MTH 141  Calculus I - Fall 2003
Introductory Calculus with Analytic Geometry

Introduction
This is the first calculus course for students of engineering, mathematics, science and other areas of study that require a strong mathematical background. In MTH 141 we shall explore in depth the idea of rate of change of a function and its applications to problems in physics, geometry, chemistry and biology. We will approach new ideas and problems from algebraic, graphical, and numerical points of view.

How to Succeed in MTH141

• Spend about 8 hours per week, outside of class, working problems, reading the text, and working on Projects. Sometime during the first week of class, set up your weekly schedule so that specific days and times are reserved for working out math problems.
• Buy a notebook where you will write solutions to all the recommended problems.
• Save all quizzes, handouts, and any other work. Use them to prepare yourself for tests.
• Establish a group of fellow students to work with.
• Come to class every time!  Skipping class, even only a couple of times, will translate into a lower course grade.
  

Goals and Objectives. The goals are to have you develop symbol manipulation skills, mathematical modelling skills, skills in the use of technology to treat mathematical problems, an understanding of the language of calculus, and an appreciation for the uses of calculus in the sciences.

Evaluation
There will be several Modeling Projects that involve the use of the software Maple. There will be three 90 minutes exams, which will be given at 6:00 p.m. on the following dates: xxx, xxx, and xxx. The course grade will be computed as follows:

Key: E1 = Exam 1, E2 = Exam 2, E3 = Exam 3, FE = Final Exam, MP = Maple/Modeling Projects, CW = Class Work.  Class Work may include collected homework, quizzes, or other.

Maple Information
We will use the software Maple in this course. The Maple software is available in most computer labs at URI-Kingston and URI-Providence campuses. Maple is a powerful computer algebra system that can perform the most complicated calculations and draw spectacular graphics at the touch of the button. Knowledge of software like Maple should help you in your future professional career as well as in understanding material in calculus.

Our work with Maple will be organized into Maple Worksheets. You will be able to download the worksheets from this web page at any of the URI computer labs or to your home computer if you have a personal copy of Maple. Student Edition of Maple is readily available at bookstores and over the Internet. The student edition is reasonably priced and you may choose to purchase it for your convenience. If you already have a copy of Maple (Release 5 or higher), you will be able to use it.

There will be help with Maple available at the computer labs located in Tyler 101. The hours and names of people who will be helping you will be posted on this page as soon as they are scheduled. Also, there is a system that will allow you to submit your Maple homework electronically. More information on this will be given in class.
 

Attendance,quizzes, homework
Your instructor will tell you about policy on attendance, quizzes and homework. Also, check the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section of the course's web site, where you will find information about Incomplete Grade, Second Grade Option, etc.

Special Accomodations
Students who need special accomodations and who have documentation from Disability Services  should make arrangements with their instructor as soon as possible

URI Civility Policy
Teachers at the University of Rhode Island are committed to developing and actively protecting a class environment in which respect must be shown to everyone in order to facilitate the expression, testing, understanding, and creation of a variety of ideas and opinions. Rude, sarcastic, obscene or disrespectful speech and disruptive behavior have a negative impact on everyone's learning and are cosidered unacceptable. The course instructor will have disruptive persons removed from the class.