Introduction



The Ideas of Calculus
For an excellent survey of the ideas of Calculus, along with some very helpful general advice, please read
Professor Friewald's online Introduction to Calculus


Aspects of the Course
  • PREREQUISITES: We will assume you have studied high school algebra, pre-calculus and trigonometry,
  • WEBSITE: You should read and understand all rules, regulations, schedules, etc. Ignorance of any information
    included in this website will NOT be accepted as a valid excuse for missed work and the like.
  • CLASS MEETINGS: there are 3 lectures per week, at 9 on Mon., Wed. and Fri., and a fourth hour on Thurs.
    for quizzes and discussion, run by a TA. You must register for this independently.
  • EXAMS: there are 3 exams in the course of the semester, and a final. The exams are given at night,
    on dates given elsewhere on the website. Do not register for this course if these times conflict with
    another course or obligation.
  • HOMEWORK: from the textbook is assigned for each lecture, and is not collected or graded. However,
    exam questions will resemble these problems very closely
  • QUIZZES: ten of these will be given in the weekly discussion section. The best 6 scores (with 2 from the last 4 quizzes)
    constitute part of the grade.
  • WEBWORK: consists of online interactive homework problems, in addition to the regular homework.
    There will be ten problem sets, whose due dates are indicated in the lession schedule.
    These must be completed on time.They cannot be handed in late.
    • Advice
    Here are some pieces of advice, most of which are obvious but all of which bear repeating:
    • Review your math - we will perform a whirlwind review at the
      beginning of the course, but if you haven't had math in a
      while you may need more extensive review.
    • Read the book - not everything can be covered in lecture.
    • Do the homework - passive absorption of math does not work.
    • Memorize the basic formulas - you wouldn't object to memorizing
      irregular verbs in German class. These formulas are the vocabulary of Calculus.
    • Don't fall behind - the material builds on itself and is covered very quickly.
    • Make use of office hours, both mine and your TA's - we are happy to try to help .
    • Take advantage of help sessions, tutors, etc.
      Some are listed elsewhere on this site.
    • When in doubt, draw a picture, either by hand or with the graphing calculator -
      the material of Calculus is very geometric in nature.
    • If you have a CAS calculator, don't become dependent on it during this course -
      at this point in your career you need to learn manual Calculus.