Overview of Math 135, Spring 2010

Math 135 has many components. These include the text, lectures, recitations, homework assignments, WeBWorK, exams, office hours, and peer tutoring. Attendance at lectures and recitations, unless excused by the instructor, and use of the WeBWorK system are required for all students.


The textbook

The text is the third or fourth edition of Calculus and Its Applications by Strauss, Bradley, and Smith, published by Pearson. The two editions of the book are identical, except for the binding and the inclusion of an index in the newer version. Students have several options when purchasing the text. Before choosing a version of the text, students need to consider carefully the following question:

Am I likely to take either Math 136 or Math 138 after completing Math 135?

Math 136 and Math 138 require special supplements to the standard edition of the text. These supplements are available only in copies of the text sold in local bookstores.

The Math 135 text may be purchased in the following versions:

1. A one-semester edition available new only from local bookstores.

2. A two-semester edition that includes the Rutgers supplements for Math 136 and Math 138, available used in very limited quantities from local bookstores.

3. The standard two-semester edition, without the Rutgers supplements, available new and used from nonlocal sources, such as Amazon.

For students who are sure that they will only take Math 135, (1) above is almost certainly the proper choice. It provides a new book that is easy to carry and that comes at a price which is low enough that students might consider keeping the book after the course is over! For students who buy (1) and then decide to take Math 136 or Math 138, the second semester portion of the book is available as a separate volume.


Calculators

A graphing calculator is not required, but many students will find such a calculator useful for homework and webwork. The suggested calculator is the TI-83 Plus. Lecturers and recitation instructors will be able to provide limited assistance in the use of the TI-83 Plus. Students who purchase other calculators are on their own. Students will not be allowed to use calculators on the final exam.


The Syllabus

Here is a tentative lecture-by-lecture description of the course. Each lecturer will prepare a detailed syllabus for their lecture section. The lecturer's syllabus is the official one for that class. Term grades are assigned by the lecturer.

Here are the suggested homework problems for each section of the text covered in the course. Individual lecturers may modify this list. Students are expected to work on homework problems before coming to recitations.

Recitations give students an opportunity to ask questions and to see sample problems worked in detail. Students will not benefit fully from recitation classes unless they attempt the assigned problems in advance. Normally, at the end of each recitation class there will be a short quiz consisting of one problem similar to those discussed that day. Quiz scores are a signficant component of the term grade.


WeBWorK

WeBWorK is an interactive, online system that permits students to practice working calculus problems. Students get their own version of each problem and they may submit answers until they get the problem right. The WeBWorK assignments must be done on line. At the end of the semester, the system provides the instructor with a score for each student. This score is based on the number of problems the student eventually got right, not on the number of attempts made. The WeBWorK score is a significant component of the term grade. Students who do not take the WeBWorK assignments seriously are risking a drop of perhaps half a letter in their grade for the semester.

Each student will receive a logon id and a password for WeBWorK. Here is an introduction to the system and here is the link to the system itself.

Each WeBWorK assignment is due by a specific date and time. As that time approaches, the system may become loaded and responses may be slow. As with any computer system, problems related to hardware, software, and the network are always possible. To avoid last minute difficulties, students should plan to finish their WeBWorK assignments at least 24 hours before the official deadline. Extensions of time will not be granted unless there are substantial problems with Rutgers computing facilities lasting several hours.


Exams

There will be two hour exams and a cumulative final exam. Hour exams will be written by the lecturer and given in lecture. The final exam will be the same for all Math 135 students. It will be written by the course coordinator. The time and location of the final exam will be announced later in the term. No calculator or computer will be permitted on exams.


Other matters

Lecturers and recitation instructors will hold regular office hours each week. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and to get to know their teachers.

Students are expected to be aware of and follow the University's Interim Academic Integrity Policy ( http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/integrity.shtml )

The Rutgers Learning Centers offer tutoring in many mathematics classes, including Math 135. The tutoring is provided by undergraduate peer tutors. The Math & Science Learning Center holds review sessions for math 135.