MA111 Policies

Course Information

To understand the basics of differential calculus, in particular, derivatives: their precise definition, how to compute them, what they're good for.
To begin understanding integral calculus and its relation to differential calculus.
To develop mathematical modeling skills---the ability to translate a physical problem into mathematics, analyze the mathematics, and draw conclusions about the original physical problem.
To develop general problem solving skills---how do people attack and solve hard problems? What do you do when you don't know how to start?
To develop communication skills---the ability to read, write, and speak mathematics.

Exams: For in-class exams your work must be your own, of course, using only the authorized resources stated on the exam cover page. For any take-home exams you must also work individually, and ask for help or clarification only from me! As with in-class exams, use only the resources that are authorized on the exam cover page.
Homework: You are expected/encouraged to collaborate with other students, but when the time comes to write up the homework solutions you should be able to do this on your own with complete understanding.
If you did cooperate significantly with one or more other students please indicate this on the front page of the homework set, problem by problem if necessary, e.g., "I worked with "student A" on problems 3 and 5", "student B" on problem 14".
Do not share "canned" computer files for solving the homework, e.g., if "student A" writes an elaborate Maple worksheet that solves a given homework problem, he/she should not give it to others so they can blindly push buttons and get answers! (I try not assign such problems).
If you can't solve a given problem, just say so. It's OK.
If you're not sure about whether what you're doing for the course is in accordance with the above, ask me!

Check the course web page frequently! All homework will be posted there, as well as additional study info and resources.
Some days we'll use the laptop in class (a couple days per week, sometimes more); I'll send you an email if you need to bring it.
Homework is due at 5 pm on the due date. One day late is automatic half credit, after that zero!
Homework should be written up neatly (even TeXed if you know how) and ALL PAGES STAPLED. If the answer consists of a single number of formula that can be boxed, DO SO! Finally, the work should be done on a separate piece of paper from that on which the problems are stated (if I hand out my own problems), unless space is specfically provided for you to write the answer.
Make sure it's clear what your answer is, box or highlight it when appropriate.
If you know you're going to be gone on a given day, let me know AHEAD of time. If there's a quiz that day you can make it up ahead of time, not after (in that case, it becomes the one quiz I'll spot you.)
If you miss class YOU are responsible for learning the material you missed. Although you can ask me specific questions about the material (see "Office Hours" below), you cannot ask me to repeat the class for you personally---I have too many students for this to be feasible.
The final grade will be weighted 20 percent for turned in homework and projects, 25 percent for quizzes, 30 percent for midterm exams, and 25 percent for the final.

We'll cover (AT LEAST) the following topics from the text.

Come to office hours if you're confused!
But please come somewhat prepared, having at least read the book and tried the problems. It's not very helpful if you come in and say "I don't understand anything we're doing."
Once your questions are answered, do not sit in my office to finish your work---many other people probably want to see me.
Coming by to talk about math not related to the course (just because it's interesting) is encouraged!

This page last updated November 12, 2011