Math 205 Lab

Course Syllabus

Prerequisite: Math 104, or placement.

• Description
• Objectives
• Syllabus
• Technology
• Assessment
• Text
• Instructor

Description

The first year Calculus Labs, or Calc Labs for short, have been created in response to the need for a set of calculus activities designed to give liberal arts students a good understanding of the basic concepts of calculus. The vision of the UH-Hilo mathematics department includes a calculus program whereby the student gains 1) a solid conceptual understanding of calculus, 2) a competent set of computation skills, 3) exposure to problem solving heuristics and 4) a basic competency with the use of Computer Algebra System. The Calc Labs are integrated with the lectures to satisfy these requirements.

Objectives

The primary goals of the UH-Hilo calculus labs are:

• Provide historical perspectives on the ideas of calculus;
• Give students experience in data analysis and creating mathematical models;
• Provide graphical tools and methods of visualization;
• Give students practice in the writing of mathematics and commuinicating;
• Practice using the computational and symbolic tools provided by the Algebra System to solve calculus problems.
• Develop problem solving skills.
• Experience a mathematical exploration into a selected topic.

Syllabus

Technology

The Calculus lab meets once a week in the electronic classroom, UCB-105. Each student has a computer workstation and can log onto the computer with his or her student computer account login and password. Each workstation is installed with Mathcad, the software used in the calculus labs. The Math lab, located in College Hall 5, is another site with computers networked with the calculus labs that have Mathcad installed. The Mathlab tutors will answer questions about the use of the software and provide hints on the homework problems. If you have a personal computer, it is recommended that you install the copy of Mathcad that comes with the text on your PC. In order to print out the assgnments using the school printers, students need to get a library print card.

Assessment

The calc lab is worth one forth of your calculus grade. At the end of the semester, the lecture scores and the lab score are combined to determine your final class grade. Your lab score is based on your total points from: 12 in-class labs (50 points each), three homework labs (100 points each). Your point total is divided by 900 to determine you your lab score: 90% and above A, 80% - 89% B, 70% - 79% C, 60% - 69% D, below 60% F.

Late work will not be accepted unless arrangements are made with the lab instructor.

Students are allowed to work with a partner on the three homework assignments, but not the in-class labs homework.

Bonus points are regularly awarded for exceptional work. i.e. creative and original solutions, explorations and discoveries.

Text

Calc Labs
with Mathcad 4th Edition
by Robert Garry

Instructor

Robert Garry
College Hall 8a
University of Hawaii- Hilo
933-0814
rgarry@hawaii.edu

Office hours: TR 5:00 or by Appointment

Effective for Fall 2009.