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.