MTH 121 Syllabus

1. Course Information¶

• Description: For students in social, biological, and management sciences. Limits, continuity, differentiation of algebraic and exponential functions; applications; introduces integration.

• Prerequisites 70/100 or better on both Fundamentals & Algebra parts of the Math Readiness Assessment, or C or better in ULC148, MTH 108, MTH 113, MTH 114 MTH 115, a D or better in MTH 121, MTH 131, or MTH 141 or 3 on AP Calculus or 4 or 5 on AP Pre-Calculus.

• Credit Hours: 4.0 credits

• Delivery Mode: In-person with in-class midterm exams.

• Controlled Enrollment: This is a controlled enrollment course

• Registration Info:

  • Section A (15563) meets every MWF at 9-9:50pm in NSC 220

  • Section B (14863) meets every MWF at 10-10:50am in NSC 220

Staff¶

Materials¶

1. Textbook: Calculus and Its Applications by L. Goldstein, D. Schneider, D. Lay and N. Asmar

   • Chapters 0-6

   • Any edition is sufficient

   • The access code that comes bundled in new copies is not needed.

2. Blank 8.5’‘x11’’ printer paper. Bring with you to every class.

3. Lecture Note, Example, and Homework template pages.

4. Name Plate. This will be given to you during the 2nd week of class (or sooner).

5. Smartphone with the Gradescope app installed.

6. Calculator: Texas Instruments TI-30XIIs.

Important Dates¶

Content Calendar¶

2. Assessment Grading¶

This course will use a combination of partial credit grading and M/P/U grading.

• Partial Credit Grading will be used on Midterm and Final exam questions, where applicable.

• M/P/U Grading will be used on all participation assignments, homework assignments, and checkpoint exam questions.

M/P/U Grading¶

The problems in the participation and homework assignments will not be graded individually, but instead a single grade will be given for each assignment as a whole. Checkpoint exam questions will be graded individually.

Specifications¶

Your score for each assessment will be determined according to the following specifications.

1. Neatness: Your handwriting should be very neat and legible.

2. Template: Should be used for all participation and homework assignments.

3. Mathematically Mature: Your work should include all correct notation introduced during lecture, and should be presented in a logical order.

4. Sufficient Work: We are looking to see that all necessary steps in your solution are shown. While the answer is important, the work leading to that answer is also very important.

5. Correct Answer: Your solution might have a few minor errors as long as they do not detract from your overall response. For any in-class participation problems, the correct answer is not usually required.

6. Sufficient Effort: Your work should look like you have put in the time to learn the material and successfully complete the assignment or problem.

2nd Attempts¶

Any assessment graded as (P) Progressing can be attempted again for full credit. Note that any assessment graded as (U) Unsatisfactory is ineligible for a 2nd attempt.

• Checkpoint Exam Questions: 2nd Attempt Checkpoint Exams are offered in recitation. A 3rd Attempt Checkpoint Exam is offered at the end of the semester with no limit to the number of questions that can be re-attempted. Midterm and Final Exams are also used in some cases as 4th and 5th attempts.

• Homework: 2nd Attempt Homework Assignments are offered at the end of the semester with a maximum of 10 homework assignments that can be re-attempted.

• Participation: because of their timely nature, participation assessments cannot be attempted a second time, unless explicitly graded as (P) Progressing.

3. Course Grading¶

Your final average will be calculated by averaging your scores with the weights listed in this section. Your letter grade will then be found by applying the cutoffs to your final average. There are four assessment categories: participation, learning checks, midterm exams, and final exam.

Weights and Cutoffs¶

Participation¶

Your final grade for the participation category will be calculated as the percentage of participation assignments scored as (M). To calculate this yourself: count up how many participation assignments you successfully complete and divide by the total number of assignments.

Learning Checks¶

Each course learning outcome will directly be assessed by a Learning Check. To earn your Learning Check for a specific outcome, you must receive both of the following:

1. (M) on the applicable Homework Set.

2. (M) on the applicable Checkpoint Exam Question.

Your final grade will then be calculated as the percentage of total possible Learning Checks you earn. To calculate this yourself: count up how many learning checks you successfully earn, and divide by the total number of possible checks.

HW and Participation Passses¶

To allow for some flexibility and absent days, every student is given a variety of passes for the semester. Each pass grants full credit for one missed or incomplete assignment.

• 4 Participation Passes

• 2 Homework Passes

These passes are automatically applied at the end of the semester in whichever configuration gives you the highest final average.

4. Course Rules¶

The following course rules are enforced to ensure a fair and distraction-free learning environment for all students, including yourself.

Academic Integrity¶

1. All students must adhere to the university’s policies and procedures on Academic Integrity.

2. All work must be your own. Work copied from another student or resource is considered an integrity violation.

3. Work derived from ChatGPT or some other AI / LLM source is considered an integrity violation.

Classroom Behavior¶

1. Anyone arriving late or leaving early should do so silently.

2. Packing up before class dismissal is prohibited.

3. Full meals should not be brought into the classroom. Small snacks and drinks are fine.

4. Talking during a lesson is prohibited.

5. You class name-plate should be displayed at all times.

6. Engaging in some other activity unrelated to what we are currently doing in lecture is prohibited.

Electronic Devices¶

1. Using electronic devices during class is prohibited, unless expressly allowed by the instructor.

2. All electronic devices need to be physically put away in your pocket or bag.

3. The TI-30XIIs calculator can be used during class time, exceept during checkpoint exams.

4. Tablets may be used to take handwritten notes, but cannot be used for any other purpose.

Rule Violations¶

• Integrity Violations: Any academic integrity rule violation will result in a grade of 0 on the applicable assessment. Two or more integrity violations will automatically result in a grade of F in the course.

• Behavior or Electronic Device Violations: Any classroom behavior or electronic device violation will result in a grade of 0 on that day’s participation assignment. Five or more classroom behavior or electronic device violations will automatically result in a grade of F in the course.

5. Course Policies¶

Attendance¶

Attendance is mandatory at all lectures and recitations. Anyone arriving more than 5 mintues late will be considered absent, and will receive a 0 for that day’s participation.

Calculator Policy¶

The Texas Instruments TI-30XIIs scientific calculator is the only calculator allowed for the midterm and final exams. No calculators are allowed on the checkpoint exams, unless explicitly announced by the instructor.

Communication Policy¶

UB Learns should be checked daily for any course announcements or updates. All communication with the instructor should be done at office hours, immediately before or after lecture, or through the appropriate paper forms in class. Email should only be used for personal matters.

Copyright Policy¶

All materials prepared and/or assigned by me for this course are for the students’ educational benefit. Other than for permitted collaborative work, students may not photograph, record, reproduce, transmit, distribute, upload, sell or exchange course materials, without my prior written permission. “Course materials” include, but are not limited to, all instructor-prepared and assigned materials, such as lectures; lecture notes; discussion prompts; study aids; tests and assignments; and presentation materials such as PowerPoint slides, Prezi slides, or transparencies; and course packets or handouts. Public distribution of such materials may also constitute copyright infringement in violation of federal or state law.

Exception Policy¶

Requests for individual exceptions to any course policy, rule, or assessment will not be granted.

Exam Make-up Policy¶

A make-up exam will only be offered in the event of an emergency situation, severe illness, religious holiday, university sport conflict, or university recognized exam conflict.

All make-up requests need to be submitted within 24 hours of the missed exam by email to the instructor. You will then need to submit the Excused Absence Form in person with sufficient written documentation for your absence. Notes from virtual doctor’s visits are not sufficient.

• Checkpoint Exam Make-ups will occur at the end of the semester after the Final Exam.

• Midterm Exam Make-ups must occur within 5 calendar days of the missed exam.

• Final Exam Make-ups must occur within 1 business day of the missed exam.

Late Policy¶

Late submission are not accepted for any reason. All assessments are due by the posted date and time, or when collected in class.

Regrade Policy¶

Student Initiated: Any request for an assessment regrade must be made in writing within 5 business days from when it is returned to the class. All requests must be submitted in writing using the Regrade Request Form.

Instructor Initiated: The instructor reserves the right to regrade any previously graded assessments for any reason.

6. University Information¶

Accessibility Resources¶

If you have any disability which requires reasonable accommodations to enable you to participate in this course, please contact the Office of Accessibility Resources in 60 Capen Hall, 716-645-2608 and also the instructor of this course during the first week of class. The office will provide you with information and review appropriate arrangements for reasonable accommodations.

Controlled Enrollment¶

This is a Controlled Enrollment Course. If you need to repeat this course in the future you may be forced to do it in a UB summer or winter session. Registering to repeat this course in a Fall or Spring semester may be difficult or impossible. For more info see the Repeat Policy in the UB Undergraduate Catalog.

Failing Grades¶

Any student who earns an F will be assigned a grade of F1, F2, or F3 based on their level of participation as follows:

• F1 for participation beyond the 60% point of the session.

• F2 for participation that stopped before the 60% point of the session.

• F3 for a student who did not participate in the class.

Incomplete Grades¶

A grade of incomplete (“I”) indicates that additional course work is required to fulfill the requirements of a given course. Students may only be given an “I” grade if they have a passing average in coursework that has been completed and have well- defined parameters to complete the course requirements that could result in a grade better than the default grade. An “I” grade may not be assigned to a student who did not attend the course. Prior to the end of the semester, students must initiate the request for an “I” grade and receive the instructor’s approval. Assignment of an “I” grade is at the discretion of the instructor.

Students who are making up an incomplete, must contact the Math Undergraduate Office in Math Building room 233 and fill out the Incomplete Petition Form. Such students must not be registered in the course.

Accessibility and WeBWorK¶

The University at Buffalo is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards to ensure we provide equal access to all users. If you experience any difficulty in accessing the content or services on WeBWorK, we will provide an alternative means of access to the information and services presented through WeBWorK. To request assistance or provide suggestions about improving the user experience, please contact the Mathematics Department via email (mjcasper@buffalo.edu) or phone (716-645-8779).

UB Portfolio¶

If you are completing this course as part of your UB Curriculum requirements, please select an ‘artifact’ from this course that is representative of your learning and save it in a safe location with a clear title. Your final UB Curriculum requirement, UBC 399: UB Curriculum Capstone, will require you to submit these ‘artifacts’ as you process and reflect on your achievement and growth through the UB Curriculum. Artifacts include homework assignments, exams, research papers, projects, lab reports, presentations, and other coursework. For more information, see the UB Curriculum Capstone website.

Critical Campus Resources¶

Sexual Violence: UB is committed to providing a safe learning environment free of all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic and dating violence and stalking. If you have experienced gender-based violence (intimate partner violence, attempted or completed sexual assault, harassment, coercion, stalking, etc.), UB has resources to help. This includes academic accommodations, health and counseling services, housing accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and assistance with reporting the incident to police or other UB officials if you so choose. Please contact UB’s Title IX Coordinator at 716-645-2266 for more information. For confidential assistance, you may also contact a Crisis Services Campus Advocate at 716-796-4399.

Health Services: As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. These might include strained relationships, anxiety, high levels of stress, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, health concerns, or unwanted sexual experiences. Counseling, Health Services, and Health Promotion are here to help with these or other issues you may experience. You can learn more about these programs and services by contacting:

• Counseling Services: 120 Richmond Quad (North Campus), 716-645-2720

• Counseling Services: 202 Michael Hall (South Campus), 716-829-5800

• Health Services: Michael Hall (South Campus), 716-829-3316

• Health Promotion: 114 Student Union (North Campus), 716-645-2837

7. Learning Outcomes¶

All learning outcomes listed here will be assessed on a participation assignment, learning check, midterm exam, and final exam.

Tangent Lines (TL)¶

Basic Derivative Rules (BD)¶

Derivatives and Graphs (DG)¶

Derivatives and Optimization (DO)¶

Advanced Differentiation (AD)¶

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (EL)¶

Integration (I)¶

Meta - Outcomes¶

Mastering the above itemized learning outcomes means a student is able to:

• Choose appropriate methods or models for a given problem, using information from observed or deduced data and knowledge of the system being studied.

• Employ quantitative methods, mathematical models, statistics, and/or logic to solve real-world problems beyond the level of basic algebra.

• Identify common mistakes and/or limitations in empirical and deductive reasoning, and in mathematical, quantitative, and/or logical problem solving.

• Interpret mathematical models, formulas, graphs, and/or tables, to draw inferences from them, and explain these inferences.