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 Text: Calculus,
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.
