Fall 2013
Semester
Discussion Sections:
D2: Fri. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM MCS B31
D3: Fri. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM MCS B31
D4: Mon. 9:00 AM - 10:00
AM MCS B31
D5: Mon. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM MCS B31
D6: Tue. 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM MCS
B31
Office: MCS 235
Telephone: 617-353-8203
e-mail: tkohl@math.bu.edu
Office Hours: M 3-4, W 1-2
Teaching Fellow: TBA
e-mail: TBA
Office: TBA
Office Hours: TBA
Text: Calculus for Business, Economics, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences (12th Ed.) – Barnett – Ziegler - Byleen
(Pearson) 2011.
Remarks: This is a course on calculus and its applications.
Calculus is the set of mathematical tools one uses to analyze how functions
behave. Central to this is the notion of ‘rate of change’ which separates
calculus from subjects like algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry where
you first learn about functions, but not about their intrinsic properties. The
methods we shall develop will help you take many ‘real world’ problems, from
economics as well as the social and life sciences, and translate them into
mathematical language so as to work out their solution.
Outline of concepts to be
covered:
(Note: Some sections in a
given chapter may be omitted due to time constraints.)
Ch.1 Linear Equations and Graphs
Ch.2 Functions and Graphs
Ch.3 Limits and the Derivative
Ch.4 Additional Derivative Topics
Ch.5 Graphing and Optimization
Ch.6 Integration
Exams: During the semester, there will be two, hour long
exams, each worth 100 points. At the end of the semester, there will be a final
exam worth 200 points. The schedule for these is
at the bottom of the next page.
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Homework: During the semester, I will generally assign
homework on a daily basis. This homework is your primary means of learning the
material, more so than even the lectures. Indeed, it is only by actually
working out the solutions to problems that one really learns this material. Not
doing homework is a bad idea and will
result in a poor performance in the course. Additionally, there will be,
throughout the course of the semester, 10 problem sets to turn in, each of
which is worth 10 points for a total possible maximum of 100 points if you
complete each perfectly. Each turn-in assignment will be due by the next class
meeting after it was assigned. Late homework will not be accepted.
Grading: Your grade in the course will be based on the
combined sum of your two exam grades together with the 10 turn in homework
assignments as well as the final exam. As such, your grade will be based on the
number of points earned out of a total possible maximum of 500 points.
Makeup Exams: Except in cases of illness
and only then with a signed doctor’s note, exams will be given only at scheduled times.
Discussion Sections: In addition to registering for the lecture section,
each of you should be registered for one of the five discussion sections
(F2-F6 above) that are held each week by my teaching fellow. The primary
purpose of these discussion sections is for homework review and occasionally
for the discussion of certain topics that can be covered independently of the
current material being discussed in class. These discussion sections are a
valuable resource, do not skip them!
Calculators: In this course, we shall not be using graphing
calculators. From time to time, I may use a computer to demonstrate certain
concepts. The use of graphing calculators during exams will not be permitted.
However, the usage of non-graphing calculators is acceptable.
Cheating: I consider cheating to be a very serious
offense and any cases of it will merit action by the University Academic
Standards Committee.
Important Dates:
Substitute Monday on
Tuesday October 15th
Holiday: Thursday
November 28th (Thanksgiving)
Exam
1 - Thursday October 10
Exam 2 - Thursday November
14
Final - Tuesday December 17, 3 PM-5 PM
The last lecture will be Tuesday, December 10.
Web Page: http://math.bu.edu/people/tkohl/teaching/current/121.html
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