AMAT112 Calculus I
Spring 2024 Syllabus
Click to download printable version.
Course Description
This course covers the concepts of limits and differentiation with an emphasis on applications and modeling in science and engineering. A library of single variable functions is presented from a modeling approach. Limits and continuity of a function at a point and on an interval are presented. The concept of the derivative and its interpretations as an instantaneous rate of change are discussed. Derivatives of all the elementary functions presented in precalculus are introduced, as well as the rules for differentiating products, quotients, composite, inverse, and implicitly defined functions. Applications of the derivative to problems involving but not limited to rates and related rates, optimization, geometry, modeling, and indeterminate forms are covered. The course ends with the introduction of definite integrals.
Prerequisites
AMAT100 or precalculus at the high school or college level.
Course Structure
Each lecture is seventy five minutes long, meeting three times a week, and comprised of mathematical concepts, applications, and problems. There will be a total of three exams, two midterms and a final exam, given during the course of the semester all based closely on the lecture content, online and written homework, and past exam problems. Additionally, there will be in-class quizzes and both online and written homework assignments.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
‣ Understand the concept of limits; compute limits of functions from formulas, graphs, and tables.
‣ Understand the concept of continuity of a function at a point and on an interval.
‣ Differentiate elementary functions of a single variable.
‣ Understand the definite integral as a limit of Riemann sums and establish the connection between the derivative and the definite integral through the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
‣ Apply knowledge of calculus to solve problems in, but not limited to, engineering and science.
Recommended Textbook
Calculus Volume 1 by Openstax (Available freely for download at https://openstax.org/details/books/calculus-volume-1)
Assessment Tools
There are four assessment tools in course:
‣ Exams are comprehensive and test understanding of course material, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
‣ Quizzes focuses on concepts, common errors, misconceptions, and are typically one question long, and are administered at the beginning of the last lecture of the week. Please see the lecture schedule for more details.
‣ Worksheets are aimed at developing problem solving and critical thinking skills and are encouraged to be completed in groups, but individual solutions must be submitted for grading.
‣ The online homework are basic exercises used to reinforce and check understanding of course material.
Course Schedule
Class No Days Times Room Instructor 3519 MWF 03:00PM – 04:15PM HU0124 Zehr, Krista 6065 MWF 03:00PM – 04:15PM HU0132 Wittig, Alea Louise 6066 MWF 03:00PM – 04:15PM HU0024 Guo, Zhijian 6067 MWF 11:40AM – 12:55PM SS0131 Williams, Marquia 6068 MWF 10:10AM – 11:25AM ES0139 Beckhardt, Susan 6069 MWF 01:10PM – 02:25PM HU0133 Guo, Zhijian 6070 MWF 01:10PM – 02:25PM HU0132 Wittig, Alea Louise 6071 MWF 10:10AM – 11:25AM ES0144 Decker, John Riley 6072 MWF 08:00AM – 09:15AM HU0123 Greene, Lynn H 6073 MWF 08:00AM – 09:15AM HU0129 Gelnett, Ryan Charle
Grade Calculation
Three formulas are used to calculate the student’s course score. The formula that yields the highest score will be the one used to determine the final score.
Formula 1: All exams included Weight Homework 15% Exams 1-3 (20% each) 60% Final Exam 25%
Formula 2: Drop lowest midterm Weight Homework 15% Best two of three midterms (25% each) 50% Final Exam 35%
Formula 3: No final exam Weight Homework 15% Exam 1 28.3% Exam 2 28.3% Exam 3 28.3%
We will convert this score to a letter grade beginning with these values as cutoffs:
Cutoff Letter Grade 90 A 87 A- 83 B+ 80 B 77 B- 74 C+ 70 C 67 C- 64 D+ 60 D 55 D- below 50 E
Exam Policies
During exams, no calculators, no cell phones, iPads or other devices that can communicate with the internet or with others may be used. Any such equipment found with the power on may well be interpreted as “cheating”. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics reserves the right to impose the strongest academic sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity*.
Click here for the University’s final exam policy and additional related information.
*Academic Integrity
“Every student has the responsibility to become familiar with the standards of academic integrity at the University. Faculty members must specify in their syllabi information about academic integrity, and may refer students to this policy for more information. Nonetheless, student claims of ignorance, unintentional error, or personal or academic pressures cannot be excuses for violation of academic integrity. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the standards and behaving accordingly, and UAlbany faculty are responsible for teaching, modeling and upholding them. Anything less undermines the worth and value of our intellectual work, and the reputation and credibility of the University at Albany degree.” (University’s Standards of Academic Integrity Policy, Fall 2013)
More information at: https://www.albany.edu/undergraduate_bulletin/regulations.html
Policy on missed in-class assignments, quizzes, or exams
It is University policy that an out-of-sequence exam can be administered only if there is prior authorization by the Mathematics and Statistics Department or due to a medical, religious, or family emergency reason. In all of these cases, you must provide written documentation to the Mathematics and Statistics Department in order to schedule a make-up exam within 2 days of the missed exam, or upon your first day returning to class if the documentation excuses a longer absence. Make-ups will not be granted to students who do not notify the Mathematics and Statistics Department in a timely manner. Students may be asked to seek additional approval.
Event
In the case of a University sponsored event such as an athletic tournament, a play, or a musical performance, please have your coach, conductor, or other faculty advisor contact your instructor (athletic practices and rehearsals do not fall into this category).
Travel
We cannot accommodate out-of-sequence exams, quizzes, and finals for reasons of convenience of travel, even if you have already purchased tickets. Please note carefully the date of your exams and final and plan your travel schedule accordingly.
Religious Observance
Based on New York State Education Law (Section 224-A), students are required to be excused, without penalty, because of religious beliefs, and will be provided equivalent opportunities for make-up examinations, study, or work requirements missed because of such absences. Faculty will work directly with students to accommodate religious observances. However, students should notify the instructor of record by emailing them during the first two weeks of classes.
Click here for the University’s Medical Excuse Policy.
Disability Disclosure Statement
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with documented physical, sensory, systemic, medical, cognitive, learning and/or mental health (psychiatric) disabilities. If you believe you have a disability and require accommodation in this class, please register with Disability Access and Inclusion Student Services (DAISS). You can contact DAISS at daiss@albany.edu, 518-442 -5501 or www.albany.edu/disability. Once you have registered with DAISS, they will provide you with an accommodation letter that you can send to your instructors to receive your approved accommodation.
Mental Health Resources
As a student, there may be times when personal stressors interfere with your academic performance and/or negatively impact your daily life. The University at Albany Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential services including individual and group psychological counseling and evaluation for emotional, social and academic concerns. Students may consult with CAPS staff remotely by telephone, email or Zoom appointments regarding issues that impact them or someone they care about.
‣For questions or to make an appointment, call (518) 442-5800 or email consultation@albany.edu. Visit www.albany.edu/caps/ for hours of operation and additional information.
‣If your life or someone else’s life is in danger, please call 911. If you are in a crisis and need help right away, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
‣Students dealing with heightened feelings of sadness or hopelessness, increased anxiety, or thoughts of suicide may also text “HOME” to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
https://988lifeline.org/?scrlybrkr=4617837b
https://www.albany.edu/health-well-being/emergencies
Course Instructors
Dr Luciano Medina, PhD
Course Coordinator and Lecturer
lmedina2@albany.edu
Catskill 262
Office Hrs: TTh 12:20 – 1:20pm or by appointment
Zhijian (Lamber) Guo
Lecturer and Sr Research Support Specialist
zguo@albany.edu
Catskill 388
Office Hrs:
Lynn Greene
Lecturer
lhgreene@albany.edu
Castskill 334
Office Hrs: MWF 9:20 – 10:20am
Marquia Williams
Teaching Assistant
mwilliams27@albany.edu
Catskill 378
Office Hrs:
Riley Decker
Teaching Assistant
jrdecker@albany.edu
Castskill 378
Office Hrs:
UAlbany Calculus and Statistics 