by doing activities in small groups in class. Regular attendance and participation are essential. We will discuss what is meant by participation on the first day of class.

If you miss a class, you should arrange to get notes from a classmate. There are absolutely no make-ups without prior arrangement with the instructor or legitimate excuse such as a doctors note or funeral service card. A note from an employer is not a legitimate excuse. If you do need to make up an exam, you may need to pay a fee at the testing center for proctoring.

Disability Services: If you have a learning or physical disability and are in need of academic accommodations, please contact PSU’s Disability Services at 503-725-4150. They will determine any adjustments that need to be made for your individual needs. If you have special testing needs, please let me know by email at least a week before the first midterm.

Tutoring: Free tutoring is available in the atrium of Neuberger Hall (3rd floor) and on the 4th floor of Smith at the Skills Enhancement and Tutoring Center. See http://www.mth.pdx.edu/resources/ for the schedules.

Grading: Homework Assignments & Quizzes In Class Activities/Participation 30% Midterm 1 20% Midterm 2 20% Final Exam** 30%

Grading Scale A 90 - 100% B 80 - 89% C 70 - 79% D 60 - 69% F 0 - 59%

** You must earn a passing grade on the final exam in order to pass the class. **

Homework Assignments: Homework assignments must be submitted on time (usually the start of class on Fridays). If you will be missing a class, please contact me ahead of time to make arrangements for submitting homework. Email is the best way to make these arrangements, as it provides me with a handy reminder. Homework may be in the form of problems from the book, or worksheets given in class.

Guidelines for HW:

• If a problem requires work, please show your work and explain your reasoning.
• If odd numbered problems are assigned, please check your answers and show your work.
• Stay caught up on assignments. No late assignments will be accepted, regardless of the excuse.
• You are welcome and encouraged to work with your classmates. Please turn in your own copy of the assignment (unless otherwise directed in class).
• Work on your homework throughout the week. Do not wait until the weekend to start it. Expect to spend 2 hours out of class for every hour in class.
• Please ask me if you have questions. Stop by my office or send me an email. I am here to help you. If you are nervous about coming to office hours, use the buddy system.
• Sometimes there may be in quizzes on which you can use your homework. Try to make your homework into a working study guide.

Quizzes: Quizzes will be given at random over recently covered material or homework. Please come to class each day prepared to demonstrate knowledge from the previous day's material. This will help us to avoid waiting until tests to iron out the kinks.

Prerequisite material is fair game for class projects and quizzes/exams. i.e. The correct use of functions, algebra, order of operations, and fraction operations is expected.

Calculators: There are variety of graphing calculators that will be acceptable for class use. I will be using a TI-89 and I do recommend this calculator for the Calc Sequence. Regardless of which calculator you choose, you should have a manual or access to online tutorials to help you learn to use the calculator. You will be allowed to use a calculator for some class work and parts some quizzes/exams. You are not allowed to use a computer or cell-phone during quizzes/exams.

MAA Research Survey: This term PSU is being asked to participate in a study of Characteristics of Successful Programs in College Calculus by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). You will be asked to complete an online survey at the beginning of the term and again at the end of the term. No identifying information that you provide will be made accessible to your instructor. More will be discussed in class.