The course: This is Calculus I, Math 221. Each section covers the same material, at roughly the same pace. There will be a final and two midterms. ATTENDANCE AT ALL CLASSES IS REQUIRED - ONLY EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS ILLNESS OR FAMILY EMERGENCY EXCUSES ATTENDANCE.
Prerequisites: You need a good background in algebra and trigonometry, which is usually satisfied by a High School precalculus course or Binghamton University's Math 108. The Mathematics Department administers a Placement Test, which is designed to identify students who do not have adequate preparation for the course. The Placement Test is an absolute prerequisite for Math 221: you must pass it or you will not be allowed to take the course. See the
Placement test home page for details.
Learning Objectives of the course: To acquire mastery of the material covered in the course in the following senses: 1. Mathematical understanding as demonstrated by the ability to solve appropriate mathematical problems. 2. Practical understanding as demonstrated by the ability to solve appropriate word problems in the sciences, in engineering and in the social sciences. The precise material to be covered in the course can be found here.
Calculus Help Room: This room is staffed by some of the instructors and is available for students that need help in calculus. Students can ask questions of any of the instructors there and not just their own instructor. It is located in Library North 2216. It is open most during business hours (roughly). Follow the link for a detailed schedule.
The Discovery Program has tutors for various subjects through the Center for Academic Excellence. See the FAQ page for more information.
Syllabus: This is the official course outline. For more details see the course schedule.
Calculators: You may want a graphing calculator to help with homework, but a calculator is not required. In fact, overuse of calculators is discouraged. Neither calculators nor any other electronic item, e.g. a cell phone as clock, may be visible to you during tests or quizzes.
Textbook: This page has information about the textbook.
Tests: Tests in Spring 2010 will be during class time on:
Tues. 23 March 2010
Tues. 4 May 2010
The final will be on Tuesday May 11 at 7pm in LH002.
Grading: Here is how grades will be calculated. There will be two tests each counting 25% towards the final grade. They will be graded uniformly by all the teachers of all the sections.
The final counts 40%.
Class work determines the other 10% - the details of this may vary by section; the instructor will explain how this is to be administered in your section.
Your letter grade will be based on your course score.
Make-ups: If you have a very good excuse there will be make-ups for midterm tests missed.
Academic Honesty: You are reminded of Binghamton University's Student Academic Honesty Code. Cheating in tests or quizzes will be dealt with harshly, and can result in suspension from the University for multiple semesters. Don't even think about it.
Students with Disabilities: Students with special needs documented by the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities will receive appropriate consideration.
Tests from some past semesters:
The archives: Copies of the Math 221 home page for previous semesters.