Bucks County Community College
Newtown, PA  18940

Distance Learning Calculus

 

Instructor: Dr. Fitt
Office:  Founders 123
Phone:  215 968 8260
Email:  fitte@bucks.edu

DL Orientation

 


 

Assignments

Formulas

PowerPoints

Review for Final

Practice for Midterm

Trig Identities

Distance Learning Home

 

I. Course Description

Calculus I is the first course in the calculus sequence for physical science, mathematics and engineering students. Topics include limits, the rate of change of a function, derivatives of algebraic and trigonometric functions, applications of derivatives, integration, and applications of the definite integral.

II. Assignments

You will receive an assignment sheet with exercises to do from the Stewart text and on Web Assign.  If you want an extra copy, you can access one through my web page, or from the math department. Each section also has assigned problems in WebAssign, the internet course management system that correlates with your text

III. Study Requirements

This is a 4-credit course. Be sure to allot sufficient time for this course. Study time should be spent:

Reading the text and watching the video for each section through WebAssign. These are accessed with the CD that comes with your text. Keep your text open and take notes as you watch. You can stop and start these videos, replay a segment or fast-forward through the part you already know. E-mail me with concepts or problems that you do not understand.

Doing assigned problems. The best way to learn mathematics is to do problems. Practice of homework assignments cannot be overemphasized. Suggestion - put an * next to problems which give you trouble and ask about them through email. The problems available through WebAssign will be automatically graded. Be sure to do the practice tests before you take the actual test.

IV. Required Course Content and Direction:

Learning Goals Course Specific: The student will be able to:

1.     apply the concept of limit.

2.     evaluate limits.

3.     apply the concept of continuity.

4.     evaluate derivatives of algebraic and trigonometric function.

5.     use implicit differentiation to find a derivative.

6.     apply concepts of differentiation to problems in curve sketching, related rates, straight line motion.

7.     apply concepts of differentiation to science, business, and economics.

8.     find indefinite integrals.

9.     solve elementary differential equations.

10.   apply the definition of the definite integral and its properties.

11.   evaluate definite integrals.

12.   use the definite integral for applications, such as average value, areas, volumes of solids of revolution, length of plane curves.

Core Learning Goals Category 1 Math or Science: The student will be able to:

1.     develop the ability to analyze, interpret, and apply quantitative information.

2.     Accurately translate descriptive problems into mathematical formulas and solve them. (1)

Category III Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: The student will be able to:

1.     Demonstrate an understanding of solving problems by:

o    recognizing the problem;

o    reviewing information about the problem;

o    developing plausible solutions; and

o    evaluating the result

V. Withdrawal

If you should find it necessary to withdraw, check the college catalog for specific dates.  The withdraw period for Fall 2009 ends on Tuesday, November 2, 2009.

If you do not take the tests and do not withdraw you will receive an F.

VI. Extra Help If you find you are having difficulty extra help is always available.

My office hours are by MWF from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. or at any mutually convenient time.  I can be found in Founders 123.

Tutoring help is available, free of charge, in the Learning Center. (L121)

Supplementary study materials are available in WebAssign.

Do not wait to get extra help. Contact me by phone or by email the first sign of difficulty.

VII. Prerequisite

You must have taken MATH125 with a grade of C or better or MATH122 and permission of the department. Distance learning requires that you be a self-motivated student who can work on your own.

VIII. Grading Procedures

a) There will be online homework, 6 online quizzes, and 4 proctored online tests. A final exam will be administered at the end of the semester. You may take each online quiz twice and the higher grade will be counted. You can take the tests at the Newtown campus testing center, at an off-campus site or under the supervision of a qualified proctor (such as a librarian, testing center proctor at another school etc.). A weighed average will be calculated.

Quiz Grade Average = 30% of course grade

Homework = 20% of course grade

Tests = 50% of course grade

b) The following scale will be used for tests and the course grade:

A    90-100
B+ 87-89
B   80-86
C+ 77-79
C   70-76
D+ 77-79
D   60-66
F   0-59

There is a great deal of flexibility with distance learning mode of learning, but it requires self- motivation on the part of the student. Tests can be scheduled at times that are convenient to you, day or evening.

Please read the statement on cheating and plagiarism from the current college catalog. College policies will be strongly enforced.

It is the responsibility of the student to save all materials. Read the college catalog for College policies.

IX. Course Materials

Textbook: Calculus 6e by James Stewart.  Publisher:  Thompson.  Online Access to WebAssign (code comes free with new text) and a graphing calculator (TI-83 or TI-84). A CD with video lessons also comes packaged free with your new text.