MTH131 Applied Calculus I
Spring 2015 - Section 200 (Providence Campus)
University of Rhode Island
Instructor: Orlando Merino, merino@math.uri.edu, Lippitt Hall 200F, 874-4442
Text: Hughes –Hallett, et. al., 5th edition, Applied Calculus (Wiley), with WileyPLUS registration code
Calculators: A graphing calculator is required.
Certain advanced 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 THE COURSE Math 131 is a calculus course primarily intended for students in the life or social sciences, such as Biology, Pharmacy, and Economics. 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.
NOTE: MTH 131 is different than the four-credit calculus course, Mth 141, designed for students who intend to take more advanced math, such as engineering, computer science, and mathemactics majors.
GRADING: Your grade will be determined as follows:
TWO exams (Feb.20, April 3): 200 for each exam
Comprehensive Final Exam (May 8): 300 points
Wiley Plus Homework: 100 points Weekly Quizes: 200 Points
Letter grades: A (92% - 100%), A- (90% - 91%), B+ (87% - 89%), B (82% - 86%), B- (80% - 81%),
C+ (77% - 79%), C (72% - 76%), C- (70% - 71%), D+ (67% - 69%), D (60% - 66%), F (0% - 59%)
Exams and Evaluation There will be TWO exams given during the semester and 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 not allowed during tests.
Homework We will be using the WileyPlus system (see below for more information), which is web-based. Wiley Plus Homework is due every Thursday at 7 p.m. Supplementary exercises are suggested in HERE
WILEY PLUS SYSTEM
We will be using WileyPLUS online homework system in this course. To sign up for this system, you will need a WileyPLUS registration code.
If you buy a new copy of the textbook at the bookstore, or the online version at the Wiley website, a registration code for the WileyPLUS will be included with the book at no additional cost.
If you buy a used copy of the book, you will need to purchase a WileyPLUS code separately. The cost of a code at the Wiley site: WileyPLUS is about $75.
If you buy a new copy of the book from some other source, make sure it includes the WileyPLUS registration code.
If you buy the WileyPLUS registration code, then you will
have access to an electronic copy of the book during the semester.
Sign up for the WileyPLUS system by clicking www.wileyplus.com Choose UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND, then APPLIED CALCULUS I/II, then SP'15 MTH131 Section 200 Merino.
DO NOT SIGN UP FOR WILEYPLUS UNTIL YOU HAVE DECIDED WHICH SECTION OF MTH 131 YOU ARE TAKING AND YOU HAVE REGISTERED FOR THAT SECTION.
Help I will be available at 6:30 p.m. right before class for questions on the homework. I will be answering questions by email, phone, or in my office in Kingston at the Mathematics Department Lippitt Hall 200F, at a time that will be announced. There is also free URI tutoring available in room 222 of the Shepard Building (schedule is posted there), and in Kingston at Lippit and at the Academic Enhancement Center, located in the 4th floor of Roosevelt Hall.
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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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
Special Needs: Any student with a documented disability is welcome to contact me early in the semester so that we may work out reasonable accomodations to support your success in this course. Students should also contact Disability Services for Student, Office of Student Life, 330 Memorial Union, Kingston, 874-2098.
Illness If you become ill, notify me at 874-4442 or merino@math.uri.edu of your status, and we will communicate through the medium we have established for the class. We will work together to ensure that course instruction and work is completed. We will follow regulations as stated in the University Manual 8.51.1--8.51.14, see www.uri.edu/facsen/8.50-8.57.html The nation is experiencing widespread influenza-like illness. If any of us develop flu-like symptoms, we are being advised to stay home until the fever has subsided for 24 hours. So, if you exhibit such symptoms, please do not come to class. Notify me at merino@math.uri.edu of your status, and we will communicate through the medium we have established for the class. We will work together to ensure that course instruction and work is completed for the semester. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have posted simple methods to avoid transmission of illness. These include: covering your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing; frequent washing or sanitizing your hands; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and staying home when you are sick. For more information please view www.cdc.gov/flu . URI Health Services web page, www.health.uri.edu , will carry advice and local updates.
Civility Policy: If you must come in late or leave early, let me know and please do not disrupt the class. Please turn off all cell phones, ipads, ipods, etc. In particular, “texting” is prohibited..
Incomplete Grade: I follow to the letter the URI regulations concerning incomplete grades, namely the following paragraphs taken from the university manual:
8.53.20. A student shall receive a report of "Incomplete" in any course in which the course work has been passing up until the time of a documented precipitating incident or condition, but has not been completed because of illness or another reason which in the opinion of the instructor justifies the report. An instructor who issues a grade of "Incomplete" shall forward a written explanation to the student's academic dean.
8.53.21. The student receiving "Incomplete" shall make necessary arrangement with the instructor or, in the instructor's absence, with the instructor's chairperson to remove the deficiency. This arrangement shall be made prior to the following midsemester for the undergraduate student and within one calendar year for the graduate student.