Fall Semester, 2000

INSTRUCTOR: K. W. Nicholson
Phone: 256 234 6346 ext 6259 or 6264 email: caccphysic@aol.com
Office: BS 224 Office Hours : Tuesday and Thursday 3- 5 PM
Web page: http://207.157.12.149

COURSE TITLE AND CREDIT:

Math 125 Calculus I

4 Hr. Lecture Credit: 4 semester Hours

COURSE PREREQUISITES: A minimum prerequisite of high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an appropriate mathematics placement score is required. An alternative to this is that the student should successfully pass with a C or higher MTH 113.

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is the first of three courses in the basic calculus sequence taken primarily by students in science, engineering, and mathematics. Topics include the limit of a function; the derivative of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions; and the definite integral and its basic applications to area problems. Applications of the derivative are covered in detail, including approximations of error using differentials, maximum and minimum problems, and curve sketching using calculus.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES: As a result of successfully completing this course the student will be able to:
1. Recognize and analyze polynomial, rational polynomial, exponential, log, and trig functions.
2. Understand and use the concept of the limit of a function.
3. Take derivatives of the above functions and composites thereof using differentiation formulas.
4. Solve constant acceleration problems using the kinematic equations of motion.
5. Analyze and solve simple maximum and minimum problems.
6. Use first and second derivatives to aid in curve sketching.
7. Use the integral to find area under curves, and analyze simple mechanics problems.
8. Approximate errors using differentials.

III. CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION:
1. Anton or Burger Chapter 1: Functions
2. Anton or Burger Chapter 2: Limits & continuity.
3. Anton or Burger Chapter 3: The derivative
4. Anton or Burger Chapter 4: Exponential and logarithmic functions.
5. Anton or Burger Chapter 5: Curve Sketching, analysis of functions.
6. Anton or Burger Chapter 6: Max and min applied problems, the differential.
7. Anton or Burger Chapter 7: The Integral.
8. Anton or Burger Chapter 8: Applications of Integrals

IV. References: Serway's Physics for Scientists and Engineers

V. Required (Graded) Assignments: 3- 100 pt tests, 1-200 point final, daily homework assignments.

VI. Evaluation Procedures: Three 100 point exams, (taken in class), bi-weekly quizzes (total worth 200 points), (taken on the internet), a 200 point comprehensive final examination (taken in class).

VI. TEXTBOOKS CURRENTLY BEING USED:

Howard Anton's Calculus, Sixth Edition, Thinkwell's Calculus 1 CD's

VIII. Other Important Information:

1. Grading System: A: 90 - 100 Accumulative percent, B: 80 - 89 Accumulative percent, C: 70 - 79 Accumulative percent, D: 60 - 69 Accumulative percent, F: 0 - 59 Accumulative percent.

2. If you decide to drop this course, you must do so formally before mid-term by going to student services in the Administration Building and filling out a drop form. If simply stop coming to class, you will receive an F in this course!

 

3. If you have a disability that may prevent you from meeting the course requirements, contact the instructor before the end of the first week of classes to file a student disability request and to discuss a reasonable plan. Course requirements will not be waived but accommodations may be made to assist you in meeting the requirements, provided you are timely in working with the instructor to develop a reasonable accommodation plan.