MA 123 Calculus I — Fall 2023

This course is the initial course in BU's traditional sequence of three calculus courses. We discuss the two fundamental concepts of differentiation and integration. Since both are based on the notion of limits, we begin the course with a thorough discussion of limits. Next, we consider differentiation and its applications, and the course concludes with a discussion of integration and its relationship to differentiation.

Learning Outcomes: In this course, students will acquire a wide range of quantitative skills, including those that are required to satisfy the BU Hub Quantitative Reasoning Unit II. They will also demonstrate a solid understanding of the two fundamental concepts in calculus—instantaneous rates of change and the accumulation of continuously varying quantities. Finally, they will develop the computational skills that underlie the subject of calculus, especially those that pertain to the notion of differentiation.

In particular,

  1. Students will translate everyday situations that involve continuously varying quantities into mathematical models that are amenable to the techniques of calculus.
  2. Students will apply the appropriate techniques of calculus in order to predict the results of their models.
  3. Students will compare the results they obtain from their mathematical models to the phenomena they are modeling as a check on the validity of the models.
  4. The models studied will be expressed typically in symbolic or numerical terms, and the students will express their conclusions symbolically or numerically. They will also learn to express their conclusions using graphs and in descriptive terms when appropriate.
  5. Students will examine the limitations of the mathematical models that result from the assumptions upon which they are based.

Instructional Format:

A Sections: These sections are the weekly lectures (3 hours/week). All students must be registered for one of these sections.

When you register for an A section, you are also reserving the Thursday evening 6:30–8:30 time slot. You should not schedule anything that conflicts with this block.

Our first midterm exam is scheduled for 6:30–8:30 pm on Thursday, October 12, and our second midterm exam is scheduled for the same time on Thursday, November 16. You should not schedule anything that conflicts with these exams.

The final exam will be given December 20 from 6:00–8:00 pm. Note that this exam starts at 6:00 pm, which is earlier than the midterms start. Also, note that this is the date and time fixed by the University's schedule for final exams for large introductory science and mathematics courses.

B Sections: These sections are the "studio-style" discussion sections. All students must be registered for one of these sections. Attendance in discussion section is mandatory, and you must attend the entire section.

During most of each discussion section, you will work in groups of three-four on worksheets that we have developed to augment the lectures and online homework. You may also ask questions about the homework exercises. Also, during most weeks, a quiz will be administered in the discussion sections. You must attend the entire discussion section in order to be eligible to take the quiz.

Instructors: