MTH 251: Differential Calculus
(Section xxx)
Summer xxxx

MyProfessor

Office hours: TBA in Kidder xxx (and by appt)

Email: myemail@math.oregonstate.edu

Class Meetings:

TBA in TBA

Midterms: TBA

Final: TBA in TBA

Texts:

Briggs and Cochran, Calculus: Early Transcendentals

Pohjanpelto, MTH 251 Calculus Study Guide (distributed on CD in recitation)

Web Site: http://oregonstate.edu/~myprof/MTH251

Prerequisite:   MTH 112: Elementary Functions

It is difficult to do well in this course unless you are fluent in basic algebra and trigonometry. If you are unsure whether you have sufficient background, talk to the instructor.

Course Description:

This course studies derivatives of functions of a single variable, their interpretation, and applications, and will cover most of Chapters 2, 3, and 4 from the text.

Course Goals:

MTH 251 is a Baccalaureate Core course, in the Mathematical Skills category. A successful student fulfilling the Baccalaureate Core skills requirement in mathematics will be able to:

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.

The mathematics department has established specific goals for MTH 251. A successful student in MTH 251 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 shapes of curves.

Course Structure:

The approach to calculus used in this course emphasizes conceptual understanding involving multiple representations, not just algebraic manipulation. Regular class attendance is strongly encouraged.

Homework: Several problems will be posted on MyMathLab each week; the Course ID is myprofxxxxx. These assignments will consist of problems similar to those in the study guide.
Get help immediately if you are unable to make forward progress on any problem after trying for 20 minutes.

Labs: Most weeks during there will also be a small group activity, which will then need to be written up individually and turned in promptly, usually the next day.

Exams: There will be two in-class midterms and a comprehensive final. All exams are closed-book, with the exception of a handwritten 3″×5″ index card (both sides) of notes, as well as cards from previous exams.

Calculators:

Calculators will not be allowed on the midterms or the final. Their use is permitted on the labs and homework, although all of the problems can be solved without one.

Grading Scheme:

Your grade will be based on online homework (25 pts), labs (25 pts), midterms (50 pts each), and the final (100 pts). Your lowest midterm score, or half of your score on the final (if lower), will be dropped, resulting in a total of 100 points. Course grades are expected to be based on a scale of 90–100 being an A, etc., although adjustments to the overall scale may be made based on the difficulty of the exams, and pluses and minuses will likely be given.

Getting Help:

Help can be obtained from several sources. Recitation is a good time to ask short questions of your TA, as is (usually) before and after class. Both your TA and I hold regular office hours; use them, especially for longer questions. Appointments can also be made at other times, and you can reach us by email. It is important to get help early if you are having difficulty, especially if you're so stuck that you don't feel able to ask intelligent questions.

Mathematics Learning Center:

The Mathematics Learning Center (MLC) provides drop-in help for all lower division mathematics courses, although not everybody there is good at vector calculus. The MLC is located on the ground floor of Kidder Hall (Kidder 108), and is normally open M–F from 9 AM to 4 PM, from the second week of term through Dead Week (Week 10).

Students with Disabilities:

Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Disability Access Services (DAS). Students with accommodations approved through DAS should contact me 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. Further information is available on the DAS website.

Cheating:

All suspected cheating will be reported to the appropriate office, usually the Dean of your College. Provable cases of cheating will also result in a score of 0 on the assignment in question, and may lead to a grade of F in the class.

Please also read the university expectations for student conduct, as contained in the Student Conduct Code.