MAT 141 - Calculus I - Fall 2009

Instructor: Kenneth J. Mead,  Professor of Mathematics and Computer Information Systems
Address: Office D395, Math Science Division, Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: 585-343-0055 extension 6381.
FAX: 585-343-0433
Email: kjmead@genesee.edu
Homepage:  http://faculty.genesee.edu/kjmead
Office hours:  see faculty.genesee.edu/kjmead.php
Required Text: Calculus Eighth Edition, by Larson, Hostetler and Edwards, Houghton-Mifflin.

Catalog Description:Studies functions of a single variable with regard to limits, continuity, differentiation, anti-differentiation, and applications of these topics. Concludes with a study of the definite integral and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Prerequisite: MAT140 or equivalent.

Course Description: see catalog description above. Upon completion of Calculus I, the student will be expected to be able to explain in writing (in approximately one-two sentences each) the concepts of limit, continuous function, difference quotient, derivative, anti-derivative, and integral. Additionally, a student who has successfully completed Calculus I is expected to be able to perform the following in an exam environment:

  1. Given a polynomial or rational function, find the limit of the function as x approaches some constant value (if it exists) or state why it does not exist.
  2. Given a polynomial, rational, or trigonometric function, show that it is continuous at a point or over a stated interval.
  3. Given a simple polynomial function, apply the definition of derivative to find the derivative of the function.
  4. Apply any of the appropriate rules (constant rule, power rule, sum and difference rule, product rule, quotient rule, chain rule) to find the derivative of a function involving factors or components that are polynomial, rational, or trigonometric.
  5. Given the curve of any of the above functions and a point on the curve, find the equation of the line tangent to the curve.
  6. Given a polynomial function, sketch the graph by using derivatives to locate intervals of increase / decrease and intervals of positive concavity / negative concavity.
  7. Given a function defined implicitly, find its derivative and/or apply this concept to related rate problems.
  8. Given a function of the types described in (4), find any optimal values of the function.
  9. Given any of the fundamental integrable functions, find the anti-derivative of the function using the appropriate rule.
  10. Apply a u-substitution to integrate functions of the form  f(g(x)) g'(x) .
  11. Given any function of the forms described in (9) or (10), find the area under the curve of the function using a definite integral.
Attendance: Attendance during classes, tests, and quizzes is required. If a student is absent more than the equivalent of 3 weeks during the semester, he or she may end up with a grade of "F." A grade of zero will be assigned on all missed quizzes or exams unless a valid written medical excuse, or other suitable documentation, is provided. If you cannot attend one of the tests, it is your responsibility to contact your instructor before the exam is scheduled to be taken. We will cover approximately one chapter section of material per day.

Grading: Final grades are assigned according to the following scheme:
≥ 90%: A,   80% - 89%: B,   70% - 79%: C,   60% - 69%: D,   < 60%: F

Grades will be weighted as follows:
20% - First Exam - Sep 21
20% - Second Exam - Oct 19
20% - Third Exam - Nov 11
20% - Fourth Exam - Dec 9
20% - Labs, Assignments, Homeworks and Participation

Cheating Policy: Don't cheat. A first offense will net you a zero grade on the assignment, and a second offense will get you a grade of F for the course.

General Schedule: Weeks 1&2: Intense review of functions and trigonometry; Weeks 2-5: Intense study of Limits; Weeks 6-12: Intense study of Derivatives and Applications including Related Rates and Optimization; Weeks 13-16: Intense study of Integration.

At the discretion of the instructor, a final exam may be administered to replace one hourly test grade. The instructor reserves the right to make any reasonable and necessary modifications to the statements above. This document is subject to change.