The calculus is the greatest aid we have to the application of physical truth in the broadest sense of the word. - W. F. Osgood

Course Objectives:

• To reinforce prior understanding of functions.
• To understand what a derivative is, how to find derivatives (limits, formulas), and how derivatives can be used.
• To understand what definite integrals are (areas, accumulation of change, Riemann sums) and how to find them.
• To develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• To have fun doing mathematics.

Course web site:  The best source of information about this course is available at  www.gac.edu/~kaiser/mcs121/. There you will find a complete syllabus, course description, current homework assignments, links to the common webpage for MCS121, etc.

Text:   Calculus by Hughes-Hallett, Gleason, et. al. (John Wiley & Sons, New York, Third Edition, 2002).

This text is written specifically to aid you in understanding the concepts of calculus.  Our questions and problems will require you to invoke your understanding rather than to mimic template problems worked in the text, so you should read this text, both before and after each class. (Suggestions and more suggestions about how to read mathematics.)

Classes:    Classes will be used for lectures, problem solving, discussions, and other fun activities.   You should prepare for classes by doing the reading beforehand (reading assignments are posted on the Web),  thinking about the problems in the text, checking your understanding by doing the  WeBWorK assignment for that section, and formulating questions of your own.  You should also participate as much as possible in class.  Class meetings are not intended to be a complete encapsulation of the course material.  You will be responsible for learning some of the material on your own.

Attendance, both physical and mental, is required.

Should you need to miss a class for any reason, you are still responsible for the material covered in that class. This means that you will need to make sure that you understand the reading for that day, that you should ask a friend for the notes from that day, and make sure that you understand what was covered. If there is an assignment due that day, you should be sure to have a friend hand it in or put it in my departmental mailbox (in Olin 324). You do not need to tell me why you missed a class unless there is a compelling reason for me to know.

Tests:  We have two in-class tests, on 9/23 and 11/4 and two evening ``midterms'', on  10/12 and 11/18.  The final is tentatively scheduled for Friday, December 17, 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Academic Integrity  You are expected to to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty, to uphold the Gustavus Honor Code and to abide by the Academic Honesty Policy. Copies of the honor code and academic honesty policy can be found in Academic Bulletin and in the Gustie Guide.

On homework problems, I encourage you to discuss problems and their solutions with each other; however, each of you should make a real effort to solve each problem by yourself, and you should give credit to any people or texts that helped you find solutions.  Should I detect students copying each others work, I will first talk with the people having similar work. In case of a second infraction, I will give you a 0 on that aassignment and notify the Dean of Faculty. Further violations will result in increasing penalites, up to failing the course.

On tests, you are expected to work completely by yourself, and to sign the honor pledge on each test. The first violation of this policy will result in a 0 on that test and notification of the Dean of Faculty. Further violations will result in failing the course.

WeBWorK	5%
Homework	15%
In-class tests	24% (12% each)
Evening tests	36% (16% each)
Final	20%

I may adjust your course grade  based on the quantity and quality of your class participation.

Accessibility:  Please contact me during the first week of class if you have specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities and require accommodations. All discussions will remain confidential. You can provide documentation of your disability to the Advising Center (204 Johnson Student Union) or call Laurie Bickett (x7027).