Calculus I
MATH 200 sections 1, 2, 4, 5
SYLLABUS

Fall 2012
MWF 12:0012:50
Temple 1165

Virginia Commonwealth University

INSTRUCTORS:
  Richard Hammack (Associate Professor) Office: Harris Hall 4105
  Work: 804-828-6237
Office hours:
  Home: 804-355-3963
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00–2:00,
  E-mail: rhammack (at) vcu (dot) edu
Tuesday 12:00–1:00,
  Webpage: www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/
Thursday 10:00–11:00,
    and by appointment.
     
  Alexi Hoeft (Graduate Teaching Assistant) Office: Harris Hall 4156
  Phone: 804-828-8094 (email is better) Office hours: (Held in the Math Mall: the 4th floor Harris common area.)
  E-mail: hoefta (at) vcu (dot) edu Wednesday, 11:00–11:50 and 1:00–1:50
Webpage: www.alexihoeft.com/ Thursday: 2:30–3:30
    and by appointment.
     
COURSE WEB PAGE: www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/Math200/


PREREQUISITES:
  MATH 151 (Pre-calculus) or placement by VCU's Mathematics Placement Test. (For test, see www.math.vcu.edu/mathlab/placement/)

COURSE STRUCTURE AND MEETING TIMES:
 

MATH 200 is the first course in a two-semester sequence covering the calculus of one-variable functions. This course covers the fundamental ideas of differential and integral calculus: functions, limits, continuity, differentiation and integration. We also examine some aspects of how these ideas apply to solve real-world problems. All this involves Chapters 1 through 5 of the text. The course is designed to give you the mathematical background necessary for many courses in the natural and social sciences, as well as to provide a foundation for further study in mathematics.

This is a large lecture course of approximately 125 students. Any student in this course is enrolled in one of Sections 1, 2, 4, or 5 of MATH 200. All four sections meet in a large lecture on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:0012:50, in Temple 1165. In addition, each section meets individually once per week in a smaller classroom, as follows:

SECTION 1 Friday, 10:0010:50 Harris 3003
SECTION 2 Thursday, 1:001:50 Harris 3003
SECTION 4 Thursday, 12:0012:50 Harris 3003
SECTION 5 Thursday, 11:0011:50 Harris 3003

You are expected to attend all of the large lectures as well as your individual section meeting. If the meeting time of your individual section is inconvenient, you may attend any other section. (For example, if you are in Section 2 and are unable to attend that meeting, you may attend any of Sections 1, 4 or 5.)


REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 
  • Access to MyMathLab for Web-based homework assignments. (This also give you access to an electronic version of the text listed below.)
  • Textbook: Thomas' Calculus: Early Transcendental, 12th edition, Addison Wesley. (There is no need to buy this if you are content with the online version supplied with MyMathLab.)
You have three options for purchasing the above materials. You may do any one of the following.
  1. Hard Copy of Text with MyMathLab and e-text:
    Go to the VCU Bookstore and purchase Thomas' Calculus: Early Transcendental, 12th edition, with MyMathLab Access (ISBN 9780321648426) for $237 (or $178, used). The inside cover of this book contains a package with an access code that allows you to register for a MyMathLab account with access to our course.
  2. MyMathLab and e-text:
    Go to the VCU Bookstore and purchase the MyMathLab Student Access Kit (ISBN 9780321199911) for $111.45 (or $83.60 used). This kit includes an access code that allows you to register for your MyMathLab account with access to our course. The MyMathLab account has a link to an electronic version of the text, Thomas' Calculus: Early Transcendental, 12th edition.
  3. MyMathLab and e-text:
    You can purchase an access code directly from MyMathLab. Follow the instructions on the MyMathLab handout.
 
You are not required to have a calculator in this course. You are free to use a calculator in doing homework or working exercises, but calculators are not used on any in-class work, including quizzes, tests and the final exam.


IMPORTANT WEB LINKS:
 


GRADED WORK:
  Your course grade will be determined by your performance on the following:
  • MyMathLab homework assignments: Frequent assignments are made through MyMathLab. These will be announced both in class and on line. In most cases you can have as many tries as needed on each question, but you must eventually get the answer right to get credit for it. There will typically be three short homework sets per week, due by on-line sumbission on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 9:00 p.m.
  • Quizzes: There are weekly quizzes. Most are in class, but some may be on MyMathLab. Calculators and computers are not used on any in-class quiz.
  • Tests: There are three closed book tests, at dates to be announced. Calculators and computers are not used on any in-class test. Tests are written under the assumption that you are studying the material at least 8 hours per week outside of class.
  • Engagement: Engagement means that you in some way demonstrate intellectual involvement in the course. It does not necessarily mean that you ask questions and volunteer answers. Active engagement may include your working lots of exercises, taking advantage of office hours, and displaying preparedness, dedication and intellectual curiosity. Things that could cause you to lose engagement points include sleeping in class, missing too much class, leaving your cell phone on, texting in class, and other rude behaviors. (Not that we expect you would do any of these things!)
  • Final Exam: The final exam is cumulative, covering all material discussed in class. All you will need to bring to the finial exam is something to write with. Books, notes, calculators, computers, etc., are not allowed on the final. The final exam is scheduled for 1:00–3:50 p.m. on Wednesday December 12. The exam is written under the assumption that you have been studying the material at least 8 hours per week outside of class throughout the semester.

GRADING CRITERIA:
 
The 10-point grading scale is used:

A: 90100
B: 8089
C: 7079
D: 6069
F: 059
Your final average will be computed as follows:

MyMathLab Assignments:
8%
Quizzes: 20%
Engagement: 2%
3 Tests:
45%
Final Exam:
25%

COURSE POLICIES:
 
  • Attendance: Attendance is not taken. You are responsible for all material covered in class.
  • Etiquette: Class begins on the hour — please arrive promptly. Late arrivals are disruptive. Except in the event of emergency, do not leave class until it is officially over. Do not pack up before class is over.
  • Phones: Turn off and put away all phones for the entire duration of class. Do not text in class or leave to take a call.
  • Devices: You are expected to be connected with the course and course material. All devices not related to coursework (iPods, laptops, etc.) are to be turned off and put away for the entire duration of class.
  • Make-up work: If you miss a test because of a documented illness or an emergency, a makeup can be scheduled. The request must be made on or before the day of the test. Please provide medical or other appropriate documentation. The makeup test format is a live one-on-one exam with Alexi where you will work problems on a whiteboard and answer questions verbally. The final exam cannot be given early. Please be sure that your travel plans do not conflict with the exam schedule.
  • Honor System: Any instance of cheating on quizzes, tests or exams is considered an honor offence and is dealt with according to University policy.
  • In addition to the required MyMathLab homework assignments, you are expected to work lots of extra problems for practice. Please see the Exercise List on the course web page.
  • Last Day to Withdraw: November 2. (Withdrawing means your transcript lists a "W" for the course.)
 
BOILERPLATE INFORMATION: The following is required on all VCU syllabi:
  • Accommodations: Any student eligible for and needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of a disability should contact an instructor within the first week of class. The VCU Disability Support Services web site is  http://www.students.vcu.edu/dss/.

  • VCU Honor System:  All VCU students are presumed upon enrollment to have acquainted themselves with and have an understanding of the Honor System. Therefore, it is a student's responsibility to ask course instructors to clarify expectations for each assignment in order to be in compliance with the Honor System. The 2007 - 8 VCU Honor System policy statement and purpose is located at http://www.provost.vcu.edu/pdfs/Honor_system_policy.pdf

  • Classroom Conduct: Professional conduct will be expected at ALL TIMES and disruptive talking or behavior will NOT be allowed.  A description of the VCU Student Conduct in Instructional Settings Policy can be found at: http://www.ts.vcu.edu/policies/studentconduct.htm

  • VCU Statement on Safety  You can sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts (http://www.vcu.edu/alert/notify).  Keep your information up-to-date. Know the safe evacuation route from each of your classrooms. Emergency evacuation routes are posted in on campus classrooms.  Listen for and follow instructions from VCU or other designated authorities. Know where to go for additional emergency information (http://www.vcu.edu/alert).  Know the emergency phone number for the VCU Police (828-1234). Report suspicious activities and objects.

  • University Counseling Services:  http://www.students.vcu.edu/counseling/