Overview of Math 135, Fall 2014

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 sixth edition of CALCULUS, by Smith, Strauss, and Toda, published by Kendall-Hunt. There is also an electronic version of ths text available for $55.99 at http://kendallhunt.com/store-product.aspx?id=114051. An alternate text is the third or fourth edition of Calculus and Its Applications by Strauss, Bradley, and Smith, published by Pearson. These books are very similar and the course is designed so that students can use any of these texts. Students who plan to take MA136 or MA138 should check at the bookstore on the requirements for that course before buying a 135 text. For students who are sure that they will only take Math 135, the Kendall-Hunt is a good 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!


Calculators

Many students will find a calculator useful for homework and webwork. A good scientific calculator should suffice, together with an online graphing program like Wolfram Alpha. Students will not be allowed to use calculators on exams.


The Syllabus

Here is a lecture-by-lecture description of the course for Kendall-Hunt and for Pearson. The two are identical, except for a change in the first chapter. 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, Kendall-Hunt and Pearson. The problems are mostly the same on the two lists, except for a couple of sections where the authors made major changes. 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.


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. For Fall 2013, the final exam will be given from 4-7 on Monday, December 16. The 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.

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.