Calculus for the Life Sciences, Math 119A, Fall 2006

Functions, differentiation and integration of functions of one variable including exponential and logarithmic functions. Graphing, optimization, numerical integration. Applications to the life sciences. Emphasis on problem solving and communication.

 In addition to gaining mastery of the fundamentals and applications of the derivative and the integral as well as the relationship between them, students should be able to: 

• work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and understand the connections among these representations. 

• communicate mathematics both orally and in well written sentences and should be able to explain solutions to problems.

• determine the reasonableness of solutions, including sign, size, relative accuracy, and units of measurement. 

Required Course Materials: 

Text:  Calculus with Applications for the Life Sciences, by Greenwell, Ritchey and Lial, Addison Wesley, ISBN 0-201-74582-8

Assignments::

It is my philosophy that:

This means that you can expect to spend time thinking about mathematics both in and out of class.  As is standard for a college course, you should expect to spend two hours outside class per credit.  This is a 3 credit course; adjust your schedule so that you have 6 hours outside of class to work on calculus each week!

You will have two types of graded homework.  This course requires you to regularly access the internet.

• Hand graded homework, assigned weekly, will consist of a few problems (with parts) for you to solve and write up neatly, clearly and correctly.
• WeBWork assignments will consist of 7 or 8 drill problems, assigned possibly three times per week, particularly during the more technical sections.  WeBWork is a computer delivered homework system; you will access it through your browser.  More information will be available once the system is up and running.

Exams:

 

September 21	Midterm 1
October 19	Midterm 2
November 21	Midterm 3
See university schedule	Cumulative Final Exam

 

Grade Distributions. WeBWork 10% Hand Graded HW 25% Midterm 1 15% Midterm 2 15% Midterm 3 15% Final 20%

Cut-offs for letter grades.   WeBWork Hand Graded Midterm 1 Midterm 2 Midterm 3 Final Weighted average A 90    B 80   C 70   D 60