Syllabus
for

Math 1A
Calculus
 Spring ‘08

 

Schedule, Syllabus, Grades, Tests&Review, links

Instructor: Geoff Hagopian

Office: Math 12 
Office Hours: M-F 8:50-9:30 and Friday 9:30-11:10
Email: ghagopian@collegeofthedesert.edu
Web Page: http://faculty.collegeofthedesert.edu/ghagopian
Telephone: (760) 776-7223

Main TextCalculus, Concepts and Context, 3rd ed., by Stewart

 

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.

Study Centers:
Math/Science Study Center in Math 4 --computers and tutor.
MESA club in South Annex--study guides, computers  and a tutoring staff.


Technology:
You are required to obtain a graphing calculator of some sort, though this is mostly for the purposes of study.  Calculators are not allowed on many exams.

 

Problem Solving:
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

 

Homework, Tests, Projects and Grades:

       Homework assignments will be announced in class. There will 5 in-class chapter tests.  Also, there may be some take-home projects (time permitting) and there will be a cumulative final exam.  Your grade in the course will be based on a weighted average of these homework, chapter tests, project and final exam scores.