Course Plan
Date: August 1, 2012 - 2013
Math 271, Calculus I
3 lecture, 2 lab for 4 semester hours credit
Course Description: This course develops in depth the differential calculus portion of a threecourse calculus sequence. Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives, and integrals of
algebraic and transcendental functions of one variable, with applications. Upon completion,
students should be able to apply differentiation and integration techniques to algebraic and
transcendental functions.
Course Objectives:
 Students will demonstrate an understanding of the definitions and theorems from the
topics of limits, continuity and derivatives.
 Students will be able to differentiate algebraic functions and trigonometry functions.
 Students will demonstrate an understanding of the use of derivatives in applied
problems involving rates of change.
 Students will demonstrate skills in applying the derivative to graphical analysis and
curve sketching.
 Students will demonstrate skills in applying the derivative to extreme problems.
 Students will demonstrate skills in applying the derivative to solving applied problems
related to economics and business applications.
Student Learning Outcomes:


Model and solve real-world applications mathematically
Perform mathematical calculations appropriate for the discipline of study
Prerequisites: MAT 172
Corequisites: none
Textbook and Required Materials:
Thomas’ Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 12th Ed., Weir, Published by Addison Wesley, 2010.
Scientific Calculator
Course Outline:
 Limits and Continuity
 Rates of Change and Limits
 Calculating Limits Using the Limit Laws
 The Precise Definition of a Limit
 One-Sided Limits and Limits of Infinity
 Infinite Limits and Vertical Asymptotes
 Continuity
 Tangents and Derivatives
 Differentiation
 The Derivative as a Function
 Differentiation Rules
 The Derivative as a Rate of Change
 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
 The Chain Rule and Parametric Equations
 Implicit Differentiation
 Related Rates
 Linearization and Differentials
 Applications of Derivatives
 Extreme Values of Functions
 The Mean Value Theorem
 Monotonic Functions and the First Derivative Test
 Concavity and Curve Sketching
 Applied Optimization Problems
 Indeterminate Forms and L’Hopital’s Rule
 Newton’s Method
 Antiderivatives
 Integration
 Estimating with Finite Sums
 Sigma Notation and Limits of Finite Sums
 The Definite Integral
 The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
 Indefinite Integrals and the Substitution Rule
 Substitution and Area Between Curves
Grading Policy: Grading policies will be included in the syllabus and distributed to all students
at the beginning of each semester. In all curriculum math courses the grading scale is the same:
A = 100-90, B = 89-80, C = 79-70, D = 69-60, F = 59 - 0.
Disability Services: Alamance Community College is committed to providing equal educational
opportunities for students with documented disabilities. Students who require disability services
or reasonable accommodations must identify themselves as having a disability and provide
current diagnostic documentation to the Disability Services Office located in the Gee Building,
Room 128. All information is confidential. Please contact Monica Isbell, Coordinator of Special
Needs & Counseling Services for more information at 336-506-4130 or email at
isbellm@alamancecc.edu.
Student Access to Faculty: Instructors will provide students with a written syllabus that
includes their name, office number, telephone number, e-mail address and office hours.
Attendance Policy: The standard ACC attendance policy will be followed (see the ACC
Student Handbook for details.) The attendance policy may be modified by departments as
approved by the Associate Dean. The specific attendance policy for this course will be provided
in the syllabus.
Academic Integrity: Students should review the Student Code of Conduct section of the Student
Handbook.
Course Evaluation: This course will be regularly evaluated in accordance with college policy.
Endorsement of the Department Head and Associate Dean
Department Head: Sonya McCook
Date: August 1, 2012
Associate Dean: Cathy Johnson
Date: August 1, 2012