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Syllabus for Calculus 1A – Fall ‘04 |
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Instructor: Geoff Hagopian
Office: Math 12
Office Hours: M-F
Email: ghagopian@collegeofthedesert.edu
Web Page: http://faculty.collegeofthedesert.edu/ghagopian
Telephone:
Main Text: Calculus, Concepts and Context, 2nd ed., by Stewart
Study Centers:
Math/Science Study Center in Math 4 --computers and tutors.
Technology:
You are required to rent, borrow or buy a graphing calculator of some
sort.
Course Description:
This is a first course centered on the study of rates of change and values that
accumulate at variable rates. The
concept of limiting values is used develop the idea of instantaneous rates of
change and methods for computing derivative functions, especially for
polynomial, rational, algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic
functions. Finally, the concept of the
integral is connected with the concept of the derivative through the
fundamental theorem of calculus.
Problem
Solving:
While you will be learning new definitions and theorems in this
course, much of the course is centered around applying these definitions and
theorem by solving problems. The basic outline for general problem solving
devised by Polya is a four step program:
1. Understand the problem
2. Devise a plan for solving the problem
3. Carry out the plan
4. Look back
Tests, Projects and Grades:
As shown in the schedule, there will be 5 in-class chapter tests. In addition, there may be some take-home projects and there will be a cumulative final exam. Your grade in the course will be based on a weighted average of these scores.