Syllabus for Math 109: Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
Section 03, Fall 2018
Instructor: Daniel O’Connor (doconnor@usfca.edu)
Office: Harney 121B
Class time: MWF 1:00 - 2:05 pm, Lo Schiavo Science 209
Office Hours: M 3:30 - 5:00 pm, Th 2:00 - 3:30 pm, or by appointment
Textbook: Single Variable Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 8th edition, James Stewart
Optional resources:
Essence of Calculus videos by 3Blue1Brown
Big Picture of Calculus videos by Gilbert Strang
Calculus textbook by Gilbert Strang
Course subreddit:/r/Math109 sec3 Fall2018/
Why is calculus so important?
The main idea of calculus is instantaneous rate of change. Calculus enables us to
write down equations that precisely describe relationships between the rates of change of
various quantities, such as the positions and velocities of planets, or the electric current
flowing through a wire and the total electric charge stored in a capacitor. Often by solving
these equations we can accurately predict the values of such quantities in the future. This
capability is extremely useful throughout science and engineering, for example when planning
space missions or designing electric circuits.
Many problems in science and engineering can be posed as finding the best set of parameters
(numbers) to minimize some penalty function that depends on these parameters. For example,
in machine learning we might want to tune the weights of a neural network so as to minimize
classification error. Understanding the rate at which the penalty function changes as the
parameters are adjusted helps us to find optimal parameter values.
Calculus allows us to state precisely in what sense a curved line can be approximated
locally by a straight line, or a curved surface can be approximated locally by a plane. This
allows us to define analogous higher dimensional “curved spaces” that are useful in physics
and engineering and are fundamental objects of study in higher math.
What will we learn in this course?
Key topics and learning goals for this course include:
• Understanding the definition of the derivative (a fancy name for “instantaneous rate of
change”), and related concepts such as limits and continuity.
• The fundamental strategy of calculus: We replace a complicated nonlinear function
with a local linear approximation, which greatly simplifies calculations.
• Discovering nice formulas for the derivatives of various important functions, including
polynomial and rational functions, logarithm and exponential functions, and trig
functions. We derive helpful formulas for the derivative of the sum, product, quotient,
and composition of two functions, and for the derivative of the inverse of a given
function.
• Using knowledge of the instantaneous rate of change to compute the total change via
integration. (“The total change is the sum of all the little changes.”)
• Geometric interpretation of integral (area under curve); computing areas and volumes
(such as volume of a sphere) via integration.
• Techniques for evaluating integrals, such as integration by parts (the product rule in
reverse) and u-substitution (the chain rule in reverse).
• Taking the fundamental strategy a step further by using a local quadratic or cubic or
higher order polynomial approximation, rather than a merely linear approximation.
• Understanding how calculus is used to solve real-world problems in science and engineering.
Homework and quizzes
You will have weekly online homework assignments on WebAssign. Although the homework
is done online, you are strongly advised to work all problems out neatly on paper and keep
them for review.
In addition to online homework, there will be weekly written homework. Written homework
is due at the beginning of the class on Fridays. Written assignments must be stapled before
they are turned in. There will be three quizzes throughout the semester.
No extensions will be given for online homework for any reason. No late written work will
be accepted for any reason. There are no make-up quizzes given for any reason. This includes
legitimate reasons. To allow for unavoidable circumstances, the lowest online homework score,
lowest written homework score, and the lowest quiz score will be dropped from your final
grade.
WebAssign login information: Go to www.webassign.net. Click on “I have a class key” in
the Students menu. The class key for this section is: usfca 4643 1152. Follow the instructions
that come up. I recommend that you use your USF username as your WebAssign username.
At some point, you will be asked for an access code. Your textbook should have come bundled
with a WebAssign access code.
Exams
There are two in-class exams. The dates are:
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
and
Monday, October 29, 2018.
There is a cumulative final exam on
Friday, Dec. 7, 2018
at
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
No make-up exams are given. In the case that you miss a midterm exam with a valid excuse
(i.e. a documented sudden medical emergency or documented family emergency), your final
exam grade will replace the missing midterm grade. Notice that weddings, graduations,
cheap flights, lack of sleep, and a busy schedule are not valid excuses for missing exams. In
particular, it is your responsibility to arrange your travel schedule so that you are present for
the final exam.
Grading
You may not negotiate grade scales, final grades, or special extra credit for yourself.
Homework, quizzes, midterms, and exams contribute to the final grade as follows:
Homework
10 %
Quizzes
15 %
Midterm 1
20 %
Midterm 2
20 %
Cumulative final exam 35 %
Letter grade cutoffs: A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F: less than 60
Obtaining the textbook (with WebAssign access)
Students have three purchase options for course materials for Math 109, all outlined below.
Choose the best ONE for you. You may choose the “14-day trial access” when you initially
log in to WebAssign before making your purchase choice. Note: If you are retaking Math 109,
there is no need to repurchase these materials.
1. Textbook + Online Access Bundle: This option includes a loose leaf copy of the textbook
plus a WebAssign Printed Access Card which includes online access to the text for Stewart’s Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 8th Edition, Multi-Term, ISBN 9781305713734.
Cost: $88.50 when purchased at www.cengagebrain.com/course/2790420/
2. Online Access Only: This option purchases a WebAssign Printed Access Card which
includes online access to the text for Stewart’s Calculus: Early Transcendentals,
8th Edition, Multi-Term, ISBN 9781337771474. Cost: $64.35 when purchased at
www.cengagebrain.com/course/2790420/
3. Cengage Unlimited Subscription: This option includes a free print rental of the textbook
when you activate WebAssign (you’ll pay $7.99 for shipping) and a WebAssign Printed
Access Card which includes online access to the text for Stewart’s Calculus: Early
Transcendentals, 8th Edition, and you also have access to Cengage materials for any
other course you are taking at USF that uses Cengage materials. If you are taking
other courses using Cengage materials, this is probably the best value for you.
Students can purchase access to Cengage Unlimited from the USF Bookstore.
Pricing for Cengage Unlimited Subscription
Duration
ISBN
Price
4 months (1 sem.)
12 months
24 months
9780357700037
9780357700044
9780357700051
$119.99
$179.99
$239.99
Behavioral Expectations
All students are expected to behave in accordance with the Student Conduct Code
and other University policies (see www.usfca.edu/fogcutter/). Students whose behavior is
disruptive or who fail to comply with the instructor may be dismissed from the class for the
remainder of the class period and may need to meet with the instructor or Dean prior to
returning to the next class period. If necessary, referrals may also be made to the Student
Conduct process for violations of the Student Conduct Code.
Withdraws and Incomplete
The last day to withdraw from the course (with a “W” on your transcript) is Friday,
November 2, 2018. If you plan to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to
complete the necessary paperwork by this date. You will not be allowed to withdraw after
this date.
An incomplete grade will be given only if you have a serious emergency, such as a
medical condition, that prevents you from completing the course. You must produce proper
documentation and must be passing the course with most of it complete. An incomplete
grade will not be granted to avoid failing the course.
Academic Integrity
As a Jesuit institution committed to cura personalis – the care and education of the whole
person – USF has an obligation to embody and foster the values of honesty and integrity. USF
upholds the standards of honesty and integrity from all members of the academic community.
All students are expected to know and adhere to the University’s Honor Code. You can find
the full text of the code online at https://myusf.usfca.edu/academic-integrity/. The
policy covers:
• Plagiarism – intentionally or unintentionally representing the words or ideas of another
person as your own; failure to properly cite references; manufacturing references.
• Working with another person when independent work is required.
• Submitting work written by another person or obtained from the internet.
• The penalties for violation of the policy may include a failing grade on the assignment,
a failing grade in the course, and/or a referral to the Academic Integrity Committee.
You are encouraged to discuss the homework problems and course material with other
students and with me during office hours. However, the homework that you hand in should
reflect your own understanding of the material. You are NOT allowed to simply copy solutions
from other students or other sources. Complete academic honesty is expected during quizzes
and exams. Cheating on an exam will result in an automatic failing grade (F) for the course.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS provides confidential, free counseling to student members of our community. For
more information, see https://myusf.usfca.edu/student-health-safety/caps.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability or disabling condition, or if you think you may
have a disability, please contact Student Disability Services (SDS) at (415) 422-2613 within
the first week of class, or immediately upon onset of disability, to speak with a disability
specialist. (Please note all communication with SDS is private and confidential.)
If you are determined eligible for accommodations, please meet with your disability
specialist so they can arrange to have your accomodation letter sent to me, and we will
discuss your needs for this course. For more information, please visit www.usfca.edu/sds.
Stars
Eight golden stars F will be available for the class to discover. Happy hunting.
Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting, and Sexual Assault
As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment on
our campus. I also have a mandatory reporting responsibility related to my role as a faculty
member. I am required to share information regarding sexual misconduct or information
about a crime that may have occurred on USF’s campus with the University. For information
and resources regarding sexual misconduct or assault visit:
• The Title IX coordinator website (https://myusf.usfca.edu/title-ix)
• USF’s Callisto website (https://usfca.callistocampus.org).