Note: This is an archived page. Many of the materials from this course are no longer on the web. Some of the links will not work. For the current courses I am teaching, please see my home page.

Math 76, Spring 2007 Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Katherine Kelm
Office: PB 343
E-mail: Click here
Phone: 278-4996
Course: Math 76 (calculus), class number 35195
Class meets: MWF in S2 206 from 10:30 to 11:35am/td>
Texts:
  • Stewart, Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 5th Ed. (ISBN 0534-39321-7)
  • (Recommended): Cleary and Cusick, A Mathematica Mystery Tour
Welcome to Math 76! Math 76 is a 4-unit course, covering integral calculus, coordinate systems, sequences and series, and applications. We will use the computer algebra system Mathematica as an exploratory tool. The prerequisite for this course is Math 75 or equivalent. You are expected to be proficient in high school algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and differential and elementary integral calculus, and have at least a passing familiarity with Mathematica. The course covers chapters 6 through 11 of the text, except for chapter 9. The recommended text is a short packet available at low cost at the Bookstore. It will be very helpful even if you have used Mathematica before.
Calculus is a very interesting and very useful subject. This course, however, will be demanding. I will do my very best to teach it to you, but you must ultimately take the responsibility to stay caught up, seek extra help when you need it, and monitor your progress in the class. I am always here to help you do this.
I love this course. I hope my enthusiasm rubs off on you!
Please see the following links for complete information:
-A-
Academic Honesty
Attendance
-B-
Basis for course grade - see How grades are determined, Grade Breakdown
Behavior - see Classroom Behavior
Bonus Points
-C-
Calculator Policy
Cheating - see Academic Honesty
Classroom Behavior
Computer Use Policy
Course Outline
-D-
Dates of Exams - see Midterms, Final Exam
Disabilities - see Students with Disabilities
Dropping Lowest Scores - see How grades are determined, Homework Policy, or Quizzes
-E-
Exams - see Final Exam, Midterms, or Quizzes
Extra Credit - see Bonus Points
Extra Help
-F-
Face the Query - see Attendance
Final Exam
Format Rules - see Homework Format Requirements and Guidelines
-G-
Goals - see Learning Objectives and Learning Outcomes
Grade Breakdown - see also How grades are determined
-H-
Help outside of class - see Extra Help
Homework
How grades are determined
-I-J-K-
-L-
Learning Objectives and Learning Outcomes
-M-
Midterms
-N-
-O-
Office Hours
Outline - see Course Outline
-P-
Plagiarism - see Academic Honesty
Policy
-Q-
Query, Face the - see Attendance
Quizzes
-R-S-
-T-
Tutoring - see Extra Help
-U-V-W-X-Y-Z-
 
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students should understand:
  • The relationship between integrals and antiderivatives
  • The applications of integration to geometry, physics and engineering
  • The techniques of integration by parts, substitution, partial fractions, tables, and computer algebra systems
  • Parametric equations and the technique of eliminating the parameter
  • Polar coordinates
  • The difference between a sequence and a series and the definitions of each, including power series
  • The methods for determining whether or not a given series converges and, if possible, the finite sum of the series
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
  • Compute a variety of advanced integrals using appropriate techniques
  • Solve real-world problems involving applications of integration
  • Graph, compute the derivatives, and eliminate the parameter of a set of parametric equations
  • Graph and compute the derivative of a polar equation
  • Convert between polar and rectangular coordinates
  • Determine whether or not a given sequence or series converges using appropriate tests
  • Find the sum of a convergent geometric, telescoping, or power series
  • Graph, differentiate, and integrate functions using the Mathematica computer algebra system.
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Course Outline
Chapter (Stewart) Description
6 Applications of Integration:
6.1 (areas between curves)
6.2, 6.3 (volume)
6.4 (work)
6.5 (average value of a function)
7 Techniques of Integration:
7.1 (integration by parts)
7.2, 7.3, 7.4 (advanced substitution methods)
7.5 (overall strategy for integration)
7.6 (integration tables and Mathematica as integration tools)
7.8 (improper integrals)
(We will skip section 7.7)
8 Further Applications of Integration:
8.1, 8.2 (arc length and surface area)
8.3 (applications to physics and engineering)
(We will skip sections 8.4 and 8.5)
10 Parametric Equations and Polar Coordinates:
10.1, 10.2 (parametric equations)
10.3, 10.4 (polar coordinates)
(We will skip sections 10.5 and 10.6)
11 Infinite Sequences and Series:
11.1 (sequences)
11.2-11.7 (series and tests for their convergence)
11.8-11.12 (power series)

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Homework Policy*

There will be three kinds of homework for this course: WeBWorK (online), paper (traditional), and Mathematica (computer algebra system, turned in electronically). In a given week you may have homework in any combination of the above formats. There is no homework due on midterm exam days.

WeBWorK problems are due on Wednesday nights at 11:30pm.

What is WeBWorK? WeBWorK is a web-based homework system. A key educational benefit of this system is that if you get a wrong answer, you get immediate feedback while the problem is still fresh in your mind. You can then correct your mistakes, review the relevant material before attacking the problem again, or seek help. This means that if you begin the assignment promptly it is possible to get 100% on every homework!

If you get a wrong answer, you can (and should) redo the problem, and resubmit your answer. You can access each set as many times as you like (until the due date), and the number of attempts for each problem is usually unlimited, unless otherwise specified.

How to access the system. The login page is at http://webwork.csufresno.edu/webwork2/Math76-KKelm/. Your login name is your Fresno State e-mail username (e.g. if your e-mail address is abc@csufresno.edu, then your WeBWorK login name is abc), and your initial password is your Fresno State student ID number.

More about the system.

  • You should log in as soon as possible, just to check that your login name and password work. You can (and probably should) change your password after you log in. You can also change your e-mail address if you like.
  • The set 0 is Introduction to WeBWorK. It does not count toward your grade for the course, but you are strongly urged to "play" with it in order to see how the system works.
  • You are very strongly recommended to start working on your assignments early. If you wait until the last night you will not only be stuck if you need help with the material, but the system gets slow if too many people are accessing the same course at the same time which often happens on the last night before the set is due.
  • You can print out open sets (go to "homework sets"; choose a set, and click on "download hardcopy"), work on them wherever you like, and then log back in and submit your answers.
  • As with any computer or calculator, you have to be careful with parentheses. E.g. if you want to enter fraction, then you have to type (sin (2x) + 5)/(cos x - 3).
    If you forget parentheses and enter sin 2x + 5/cos x - 3 it will be interpreted as wrong expression.
    This is annoying at first, but it teaches you to use parentheses correctly! It will also be important when you do Mathematica assignments.
  • If you are unsure how to type a certain expression ("how do you type the square root of 3?"), there is a link to a list of functions WeBWorK understands on the sidebar of every assignment. For your convenience, clicking here will also take you to that list.
  • You can view your scores by clicking on "grades".
  • Almost every page in WeBWorK has an "email instructor" button. You can use this feature to e-mail me questions, explain how you did the problem, and ask what you did wrong.
  • Please see the WeBWorK Frequently Asked Questions for more help.

Please note that the WeBWorK system strictly enforces the deadlines. Solutions are available on the system 5 minutes after the above time, so no exceptions can be made for late assignments. I will drop your lowest two WeBWorK scores, as compiled on a weekly basis.

Paper problems are due on Fridays at 4:00pm. You may give Friday homework to me directly or place it in the slot outside my office labeled "Math 76." Please turn your paper in the direction indicated above the slot, so all papers will be facing the same way. Please write your full name, the due date, and Math 76 at the top of the first page. Paper homework will be accepted through Monday at 4:00pm for half credit. After that it will not be accepted. I will drop your lowest paper homework score. Be sure to read and understand the Homework Format Requirements and Guidelines. They will be enforced! Homework of more than one page must be stapled. This is not optional. Do not write teeny-tiny to get out of this, please!

Mathematica problems will be due periodically. It is the policy of the Department of Mathematics at CSU Fresno to include basic familiarity with the computer algebra system Mathematica as part of the Math 75, Math 76, and Math 77 curricula. If you have not already done so, you are urged to purchase the recommended packet by Cleary and Cusick, A Mathematica Mystery Tour. It is cheap and will be very helpful throughout your calculus courses, even if you have used Mathematica before.

Questions concerning Mathematica will not appear on quizzes or exams.

There may be bonus problems (for extra credit) assigned in class from time to time which do not appear on the syllabus.
Warning: If this seems like a lot of homework, it is. You are expected to budget at least 8-12 hours per week for homework and study outside of class. Do not attempt to concentrate all this work on Wednesday and Thursday nights! You will never finish assignments, let alone learn anything, if you do not start a few days early, while you have the chance to get help. You may check your answers to problems from Stewart's book (paper problems) in the Solutions Manual in my office any time I am there, as long as you have completed the problem yourself first.

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Quizzes*
Quizzes will be held in class on Fridays, except during midterm weeks, starting January 26 (week 2) and ending April 27 (week 14). The quizzes will be given during the first 10 minutes of class. Please be on time because they start exactly at the beginning of class! If you have last-minute questions before the quiz, please arrive a few minutes early; I will answer as many questions as I can until the quiz begins. If you miss a quiz, you get a 0. I will drop your lowest two quiz scores. The quizzes will usually be based on the material covered in that week's homework. For example, the first quiz on Friday, January 26 will cover the material from the homeworks due on Wendesday, January 24 (WeBWorK) and Friday, January 26 (paper). Make sure to review the homework and come to office hours with any questions well before the quiz!

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IMPORTANT. Reading comprehension is as important in mathematics as in any other subject. On any quiz or exam you should expect to see problems which are not exactly like the homework.
 
Midterms*
The midterm exams will be Fridays, February 16, March 23, and May 4 (weeks 5, 10, and 15). I will announce in class which sections will be covered on each midterm. Makeups will be solely at my discretion. You are not eligible for makeup consideration for any reason unless you contact me PRIOR to the start time of the exam. There will be no exceptions to this policy. If you have missed an exam, or feel that you are likely to miss an exam, contact me immediately to discuss your plans for passing the course.

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Final Exam*

The final exam is comprehensive. It will be held on CHECK from CHECK in our regular classroom. If you feel you might have a conflict with this date, contact me immediately. Please note that it is strictly against University policy for me to give final exams early for any reason.

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Attendance
Missing class is the single most preventable cause of bad grades! Please make the commitment to attend class every single day. This is a sequence course with a tight syllabus. I will not be able to slow down for you, because that material is going to be needed in Math 77 (not to mention throughout your life) whether we cover it or not. So you simply must show up every day, on time, to avoid missing something critical.
To help motivate you further, and to encourage you to arrive prepared for class, your attendance will be monitored by frequent roll call and by Face the Query. Face the Query works as follows: Every day I will ask a very basic question from the notes of the previous lecture. I will then select a member of the class at random by drawing an index card.
  • If you are selected and answer the question correctly, you will receive 2 points toward your Effort/Attendance/Participation grade. Additionally, you will receive a free pass from Face the Query for 1 week (though you should still come to class!). This means that if you are called on twice in a week, you have the option of answering the second question correctly for 2 bonus points or "passing." Answering incorrectly will not penalize you, but being absent will!
  • If you are present but do not answer the question correctly, you will receive 1 point. If you are not present when your name is called you will receive 0 points, even if you walk in later, so please be on time.

There are two points possible each time you are called on, except if you choose to utilize your free pass (see above). For example, suppose you are called to Face the Query three times throughout the term (with no passes). You answer the first one correctly, the second one incorrectly, and the third time you are absent. Then your score would be 2 + 1 + 0 = 3 out of 2 + 2 + 2 = 6 points. If your second time was less than a week after the first, and you chose to pass, your score would then be 2 + 0 + 0 = 2 out of 2 + 0 + 2 = 4. On the other hand, if you chose not to pass and answered correctly, your score would be 2 + 2 + 0 = 4 out of 2 + 0 + 2 = 4, so you have made up for being absent!

There are no excuses accepted for non-attendance. If you feel you will be missing a significant number of classes, please come see me to discuss your plans for passing the course.
If you must miss class, get the notes from someone as soon as possible, go over them (preferably with the student who took the notes -- it will be valuable for him or her as well to talk through the material), and then come to office hours with any questions. I cannot repeat my lecture for students who skip class.
This class tends to be heavily impacted (crowded!). Consequently, I will have little patience for students who are not ready, academically or psychologically, for the demands of the course. I will be checking prerequisites to make sure all enrolled students have passed Math 75 or the equivalent with a grade of C or better. Please see me if you have any questions.
If you are enrolled and decide not to take the class, you have until Tuesday, January 30 to drop the class without a Serious and Compelling Reason (please see p. CHECK of the current course catalogue for details). Please drop as soon as you have made your decision in order to allow others to join the class.

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Basis for course grade (What does this mean?)
     
Homework 19% I drop the lowest of these six grades,
for a total of 19 x 5 = 95% of your grade
Quizzes (8) 19%
Midterm 1 19%
Midterm 2 19%
Midterm 3 19%
Final exam 19%
Effort/Attendance/Participation 5%
 
Grade breakdown**
90-100% A
80-89.9% B
70-79.9% C
60-69.9% D
0-59.9% F
** Due to possible curving, your grade may end up higher, but not lower, than this chart indicates.

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Other Stuff

  1. Calculator Policy

    You may use any calculator you wish for homework. However, I recommend that you practice mental math whenever possible, as calculators are generally not allowed on quizzes or exams. I do not anticipate making any exceptions. The reasons for this policy are as follows:

    Calculators these days are very powerful machines which can actually facilitate learning in many instances. Many complicated computational procedures which had to be taught in previous generations are now obsolete, and classes can now concentrate on more refined and theoretical concepts. However,

    1. Calculators can easily tempt a student not to learn necessary mental math skills. In other words, calculators can rot your brain! Though I encourage you to experiment with a calculator outside of class and see what you can learn from it, I wish to test what is in your brain, not in your calculator. For this reason, you should do as much of the homework as possible without one, to train yourself for exams.
    2. Good calculators can be expensive. I believe that it is unfair to allow students to use whatever calculator they can afford on exams. A student who has--or whose family has--more money should not have an advantage (or disadvantage, depending on how you look at it!) over a student with less money.

    Therefore, to keep the exams equitable, and to avoid brain rot, I choose to disallow calculators of any kind.

  2. Classroom Behavior

    I wish to maintain a positive, comfortable learning environment in our class. Please show respect for others by:

    • Making sure that all cell phones and pagers are turned off for the duration of the class
    • Not using tobacco products of any kind in class (this is California law and includes smokeless tobacco)
    • Not speaking, whispering, or engaging in any other distracting behavior while someone is addressing the class.

    Failure to adhere to these ground rules may result in your dismissal from the class.

  3. Academic Honesty

    Cheating is quite prevalent at Fresno State, and thus the penalties for getting caught are severe. Don't do it. Notes of any kind are not permitted during quizzes or exams. I may ask for hats to be removed or for you to switch seats for extra security. Collaboration on homework assignments is allowed and encouraged; however, everyone must turn in his or her own homework, in his or her own words. The University policy on academic dishonesty will be followed in cases of cheating and plagiarism. This means, at minimum, a score of 0 on any assignment or exam in which cheating or plagiarism is suspected. Please don't do anything that looks even remotely like cheating. It's not worth it.

  4. Students with Disabilities

    The University policy on students with disabilities will be followed. If you have a disability documented with Services for Students with Disabilities which requires accommodation, please see me as soon as possible to make arrangements.

  5. Computer Use

    The University policy on computer use will be followed. You are expected to have access to a computer with which to check email regularly, visit the course web site, download course materials, and complete WeBWorK and Mathematica assignments.

  6. Extra Help

    Do not allow yourself to remain lost in the class. The night before the midterm is not the time to discover that you are in over your head! Whenever you need help, you must get it right away. Sources of help include the following:

    1. First and foremost, I am always here to help. If you cannot come to my office hours, make an appointment, or call or send email. I want you to succeed! Bringing your concerns to me can only raise your grade.
    2. Other students. Please try to get a phone number and/or email address from at least two other students in the class. Studying with your peers is one of the most effective learning tools and can be a great stress-buster, too. Even if you believe you work best alone, make sure you have someone to contact in case I am not available.
    3. Supplemental reading materials. These include the CD's that come with Stewart's text, the Student Solutions Manual (worked-out solutions to odd-numbered problems in the Stewart text) and various online sources. Please see me for more ideas, or consult a search engine such as Google.
    4. Tutoring. The Calculus Walk-In Lab is a free, drop-in lab run by the Mathematics Department in S2 323 with one person available to tutor anyone from any calculus class. Schedule is available CHECKhere (click on Math Tutorial/Computer Labs and then on Mathematics (Calculus) Tutorial Lab), or posted outside my office. This is a great place to sit and do homework with other students and get help. Please make it a part of your week!

  7. Bonus Points

    There are three ways to get bonus points in this class:

    1. Do bonus questions on paper homework assignments (look for problems marked with an asterisk *).
    2. In an effort to get to know each of you personally, and to encourage you to find my office, I will give 5 points bonus homework credit to everyone who comes to one or more of my office hours the first two weeks of classes (January 17-26). You do not need to have questions or stay the full hour. Just come and introduce yourself!

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* Disclaimer: Although I have no plans to do so, all dates and policies are subject to change or exception according to announcements made in class.
 
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Last updated 1/17/2007