The calculus is the greatest aid we have to the application of physicalThis course is a continuation of the topics covered in Calculus I. One of the most fundamental, and most slippery, topics in mathematics is the relationship between the finite and the infinite. A recurring theme throughout the semester will be the relationship between an approximation and the exact value. We will spend quite a bit of time this semester trying to determine just how good any approximation is. One of the most beautiful aspects of calculus is that by taking better and better approximations and extending from the finite to the infinite, we will often be able to find a precise solution.
truth in the broadest sense of the word. - W. F. Osgood
Web Page: http://www.gac.edu/~mmcdermo/mcs122/s00/mcs122s00.html
Announcements, course information and assignments will be posted here.
Prerequisites: MCS-121 or MCS-131 or placement exam.
Text: Calculus by Hughes-Hallett, Gleason,
et. al. (John Wiley & Sons, New
York, Second Edition, 1998).
Calculators: You should have a graphing calculator available for use in class and on exams. If you do not own a calculator, please talk to your instructor. The department recommends the TI-83. You may use other calculators (especially other TIs, Casios, HP or Sharp) as long as you are able to enter a simple program into your calculator and you are comfortable with basic graphing features. Calculators with symbolic algebra capability will not be allowed during exams.
Exams: We will have three exams during the semester and a cumulative final exam. The exams during the semester will be given in the evening. They are tentatively scheduled for
The final exam will be given Saturday, May 20, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Evaluation: Your course grade will be determined
using the following percentages as a guide:
| Homework |
20%
|
| Prep Problems |
5%
|
| Exams (3) |
60%
|
| Final |
25%
|
But wait, that adds up to 110%. Here's the deal. Basically, your lowest score will only count about half as much. If your lowest score is on one of the three exams or your homework, then it counts 10%. If your final ends up being your lowest score, then it will only count 15%.
Academic Integrity: The academic honesty policy can be found on page 31 of the 1999-2000 college catalogue. I call your attention to the following excerpt: ``In all academic exercises, examinations, papers, and reports, students shall submit their own work. Footnotes or some other acceptable form of citation must accompany any use of another's words or ideas.''
Class Format: We learn by thinking and doing, not
by watching and listening. Learning is an active process: it
is something we must do, not have done to us. Class time will be
a mixture of lectures, discussions, problem solving and presentation of
solutions. At various times you will be asked to present problems,
reflect on the reading and generate questions for your classmates.
It is essential that you come to class prepared to do the day's work.
In particular, you should read
the text and attempt homework before coming
to 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.
``A good lecture is usually systematic, complete, precise -- and dull; itHomework: You may turn in one late assignment (by Thursday). In addition we will drop your lowest homework score.
is a bad teaching instrument.'' -- Paul Halmos``The best way to learn anything is to discover it by yourself... .
What you have been obliged to discover by yourself leaves a path
in your mind which you can use again when the need arises.''
-- George Polya
There are two types of homework in this course, preparation problems and weekly homework. Preparation problems are meant to help you prepare for classes. Note that preparation problems for a section are assigned at the same time as the reading for that section. This means that you are being asked to read and digest a section and attempt problems before we discuss the material in class. This is intentional. These problems will often serve as the starting point for class discussions. The problems will be collected at the beginning of class and will be graded primarily on effort. Occasionally you will be asked to generate questions on the reading in lieu of preparation problems. Weekly homework is assigned for each section and is collected each Monday at the beginning of class. Only selected problems will be graded. You are allowed (even encouraged) to discuss both preparation problems and weekly homework problems with others. However, ultimately you must work the problems and write up the assignment entirely by yourself.
I hear, and I forget;Advice from Your Peers:
I see, and I remember;
I do, and I understand.
-Proverb