Math 181 - Calculus I
Section: HN101 Fall 2008  Time: 9:30 - 11:10 am TR    Room: C227 

Home Math 181 Schedule

INSTRUCTOR:

 Joe McDonald

PHONE:

 (702) 651 - 3084

EMAIL:

 joe@joemath.com

OFFICE LOCATION:

 B-130 d

OFFICE HOURS:

TR 8:30 - 9:30 am 
TR 11:15 - 12:30 pm

MY WEBSITE:

 joemath.com

Required TEXT:

 Calculus of a Single Variable, 8th edition, 
Larson, Hostetler, Edwards ISBN:0-618-50303-X 

ELECTRONIC MEDIA:

 Optional Material: www.CalcChat.com "worked-out solutions to odd numbered text exercises - free" 

For large printable graphs for selected exercises.    http://www.mathgraphs.com

CALCULATOR:

 It is import to be able to use a calculator but you will have to  show all work by hand on the tests unless otherwise noted by me.

PREREQUISITE & TRANSFERABILITY:

 Differentiation and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions with applications. Prerequisite: Math 126 AND Math 127 or Math 128 all with a grade of C or better; or a satisfactory ACT/SAT/Placement Test score. This course is transferable to UNLV or UNR.

ATTENDANCE:

Strongly recommended. YOU are responsible for any concepts or information missed due to non-attendance.

KEY DATES:

 Aug 29 Last Day to Drop Course without a "W" grade 
  Aug 31 Final Date for 25% drop fee
  Sept 12 Last Day to Change from Audit to Credit with Instructor's approval
  Oct 30 Last Day to Change from Credit to Audit
  Oct 30 Last Day to Drop a Class - Receive "W" Grade

OBJECTIVES:

 The student should be able to:
 

   Analyze the concept of function limits and continuity.
   Differentiate functions using fundamental rules.
  Perform differentiation techniques such as the general power rule, chain rule, product rule and quotient rule.
   Evaluate definite and indefinite integrals.
   Differentiate and integrate transcendental functions.
   Apply and extend all concepts.

OUTLINE:

Ch 01 - All Sections
Ch 02 - All Sections
Ch 03 - Sections 3.1 - 3.7
Note: Sections 3.8 and 3.9 are optional. Time Permitting
Ch 04 - Sections 4.1 - 4.5
Note: Section 4.6 is optional.  Time Permitting
Ch 05 - Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.4 - 5.7

PRACTICE EXERCISES:

Selected problems in the textbook will be assigned. Answers for odd-numbered problems are in the back of the textbook. These exercises MAY BE graded.  Time will be allotted for questions in class. Please ASK questions !

QUIZZES:

There will be several quizzes, in-class quizzes or take-home quizzes.  Take-home quizzes are collected at the beginning of the class on the due date .  The quiz will not be considered for a grade if you are late. A quiz may not be made up except for very unusual circumstances. You must notify me in advance.

TESTS:

There will be 2 tests and a final. Partial credit may be possible. A calculator may not always be used. Appropriate mathematical process as well as the correct answer wil1 be graded. No make-up tests will be allowed, except for very unusual circumstances. You must contact me personally prior to the scheduled test. Nobody can make up more than one test!!

NOTE:

Questions about points deducted on a test problem need to be raised immediately after the test is handed back. No consideration will be given thereafter.

FINAL EXAM:

The final exam will count the same as a regular test

FINAL GRADE:

.10* QUIZ/HOMEWORK  + .90* TEST AVG.  (30% each test)

GRADING SCALE:

92% < A < 100% 72% v C < 78%
90% < A- < 92% 70% < C- < 72%
88% < B+ < 90% 68% < D+ < 70%
82% < B < 88% 62% < D < 68%
80% < B- < 82% 60% < D- < 62%
78% < C+ < 80% F < 60%

NOTE: The grade 'W' will not be given by me.  You must drop officially if you need a "W".  Otherwise you will receive an "F".

SAFETY: The mathematics department safety rules are available for your inspection in the math office, Room 1029. Also, please take time to familiarize yourself with emergency procedures posted inside each room next to the door.

ADA Notice: If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for coordination of your academic accommodations. The DRC is located in Student Services on each campus. For Cheyenne the number is 651-4700, for West Charleston the number is 651-5089, and for Henderson the number is 651-3086. 

For those students that would like to perform community service or earn a little extra cash, stop by the DRC to fill out a job interest card. This office hires students as note takers, proctors, scribes and research assistants as needed. 

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

 Tardiness: I do realize occasional tardiness cannot be avoided. If you are late, be respectful to your classmates by coming in quietly, sitting in the back, and not talking. Many students are easily distracted.  Points may be deducted from tests if you arrive late for exams.  

 Talking: Please refrain from having conversations with classmates while I am lecturing or answering questions. Even if I don't hear your conversations, you may be bothering other students.  Repeated disruption of student learning may result in removal from this course.

 Questions: I may think I've done a wonderful job explaining a concept only to find out after a quiz or test most people didn't get it. The daily homework is designed to help us avoid those oversights. Keep up with the homework and ask questions, questions, and questions.

 Homework: This is the most important part of the class. Some people assume I am good at math because it comes naturally, have a high IQ, or I have some "math gene". These assumptions are false. I had to practice math problems repeatedly to understand each concept. Lectures alone do not provide enough information. Learning to read your textbook is an essential part of your math learning experience. Your most valuable resource is your textbook.

 Leaving Class Early Leaving early causes a disruption of learning. Let me know ahead of time if you have to leave early. Try to sit in the back of the room near the door.

 Inappropriate Behavior will not be tolerated. All students have the right not to be disturbed in class.  If I have to repeatedly ask a student to stop disrupting my class I will drop them.  Please respect all students.

A Final Note: Here are some resources:

 Feel free to form study groups and exchange phone numbers.  

 Go to the Math Lab (hours will be given)

 Visit me be during offices hours

 Use online tutorials in computer lab or use online tutorials from Internet (check my web site)

 Library may have videos for this course.

 CSN Students can get up to 12 hours of free individualized tutoring (Check at the Writing Center)