Virginia Commonwealth University
MATH 200, Calculus I, Spring 2008
January 14 — May 1 (TR 9:30-10:45)
Instructor:Ghidewon Abay-Asmerom
Office:2034-A Oliver Hall
Office Phone:828-6240
Office Hours:TR 8:30 - 9:20AM, TR 11:00 - 12:00 PM; TR 2:00-3:00PM.
e-mail address:ghidewon@vcu.edu
Home-page:http://saturn.vcu.edu/~gasmerom/MATH200

Prerequisite: MATH 151 or satisfactory score on the MPT (math placement test).
Text: Thomas' Calculus: Early Trancendentals 11th edition
Contents:Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 (see topic list).

There will be three pre-scheduled tests (for a total of 450 points or 45%) and a Final Exam (for 250 points, or 25%). The length of the three tests is 75 minutes each. The final exam, scheduled for May 1, will be a three-hour comprehensive exam. All homework will be done on MyMathlab (it will account for 250 points or 25%) and class activity (attendance included) for the remaining 50 points or 5%. The total maximum possible points for this course are thus 1000 points; the course grades will be assigned as follows:

A[900 — 1000]B[750 —900)
C[600 — 750)D[500 — 600)
F[0— 500)

All homework assignments have due dates and must be completed on schedule that is, by or before their due dates. Several test problems will be similar (and in some cases identical) to the homework problems assigned and thus not only does it pay to do the homework for the 25%, it is also a good way of preparing yourself for the tests. Experience shows that the probability of success is very low for the student who does not work the assigned problems conscientiously. Because of the pace of the course no one can afford to stay behind. This means, the student must develop a good study strategy for the semester. Working problems is absolutely necessary in math but more so in calculus; we only learn mathematics by solving problems on our own.

Remember: Mathematics is fun; therefore working problems is also fun. When in doubt, bear in mind the words of George Polya:

"To solve a problem is to make a discovery; a great problem means a great discovery, but there is a grain of discovery in the solution of any problem. Your problem may be modest; but if it challenges your curiosity and brings into play your inventive faculties, and if you solve it by your own means, you may experience the tension and enjoy the triumph of discovery."