Math 147
Calculus I for Biological Sciences
Spring 2014
Instructor: Dr. Janice Epstein, Blocker 245D, 845-3261
Office Hours: Tuesdays 10:30A – noon and Thursdays 9:00A – 10:30A. Also by appointment.
Email: j-epstein@tamu.edu. Include your full name and class/section number in any email
Webpage: www.math.tamu.edu/~epstein/Math147
Class Meeting Times:
Section
Math 147 – 502
Math 147 – 503
Math 147 – 504
Math 147 – 505
Math 147 – 506
Lecture in BLOC 166
TR 12:45P – 2:00P
TR 12:45P – 2:00P
TR 2:20P – 3:35P
TR 2:20P – 3:35P
TR 2:20P – 3:35P
Recitation
MW 9:10A – 10:00A in CE 222
MW 10:20A – 11:10A in CE 136
MW 11:30A – 12:20P in MILS 316
MW 12:40P – 1:30P in CE 223
MW 1:50P – 2:40P in BLOC 121
Catalog Description:
Math 147: Calculus I for Biological Sciences. (3-2). Credit 4. Introduction to differential calculus in a context that
emphasizes applications in the biological sciences. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or equivalent or acceptable score on
TAMU Math Placement Exam. Credit will not be given for more than one of MATH 131, MATH 142, MATH 147,
MATH 151 and MATH 171.
Learning Outcomes:
 Graph linear, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
 Read semilog and double-log plots and derive functional relationships associated with such plots.
 Compute basic limits of functions.
 Understand the concept of continuity and be able to determine whether or not a given function is
continuous.
 Compute limits of functions using the Sandwich (Squeeze) Theorem.
 Understand the Intermediate Value Theorem and be able to apply it in locating roots of algebraic equations.
 Compute derivatives using the limit definition of the derivative.
 Compute the equation of a line tangent to a curve at a given point.
 Compute derivatives of polynomials, rational functions, trigonometric functions, exponential functions,
inverse functions, and logarithmic functions.
 Compute derivatives with the product rule, the quotient rule, and the chain rule.
 Solve problems of related rates.
 Compute the linear approximation of a function and use it in applications of approximation and error
estimation.
 Locate critical values of a function and categorize them as minima, maxima, or inflection points.
 Compute intervals of monotonicity and intervals of concavity.
 Graph complicated functions using information obtained by differentiation.
 Analyze optimization problems.
 Compute limits using L’Hospital’s Rule.
 Compute limits of sequences and recursions.
 Model single-species populations and analyze single-species population models.
 Compute integrals using Riemann sums.
 Compute integrals using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
 Compute integrals using the method of substitution.
 Use integration to compute areas, volumes, average values and arclengths.
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Required Materials:
 Textbook: Calculus for Biology and Medicine, Third Edition, by Claudia Neuhauser, Pearson (2010).
ISBN: 9780321644688
 Calculator: A basic scientific calculator is need. If it is not a TI-30 type calculator, you will need approval
of the instructor.
 Texas A&M Student ID: You must bring your student ID to class with you.
 Clicker: An i>clicker2 is required during lecture. ISBN 1429280476
Grading:
Recitation (quizzes, activities, and homework)
Lecture (clicker)
Three In-Class Exams
Cumulative Final Exam
250 points
50 points
150 points each
250 points
Homework (50 points): Homework will consist be written assignments from the textbook. Typically homework
is due on Wednesday in recitation.
Quizzes (100 points): Quizzes will typically be done on Wednesday in recitation.
Activities (100 points): Activities will typically be done during recitations on Monday.
Course Grade:
There are a total of 1000 points possible. At the end of the semester, if you have 900 or more points, you will
receive an A. Totals between 800 and 899 will receive a B. 700 to 799 points will be a C. 600 to 699 points will be
a D. Less than 600 points will be an F.
Tentative Exam Schedule:
Exam 1
Sections 1.1–1.3, 3.1–3.5, 4.1
Exam 2
Sections 4.2–4.8, 5.1
Exam 3
Sections 5.2–5.6, 2.1–2.3, 6.1
Final Exam All of the sections above and
sections 6.2, 6.3, and 7.1
Thursday, February 13th 7:30 PM – location TBA
Thursday, March 20th 7:30 PM – location TBA
Tuesday, April 22th 7:30 PM – location TBA
Math 147 501 – 503 Wednesday, May 7th 8A in BLOC 166
Math 147 504 – 506: Wednesday, May 7th 1P in BLOC 166
Attendance & Make-up Policy: Attendance is required in this class.
 No make-up exams or late assignments are possible /accepted without a University-approved excused
absence (see http://student‐rules.tamu.edu/rule07).
 An absence for a non-acute medical service or regular check-up does not constitute an excused absence.
 To be excused, you must notify me in writing prior to the date of absence, if possible. Consistent with
Texas A&M Student Rules, in cases where advance notification is not feasible (e.g. accident, or
emergency) the student must provide notification by the end of the second working day after the absence.
This notification must include an explanation of why notice could not be sent prior to the class.
 For injury or illness too severe or contagious to attend class, you must provide confirmation of a visit to a
health care professional affirming date and time of visit. The Texas A&M University Explanatory
Statement for Absence from Class form will not be accepted. It is the student's responsibility to schedule a
make-up in a timely manner.
 This course has regularly scheduled make-up exams held in BLOC 102. If you are unable to make-up a
missed exam at the times below, you will need a second university excused absence for all of the listed
times for that exam.
o Exam I: 2/14 4:00-6:30 p.m. or 2/16 6:15-8:45 p.m. or 2/17 7:30-10:00 p.m.
o Exam II: 3/21 4:00-6:30 p.m. or 3/24 7:30-10:00 p.m.
o Exam III: 4/24 7:30-10:00 p.m. or 4/25 4:00-6:30 p.m.
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Copyright:
All exams, printed handouts and/or assignments, and web-materials are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws. No
multiple copies can be made without my written permission. No exams or assignments may be shared with anyone
outside of the class.
Academic Integrity Statement:
"An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do."
Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the
Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System.
Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work.
Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the TAMU community from the requirements or the
processes of the Honor System. For additional information please visit
http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/
Disabilities:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive
civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students
with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their
disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in
Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information visit
http://disability.tamu.edu
Tentative Schedule: All changes will be announced in class, on the web, or via e-mail.
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Week 1: 1.1-1.2
Week 2: 1.3, 3.1
Week 3: 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
Week 4: 3.5, 4.1
Week 5: 4.2, 4.3 and Exam 1 (covering 1.1–1.3, 3.1–3.5, 4.1)
Week 6: 4.4, 4.5
Week 7: 4.6, 4.7
Week 8: 4.8, 5.1
Week 9: 5.2, 5.3 and Exam 2 (covering 4.2–4.8, 5.1)
Week 10: 5.4, 5.5
Week 11: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Week 12: 5.6
Week 13: 6.1, 6.2
Week 14: 7.1 and Exam 3 (covering 5.2–5.6, 2.1–2.3, 6.1)
Week 15: 7.1, Review
Week 16: Final Exam (comprehensive)
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