Mathematics 1271 (Calculus I)

Library Course Page 

Math Lab schedule 

Peer-assisted Learning (PAL) 

Student Conduct Code 

Policy Statements for Syllabi 

Prerequisites: A sufficient score on the calculus readiness test, or a grade of C- or better in MATH 1151, or 1155, or their equivalent. 

Required text: Stewart, Calculus: Early Transcendentals, volume 1, eighth edition. 

Course content: We will cover most of the material in chapters 2 through 6. The textbook section number to be covered every lecture will be posted on the course page in advance. It is very important to read the textbook sections BEFORE every lecture. 

Homework: Homework will be assigned in class every day and the assignment will be posted on the course page. Homework will not be collected and graded. Yet doing homework is absolutely indispensable for success in the course. Problems on quizzes and exams will be very similar to the homework problems. 

Quizzes: A quiz will be given every Thursday starting January 30, except the Thursdays of the midterm exams. It will be based on the homework assigned during the preceding week. You cannot make up a quiz. Two lowest quiz scores will be dropped. 

Exams: There will be three 50 minute midterm exams in discussion sections on Thursdays, February 20, March 26 and April 23, and a final exam on Thursday, May 7, 12:00 - 03:00pm, room to be announced. 

Make up exams: Will be allowed only under truly exceptional circumstances. You must notify the lecturer, not the TA, at least a week in advance. 

Calculators: Only basic scientific calculators are allowed on exams and quizzes. These are inexpensive, can evaluate trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, have one-line displays and cannot display graphs, perform symbolic manipulations or store text in memory. Cell phones and internet connected devices are not allowed on exams and quizzes. 

Total score: Quizzes count for 25%, each of the midterm exams for 15% and the final exam for 30%. 

Final grade: The final grade distribution for each discussion section will be determined by its students' performance on the final exam. An individual student's final grade within that distribution depends on his or her total score. Earning 90%, 80%, and 70% of the total score will result in final grades in the A, B, and C ranges, respectively, though the boundaries between grades may be relaxed at the lecturer's discretion. 

By university policy, a grade of A represents achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements. A grade of B represents achievement that is significantly above that level, a grade of C represents achievement that meets that level and a grade of D represents achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet the course requirement. 

Tutoring resources: Every MATH 1271 TA will hold some office hours in the Math Lab, Vincent 314, at complementary times. These office hours are available to every MATH 1271 student. Math Lab schedule is posted here and at the top of the page. 

Drop-in tutoring is available at the SMART Learning Commons and the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence. 

Peer-assisted learning (PAL) sessions are held several times each week. The sessions are facilitated by undergraduate students who have taken the course, done well, and have completed the PAL training. A link to the PAL schedule is posted here and at the top of the page. 

Course goals: Calculus is the study of how functions change. Possible applications are vast and include physics, economics, biology and many other areas. Students will learn to use techniques of calculus. 

Scholastic dishonesty: See the Student Conduct Code posted here and at the top of the page for general information. Academic dishonesty, including use of an inappropriate electronic device, will result in a report to the Office for Community Standards, and penalties can include a grade of zero on the task in question and/or a failing grade in the course. 

Other policies: Statements about other policies including statements about equal opportunity, disability accommodations and mental health resources are posted here and at the top of the page. If you have a letter detailing accommodations, notify the lecturer and your TA as soon as possible. 

Liberal education: This course fulfills the Mathematical Thinking component of the Liberal Education requirement at the University of Minnesota. 

Final is on Thursday, May 7, 12:00 - 3:00. Must bring your student ID.

Rooms for the final: