Math 251
Differential Calculus
Winter 2015
Instructor: Steve Strand
Office: Snell 348
Office Hrs: MW 2-3pm or by appointment; Wed MLC 10-10:50am
Email: Steve.Strand@math.oregonstate.edu
Website: http://www.math.oregonstate.edu/~strands
Section Details:
Section 40
Section 50
Section 90
Class Location
Kidder 364
Kidder 364
Kidder 350
Meeting Times
MWF 1-1:50pm
MWF 9-9:50am
MWF 8-8:50am
Course Prerequisites: Solid algebra skills. Grades of C- or better in Math 111, 112.
Satisfactory score on placement test.
Text: Briggs and Cochrane, Single Variable Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 2nd Ed.
If you have to take Math 254, you’ll want Briggs and Cochrane’s Single & Multivariable Caclulus
Baccalaureate Core Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify situations that can be modeled mathematically.
2. Calculate and/or estimate the relevant variables and relations in a mathematical setting.
3. Critique the applicability of a mathematical approach or the validity of a mathematical
conclusion.
Course Outcomes: If you work hard, through the term you will be able to:
1. Calculate average and instantaneous rates of change and identify instantaneous rates
of change with derivatives.
2. Apply ideas of differential calculus to motion problems (velocity, speed, and acceleration).
3. Apply the algebraic limit laws and the standard rules of differentiation including the
chain rule to calculate particular limits and derivatives.
4. Use methods of calculus to solve maximum and minimum problems.
5. Use methods of calculus to determine the shape of curves.
Quizzes will be given in recitation each Thursday and will be open HW. The quizzes are as
much to show YOU how you are doing as they are for me.
Homework will be in two parts. 1) You will have problems on MyMathLab (course ID:
strand76088) that will focus on skill-building and will be based on the textbook. 2) I will
post a few problems a week on my website which will be handwritten and due every Thursday
in recitation. Grading of the handwritten homework will be based solely on completeness.
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Math 251
Differential Calculus
Winter 2015
Midterms will be given twice during the term and will be comprehensive up to that point.
Location to be determined. These are scheduled for:
• Midterm 1 - Tuesday, Jan 27, 8:30-9:50pm
• Midterm 2 - Tuesday, Feb 17, 8:30-9:50pm
Neither the midterms nor the final can be rescheduled or taken early. Curving of scores will
be at my discretion.
Final Exam – Wednesday, Mar 18, 4-5:50pm –
This will be comprehensive over the quarter. Location to be determined. You must pass
the final to pass the class.
Grading: The breakdown will be as follows:
Recitation:
Participation - 5%
Online HW - 5%
Written HW - 5%
Quizzes
- 15%
Midterms
- 40%
Final Exam
- 30%
Success in any mathematics course requires a serious commitment on your part. Class
attendance and involvement as well as extensive regular reading and homework practice are
critical to your success. For every hour spent in class, plan to spend at least 2-3 hours outside
class studying this material. If you miss a day of class you should try to obtain class notes
from one of your classmates and study the missed section. The class moves fast, and you
will find it difficult to catch up. Be sure to seek help immediately if you are having
trouble with any concepts.
Mutual support and commitment to learning are among the most important values
of our classroom. Getting to know each other, working together, and helping each other will
greatly benefit everyone.
Technology: You will want a graphing calculator for some portions of the class. TI-83+ is
a good one, as is Casio FX-9750GAPLUS. You will need access to the internet regularly, as
class materials are distributed through my website.
Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Disability Access
Services (DAS). Students with accommodations approved through DAS are responsible for
contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or 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 DAS should contact DAS immediately at
737-4098.
Academic Dishonesty is absolutely forbidden in any form (e.g. cheating, lying, plagiarism,
etc.) and may have legal repercussions. See OSU’s policy.
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