MA
121 - Elements of Calculus
Fall
2009
TEXT: Bittinger, M. L., Calculus
(9th ed.)
MA 121 is a
three-hour course. It is a
terminal, one-semester course in calculus designed for those students whose
degree programs require a single calculus course. The typical additional requirement is MA 114. Overall, about half of the students are
in economics and business, a quarter to a third are in biological sciences, and
the remainder are scattered among design, forestry, liberal arts and textiles.
This course is
not a simplified 141, or even a 131.
It is not easier, rather, different. It covers more topics, in less depth, than either of those
two courses. We should emphasize
concepts and ideas, strive for plausibility rather than rigor, and push for as
much manipulative skill as the time allows. Applications should be emphasized (the text is excellent in
this regard). Also to be
emphasized are exponential functions and their applications, derivatives as
rates of change, integrals as approximations to sums and as total change,
simple models via differential equations, and computational aspects. These students are in areas where
multivariate mathematics is important. Trigonometry has been deleted.
Students
sometimes appear in 121 classes who have poor backgrounds in algebra. For these, and others as well, running
review is helpful. However, MA 107 (or equivalent) is
prerequisite to this course, and it is reasonable to expect this background. Poorly prepared students should be
encouraged to go back to MA 107.
On the whole,
this text has received a very favorable response from those who have taught
from it over the past few years.
Students have found it quite readable. The "margin exercises" and end of chapter tests
seem to be helpful. However, there
is a lot of material to be covered.
Some sections are rather long and some selection of material may be
necessary. This is a stimulating
and interesting course to teach.
Your experience serves as a valuable aid to future instructors. Please give any comments, criticisms,
etc. to the course coordinator.
MA 121 - ELEMENTS OF
CALCULUS
TEXT:
Calculus, by M. L.
Bittinger (9th Edition)
Fall 2009
|
Weeks |
Date |
Sections |
|
1 |
Wed.
Aug. 19-Fri. Aug. 21 |
R.1,
R.2, R.3, R.4 |
|
2 |
Mon.
Aug. 24-Fri. Aug. 28 |
R.
5, 1.1, 1.2 |
|
3 |
Mon.
Aug. 31-Fri. Sept. 4 |
1.3,
1.4, 1.5 |
|
4 |
Mon. Sept. 7-Fri. Sept. 11 |
Labor Day, Test review,
TEST #1 |
|
5 |
Mon.
Sept. 14-Fri. Sept. 18 |
1.6,
1.7, 1.8 |
|
6 |
Mon.
Sept. 21-Fri. Sept. 25 |
2.1,
2.2, 2.3 |
|
7 |
Mon. Sept. 28-Fri. Oct. 2 |
2.4, Test review, TEST #2 |
|
8 |
Mon.
Oct. 5-Wed. Oct. 9 |
2.5,
3.1 (Fall Break Thurs., Fri.) |
|
9 |
Mon.
Oct. 12-Fri. Oct. 16 |
3.2,
3.3, 3.4 |
|
10 |
Mon.
Oct. 19-Fri. Oct. 23 |
3.5,
4.1, 4.2 |
|
11 |
Mon. Oct. 26-Fri. Oct. 30 |
4.3 Test review, TEST #3 |
|
12 |
Mon.
Nov. 2-Fri. Nov. 6 |
4.4,
4.5, 5.1 |
|
13 |
Mon.
Nov. 9-Fri. Nov. 13 |
5.2,
5.3, 5.6 |
|
14 |
Mon. Nov. 16-Fri. Nov. 20 |
5.7, Test review, TEST #4 |
|
15 |
Mon.
Nov. 23-Tues. Nov. 24 |
6.1
(Thanksgivings Wed., Thurs., Fri.) |
|
16 |
Mon.
Nov. 30-Fri. Dec. 4 |
6.2,
6.3 Exam review |
|
|
Mon.
Dec. 7 & Tues. Dec. 8 |
Reading
Days |
|
|
Wed. Dec. 9-Thurs. Dec. 17 |
Final Exams |