MAT109 Fall 2010

G E O R G E T O W N   C O L L E G E

MAT109 Fall 2010 Syllabus
MAT109 Calculus for Business and Social Sciences [ https://scholar.georgetowncollege.edu ]
TR 9:30-10:45am Asher 133
Dr. Danny Thorne, Asher 121, 502-863-8362
dthorne0@georgetowncollege.edu
http://www.georgetowncollege.edu/Departments/mpc/thorne/

Course Description An introductory survey of calculus, less theoretical in nature than MAT125. Topics include derivatives of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, the definite integral and applications to business and the social sciences.

Text Goldstein, et. al., Brief Calculus & Its Applications. (ISBN-10: 0321568567)

Topics We will cover chapters 0 through 5 and possibly part of chapter 6.

Grading Categories and weightings: Homework 0.20, Exam One 0.20, Exam Two 0.20, Exam Three 0.20, Final Exam 0.20.

Numerical scores between 0 and 1 (0% and 100%) are computed for assignments and exams by dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of points possible. Scores for categories are computed by averaging the individual scores in the categories. The score for each category is then weighted according to the above weights to give an overall course score between 0 and 1. The overall score for the course is then mapped to a letter grade for the course as follows:


  [0.925,1.000]-->A, 
  [0.875,0.925)-->AB, 
  [0.825,0.875)-->B, 
  [0.775,0.825)-->BC,
  [0.700,0.775)-->C
  [0.600,0.700)-->D
  [0.000,0.600)-->F

.

Grading of problems on homework and exams will be based on three criteria: (1) correctness of the process, (2) ability to convey the process and (3) correctness of the answer, in that order. Achieving (3) does not matter if (1) and (2) are deficient. That means you always need to show your work and show it clearly.

Check your grades regularly on Moodle. Inform me immediately if you notice anything unexpected (e.g., a missing or incorrect homework grade).

Homework Homework will be assigned and collected regularly. Homework will often be assigned via email and Moodle, not during class. You must check your Georgetown College email daily, preferrable multiple times per day.

Help each other learn and understand the course material, but complete the actual homework independently (see the Honor System section of the Student Handbook). If you have to turn in homework late, provide a documented reason.

Take pride in the quality of your work. Submit assignments that are neat, organized and thorough.

Store all of your graded homework in a safe place, at least until the end of the semester.

We will not make heavy use of calculators. You do not need to acquire a graphing calculator for this class. There may be some computer-based assignments.

Exams Tentative dates for the midterm exams are: Tuesday September 14^th Thursday September 16^th, Tuesday October 12^th, and Tuesday November 16^th. If you must miss an exam and want to make it up, arrange it with me at least a couple of days before the exam date, and provide a documented reason for missing.

Store all of your graded exams in a safe place, at least until the end of the semester.

The Final Exam is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14^th, 9am-11am. It will be comprehensive. Note that your final exam grade can be used to replace one of your mid semester exam grades.

Attendance Your attendance will be monitored. There is no explicit category for attendance in the grading scheme for the course. However, missed exams and homework will affect your grade. Furthermore, attendance will flavor my decisions about borderline scores at the end of the semester.

Office Hours My office hours ( M 3:30p-4:30p, T 2:00p-3:00p, W 3:30p-4:30p, R 1:00p-2:00p ) are posted on my door and on my web page. They might change, so check my door or the web page to confirm. I am at your disposal independently of office hours. You may call ahead, make an appointment or just drop by and see if I am available. If I am unavailable due to work-related business when you drop by, I will tell you; otherwise, I am happy to see you anytime.

Classroom Policy Do not use cell phones during class, and make sure they are silent during class.

How to Succeed Read, study, work! Every day!

  Understanding the broad outline isn't good enough. You have to be fluent,
  conversant to such a depth that you just automatically know what to do.
   -- http://www.math.ucdavis.edu/~hass/Calculus/HTAC/excerpts/node4.html

Specific Tips

Read the relevant sections of the book before each class.
Take notes during class (even when you do not completely understand the notes you are taking; even when you think the material is obvious and you will easily remember it later).
Rewrite your notes after class.
Study your notes in conjunction with rereading the corresponding material in the book.
Do the homework problems.
Visit the instructor during office hours for help with anything you are having trouble with.
Go to peer tutoring sessions. (Sunday through Thursday, ASC 132, 8pm-9pm.)
Do the provided review problems for exams.
Rework homework problems for practice.
Do additional problems from the book that were not assigned.
Browse the internet for practice material and helpful advice.
Get help early if you need it. Do not wait until the hour before class to come to the instructor's office for help on homework. Do not wait until the day before an exam to rush to the instructor's office for help studying. Do not wait until late in the semester after you have scored badly on some exams to get serious.

Learning Outcomes The following learning outcomes will be assessed primarily by homework assignments and exams.

Demonstrate basic content knowledge consisting of what is described above in the Topics section.
Use analytical reasoning skills and problem-solving skills to determine and carry out the appropriate techniques for setting up and solving calculus problems.
Read quantitative material (e.g., the course text, course notes, online resources), interpret correctly what has been read, and apply it correctly in all topics throughout this course.
Apply creative thinking and written communication skills to communicate precisely and effectively on the quantitative matters that are the focus of this course (as described above).