Portland State University
Department of Mathematics
Fall 2012
MTH 251 (005) – Calculus I – CRN 12095
MWF 2:00 – 3:05pm, Neuberger Hall 375
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name: James Mahoney
Office: Neuberger Hall Mezzanine 326
Email: james.mahoney@pdx.edu (preferred method of contact)
Official Office Hours (in NH M326):
MWF 1 – 2pm
Or by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An integrated treatment of limits, differential calculus, and applications of the derivative.
Prerequisite: Completion of MTH 112 with a grade of C-/P or above within the last year, or passing at the
necessary level on the mathematics placement test within the last year.
TEXT

Calculus: Early Transcendentals package with CalcPortal by Jon Rogawski
o ISBN 978-1-4292-1073-7
This book will be used in MTH 251-254.
TECHNOLOGY
A graphing calculator will be useful for this class. TI-83+, TI-84, TI-89, and the CASIO 9750 are all
sufficient but not necessary. Some of these calculators can be found at the PSU bookstore. The
Math/Stat department has calculators that can be loaned out for free for two hours at a time if you
cannot get your own. A review of graphing calculator basics will be done throughout the class but you
should take the time to become familiar with your specific device.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
Homework: Homework will be given most days. Of the problems assigned, three will be randomly
selected for grading. These problems will be graded on a 0 – 5 scale based on completeness and
accuracy. It is a good idea to do more homework than is assigned to ensure that you fully grasp the
relevant material. The homework assigned a given week will be due on the Wednesday of the next
week. I reserve the right not to accept any late homework or to deduct points based on lateness as I see
fit.
Exams: There will be two midterms and one final exam.
The cumulative final exam will be held on Wednesday, December 5th from 12:30 – 2:20pm.
Other: During the quarter I may also assign projects and in-class activities to deepen your understanding
of the material. There will also be assorted extra credit opportunities throughout the term.
COURSE WEBSITE
The course website is http://web.pdx.edu/~mahoney2/. On the website you will find homework
assignments, material from class, and other helpful documents and links.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The main topics that will be covered in this class are:
 Understanding limits and their role in differential calculus
 Understanding derivatives, techniques used to find them, and their applications
 General math problem solving techniques - justification of work will be emphasized
EXPECTATIONS
Class environment: You are expected to participate in class discussions and activities. Please be
respectful to whoever is speaking by not talking over them, whether it is me or another student. Please
silence your cell phones and refrain from texting or otherwise using them during class.
Attendance: Students should plan on being at every class, on time and prepared. If you miss a day you
are responsible for any and all material missed. It is worth your time/effort/money to show up every
day.
Work/Study groups: It is in your interest to find people in the class with whom you can work to study
and do homework. Material can be easier to learn if it is discussed with others. However all assignments
that you turn in are expected to be your own. Do not turn something in that you have plagiarized or that
you do not understand.
Outside help: If you require additional help do not wait until the last minute or until you have fallen
behind! You are free to visit me during my office hours or other times I am available outside of class.
Tutoring services are also available through the Peer Tutoring and Learning Center located in SMSU 439
and in the 3rd floor atrium of Neuberger Hall.
MAKE UP POLICY FOR EXAMS
I do not give make up exams. There are only two exceptions. These are an absence due to extreme
hardship or a University-sponsored event. In the latter case you must inform me at least one week in
advance and within the first week of the semester if you must miss the final exam. You may be asked to
take the final early. In the case of extreme hardship (e.g. illness or death of a family member), please
notify me in advance if at all possible. I reserve the right to deny make up work and penalize absences
that are not verified (health practitioner’s note, etc.)
GRADING STANDARDS
Participation (including in-class assignments)
5%
Homework/Projects
35%
Midterms
30%
-Exam 1 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 10th
-Exam 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 31st
Final exam
30%
-The final is scheduled for Wednesday, December 5th from 12:30 – 2:20pm
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty, and the Disability Resource
Center. Students with accommodations approved through the DRC are responsible for contacting me
during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for
accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through the DRC should contact the DRC
immediately.
ACADEMIC CODE OF CONDUCT
Academic integrity means being open and honest in everything you do at school. Violations of academic
integrity, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarizing, or lying, will not be tolerated and will be
addressed by the University with all due seriousness.