Instructor: Orlando
Merino, merino@math.uri.edu, Tyler Hall 220, 874-4442
Text:
Hughes-Hallett, et. al., Applied Calculus,
third edition
Calculators: A graphing
calculator is required. (TI-83 recommended, but others may be suitable.)
Calculators may not be permitted for some class quizzes
and for parts of exams.
Prerequisite: Precalculus
MTH 111 or equivalent.
Homework Problems and Exam Schedule: GO HERE
GOALS OF THIS COURSE: Math 131 is a calculus course primarily intended for students in the life or social sciences, such as Biology, Pharmacy, and Economics. It is different than the four-credit calculus course, Math 141, designed for students who intend to take more advanced math, such as engineering, computer science, and mathemactics majors. The main emphasis will on the practical interpretation of calculus in numerical, graphical, and algebraic terms, although important theoretical concepts will also be covered. The main topics of the course are functions, differentiation, integration and applications.
EXPECTATIONS: We expect that you will give this course 7-9 hours a week of your undivided attention, in addition to your class time. This is an approximate figure of course, but don't assume that you can spend less time than this and still get a grade you'll like. We also expect that you will ATTEND EVERY CLASS MEETING.
Do the homework. An important purpose of
the problems is to make you think through and master the ideas of the subject
so that you can confidently apply your knowledge in new situations. It is
essential that you devote adequate time attempting to solve each assigned
problem. Discipline yourself not to check the solution manual too quickly,
be willing to spend an occasional half hour or more on a challenging problem.
You may learn a great deal from honest hard work on a problem, even if
you don't succeed in solving it. Read the text material before working
on the problems.
Read the textbook: Read the textbook. You may not be used to reading mathematics texts, but you will be actively encouraged to read this one. By reading the text before class you will have a better chance of making good use of your time in class. Don't worry if you don't understand everything. Ask questions in class and read the material again late
Help
I will be available at 6:30 p.m. for questions on the homework. I
will be answering questions by email, phone, or in my office in Kingston
at the Mathematics Department Tyler Hall 220, on Mondays 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. There is also free URI tutoring available in the Shepard Building (schedule
to be announced), and in Kingston at the Academic Enhancement Center, located
in the 4th floor of Roosevelt Hall.
Exams and
Evaluation There will be TWO exams given during the
semesterand a final exam which is comprehensive. 50% of the final exam is
on material learned after test 2. The exams will reflect the variety of the
homework problems. Do not expect to be asked merely to solve homework problems
with the numbers changed. The best way to prepare for the exams, and to
develop confidence in your ability to solve problems, is to work on the homework
problems as suggested. NOTE: Laptop computers, PDAs, cellphones are
nor allowed during tests.
GRADING: Your grade will be determined out
of a possible of 800 points:
TWO common exams, 150 points for each exam
Final Exam 300 points
Homework, Quizes, or Classwork 200 points
TECHNOLOGY will play an important role in this course and we will make extensive use of graphing calculators. Be sure to bring your graphing calculator to each class and to every exam. The applets below may help you to understand some of the material.
Excused absences from exams: see the University manual sections 8.51.11-14 http://www.uri.edu/facsen/8.50-8.57.html
University policy on plagiarism: see the University manual sections 8.27.10-21
http://www.uri.edu/facsen/8.20-8.27.html