Fall Semester, 1998

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

COURSE TITLE AND CREDIT:

Math 125 Calculus I

4 Hrs 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. Riddle Chapter 2: Functions, limits & continuity.
2. Riddle Chapter 3: The derivative.
3. Riddle Chapter 4: Curve Sketching.
4. Riddle Chapter 5: Max and min applied problems, the differential.
5. Riddle Chapter 6: The Integral.
6. Riddle Chapter 7: Trigonometric functions
7. Riddle Chapter 8: Exponential and logarithmic functions.

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

V. Required (Graded) Assignments: 3- 100 pt tests, 1-200 point final, occasional quizzes.

 

VI. Evaluation Procedures: 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.

VI. TEXTBOOKS CURRENTLY BEING USED:

Riddle's Calculus, Alternative Edition

VIII. Other Important Information:

1. Attendance: Students with more than 1 week (2 classes) unexcused absences will be dropped from the course, as required in the college catalog.

2. 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.