Spring 2016 – Starts 01/25
Instructor: Marina Cohen
Contact info: (619) 443-2432
mcohen@sdccd.edu
Office hours: T 4:00 - 5:00 PM
in the Tutoring Center
Applied Calculus
Course: Math 121 CRN# 20802
T/TH 2:20 – 3:45 PM
Rm MS-418
Prerequisite
MATH 116 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
Course Description: This is a course designed for students intending to major in business,
natural science or social science. It does not fulfill a mathematics requirement for students
majoring in mathematics, chemistry, physics or engineering. This course combines the study
of algebra, analytic geometry, and calculus using numerical, graphical, and analytical methods
to analyze calculus problems encountered in real world applications. Topics include limits,
derivatives, and integrals of algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions. Also covered are
functions of several variables, partial derivatives, and optimization of multivariable functions.
Applications of calculus include curve sketching, optimization, and areas under curves.
Analytical reading and problem solving are required for success in this course.
TRANSFER APPLICABILITY: Associate Degree & transfer to CSU and private colleges and
universities. CSU General Education; IGETC, UC, Transfer Course List: Mathematics (MATH)
121 and 150 combined: maximum credit, one course.
Math Department Statement: The goal of the Mathematics Department at Mesa College is to
provide all students the opportunity for a safe, fair and effective learning environment. The
instructors are dedicated professionals who facilitate your learning in a student-focused
classroom by setting high expectations while providing multiple avenues for learning. Students
are expected to respect teachers, other students and themselves in order to enhance a
positive and successful learning experience.
OBJECTIVES: You can use this list to track the objectives you have mastered Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
Complete a graph given a description of the graph using points, asymptotes and
derivatives
Solve an integration problem that uses substitution
Use the chain rule to take the derivative in a problem involving logarithms
Interpret and evaluate limits of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions
Determine the continuity of functions at specific points and in an entire set
Calculate derivatives of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, applying
various rules of derivatives
Analyze and sketch polynomial and rational functions using the first and second
derivative
Apply derivatives to solve optimization problems with or without constraints
Apply derivatives of exponential and logarithmic functions to solve business and life
science applications
Apply derivatives and integrals to problems relating to business, economics, natural
science, and social science applications
Calculate antiderivatives of functions involving algebraic, exponential, or logarithmic
functions
Calculate antiderivatives using the substitution technique
Compute definite integrals by applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and
apply definite integrals to find the area under a curve and between two curves
Calculate derivatives of multivariable functions and apply them to maximization and
minimization problems.
Materials needed for this course:
- Scientific calculator is required (optional = a graphing calculator) Note: Students may not use
any device that connects to the Web, phones, or share calculators on any test.
- Textbook: Applied Calculus, Seventh Edition by Berresford. You may use a previous version
of this textbook but must coordinate the appropriate page and problem numbers for homework
assignments on your own. You can do this by looking thru my copy, or a classmate’s, in class
during the break or after class to make sure you are in the correct chapter and section for the
assignments. You can use the online, loose leaf, or hard cover version of this textbook. I
recommend you consider the cost when choosing which to purchase. In recognition of the fact
that not all students have access to the Internet ready devices at all times, I do not require
WebAssign access for this course. I will be providing study guidance and homework
information in class and via emails with the intention that you will use the textbook to access
the problems accordingly.
- A loose leaf binder and three-hole punched lined paper and graph paper: ALL paper must be
8.5 x 11 inches in size. Quadrille graph paper can be purchased or downloaded and printed for
free from the Web. Optional: Check out the sticky-note graph paper pads offered by
Freestone Peach online. They will speed up your work and give you more accurate
graphs. You will find Quadra-Plot I & II, and Radian-Plot pads useful.
- Writing utensils: Must include dark ink pens (blue or black), pencils, colored
highlighters (at least two different colors), and a straight edge (a protractor will serve
you well).
Important Dates
- Add/drop-without-W/Refund deadline: 02/05
- Holidays = No classes: 02/12, 02/15
- Spring break: 03/28 – 04/02
- Withdrawal deadline: 04/08 (No drops accepted after this date).
If you stop attending class and fail to take the tests for the remainder of the
semester, YOU must withdraw yourself from this course. I will not do your paperwork for
you and you will receive a letter grade of “F” unless you have officially withdrawn.
- Final Exam (in two parts) and project due date will take place during the last 2 weeks of
class. Exact dates TBD.
- End of Semester: 05/21
For more details on the college’s Spring schedule, go to http://schedule.sdccd.edu.
Course Grade
Your course grade will be based on the following weighted scale:
Portion of you performance applied to course grade
Hand-in Home assignments = 20%
Each of the two mid-semester exams = 25%
Final Exam = 30%
Grading Scale
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89.9% = B
70 - 79.9% = C
60 - 69.9% = D
0 - 59.9% = F
EXAMS: There will be three major exams given throughout the course of the semester (each
approximately 5 weeks apart). Make-up exams will only be given in very extreme cases and
with appropriate documentation (e.g.: doctor’s note, note from an employer, etc.). Make-up
exams are likely to be more difficult and you will have less time to complete them.
The third exam is the Final and will be given in two parts over the course of two consecutive
class meetings. All exams will cover ALL materials covered in the class and on assignments
from the start of the semester to the date of the test.
DO NOT ASK ME: “How many questions are on the test?”, “What materials does the test
cover?”, “Can we have a study guide for the test?”. Because my answers will be, “As many as I
think is appropriate”, “Everything to date”, and “Your homework assignments are your test
study guide”, respectively.
A lot of work is required to successfully complete this course. If you are unable to
dedicate roughly 9 hours per week outside the classroom to studying, homework, and
other assignments, then you may want to reconsider taking this course at this time.
Attendance:
Attendance will be taken every day the class meets until after the census date. From that point
on, you are in charge of your own success or failure thru your willingness to come to class. If
you miss a day, you are responsible for all material covered and all homework assigned.
Any absence does not excuse you from any in-class assignments, including surprise
quizzes or tests that are given that day. Any student that misses 4 or more classes during
the course of the semester will likely be dropped from the class. The following district policies
also apply:
It is the student’s responsibility to drop all classes in which he/she is no longer attending.
It is the instructor’s discretion to withdraw a student after the add/drop deadline due to
excessive absences.
Students who remain enrolled in a class beyond the published withdrawal deadline, as stated
in the class schedule, will receive an evaluative letter grade in this class.
Expectations
It is the student’s responsibility to take an active role in their own learning. This includes
reviewing the material in the text before coming to class, completing all assignments, and
coming to class prepared. Also:
-Students are expected to work actively with one another. You are responsible for being
prepared to participate in class discussions and group work, and for assisting your peers in
understanding the material.
Students will conduct themselves in a manner that will allow every other student in the class
to learn. Any student that is disruptive may be asked to leave for the day. Continued
disruptions may result in the student being dropped from the class.
Cell phones must be switched to silent mode. Phones must be put away while taking a quiz
or exam. Text messaging is not allowed at any time during class.
Academic dishonesty of any type by a student provides grounds for disciplinary action by the
instructor and/or college. Any student that is suspected of cheating on any assignment will be
given a zero on that assignment and may ultimately be dropped from the class.
Food and drinks are allowed in the classroom as long as they do not become a distraction to
learning and you cleanup after yourself.
Behavior: Students are expected to respect and obey standards of student conduct while in
class and on the campus. The student Code of Conduct, disciplinary procedure, and student
due process (Policy 3100, 3100.1 and 3100.2 ) can be found in the college catalog, and at the
office of the Dean of Student Affairs. I have the right to ask you to leave the class for two
days. You will not be able to make up any work that is missed in those two days. If you refuse
to leave, I have the right to request a police escort. You will be asked to leave the class if you
exhibit deliberate behavior which prohibits or impedes any member of the class from any class
assignment objective or learning opportunity within the classroom.
Tutoring
To support your effort to succeed in this class, it is highly recommended that you utilize the
free math tutoring services available in the Tutoring Center. Students can take advantage of
walk-in tutoring, group tutoring, one-on-one appointments, academic skills workshops, and
online tutoring.
Disability Support Services
If you have any special needs and wish to receive “reasonable accommodations” as defined
under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, contact DSPS for further information. If you
require special accommodations, please bring your DSPS paperwork to me at the beginning of
the semester. I am particularly sensitive to students with test anxiety and will do what I can to
assist you in overcoming that problem. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you suffer from
this.
Tips for Success
Learning is your responsibility. And, while you are starting this course with an ”A”, the effort
needed to remain at the level is up to you. My job is to guide you on what and how to
study
Read the sections to be covered before they are presented in class*.
Ask questions. This means be prepared to dig into the textbook materials ONLY on the
problems you were unable to grasp on your own and that *you studied PRIOR to the
class session for which they were assigned. Make a list with page and problem number
while you read your textbook and attempt the exercises. Have that list ready BEFORE
class.
Start homework as soon as possible after class – *don’t fall behind.
Math – it’s all in your head. Math is weight-training for your brain. That means practice,
practice, practice = at least three times a week. Think of the exams as the competitions
and you must be prepared for with a strong mental muscle to win the game. Your
attitude determines your achievements.
- Come to me with any issues you are experiencing. I cannot help you thru problems you don’t
tell me about.
Hard work ! Experience ! Confidence ! Enjoyment – I am here to guide thru your own learning
adventure, not to feed you predigested baby food. I will toss raw meat onto your plate,
provide you with appropriate seasonings. Then, YOU must marinate it, cook it, cut it into
bite-sized pieces, and chew it for yourself if you are going to digest it and get the
nutrients from it.
- If you are having problems with the course materials or understanding the basics of this
course, I recommend you make good use of the Khan Academy online educational
system. It is FREE and the material is broken down in to simple, easy to understand
videos and practice problems that will help you be prepared for our classwork. And, get
help from tutoring resources mentioned earlier in this document.
Tentative Schedule
The materials to be covered require a rather aggressive course schedule. It is up to you
to keep pace with the course schedule. While I will adjust the amount of materials I
expect you to cover in preparation for each class session based on the class progress
as a whole, if we lag in the beginning it will only mean the end must go faster and that is
the harder materials by far. So, BE PREPARED when you come to class.
Week 1: Admin work, Chapter 1 (Basic skills review)
Week 2: Chapters 2.1 - 2.3
Week 3: Chapters 2.4 – 3
Week 4: Chapters Review of Chapter 2 & 3
Week 5: Exam #1 & review exam results.
Week 6 thru 8: Chapters 4 thru 6
Week 9: Review of Chapters 4 thru 6, Exam #2 & review exam results
Week 10 thru 13: Chapters 7 thru 9
Spring break – no class – and an opportunity for you to study
Week 14: Chapters 10 & 11 and review in preparation for Final Exam
Week 15 & 16: More review & Final Exam, review exam results
This syllabus may be altered during the course of the semester.