Math 1290 Calculus for Modeling (Biology)
Syllabus

Fall 2000
Prof. Peckham

Syllabus

The course will cover standard topics in differential calculus, integral calculus, and introductory differential equations. Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives and applications of derivatives; integration, the fundamental theorem of calculus, integration techniques; differential equations. Applications to biology are used throughout the course. The material is mostly covered in Chapters 1-7 of the Neuhauser text. Some supplemental material, not included in the text, may occasionally be presented in lecture.

Course Prerequisites

Precalculus (Math 1250) or advising placement via the Math Placement exam.

Comparison to Calc I, Math 1296

Roughly 80% of the material in the two courses is the same. Math 1290 will skip a few 1296 topics and cover others in less depth. Math 1290 will add an introduction to differential equations. In addition, the applications in Math 1290 will focus on biology and ecology, while in 1296 applications are chosen from a variety of areas of science and engineering. (Students who take Math 1290 will be able to register for Calculus II (Math 1297) if they wish to continue on in Mathematics.)
In summary: Math 1290 covers the parts of Calculus most necessary to allow the inclusion of an introduction to differential equations.

Grading (Dates are tentative)

Exam 1:	   		Fri. Oct. 6			Ch's 1,2,3 	15%
Exam 2:	   		Tues. Nov. 7			Ch's 4,5	18%
Exam 3:	   		Th. Dec. 7			Ch's 6,7	20%
Final Exam: 		Tues. Dec. 19 8-10am		Cumulative	30%
HW, Quizzes and Labs:							17%
Total:								       100%

General policy statement

Lectures, labs, material in the text, and homeworks are all intended to complement each other. No one is a replacement for any of the others. You are, in general, expected to learn material which is covered via any of these sources.

Homework and Quizzes

Homework will be assigned daily in class. Unless otherwise indicated, it is expected to be completed before the next lecture. All work should be shown for homework handed in. Adhere to the ``Minimum Standard Requirements For Mathematics and Statistics Homework/Lab Assignments.'' You are encouraged to look at and/or try problems other than those assigned, as well. It is often instructive to read the problems at the end of each section and think about how you would solve them, even if you don't actually attempt to solve them. Assignments will be confirmed by email, and all past and current assignments will be posted on the web at `www.d.umn.edu/~bpeckham/Math1290.html'.

Computer Labs

There will be 7 computer labs as part of the course. We will use several software packages: Excel, Mathematica, and some software specifically for differential equations. This software is available from the Lab Server from any PC Lab on campus. No prior knowledge of PC's or the software used is required.

Calculators

Use of graphing calculators is encouraged but not required. They will probably be allowed on exams and quizzes, but exams and quizzes will be written to minimize the benefit of having a calculator.

Missed Exams or Quizzes

Missed quizzes or exams will be assigned a zero score unless you provide a valid written, signed (by a Doctor, for example) excuse for your absence; unless it is not possible to do so, you must provide verbal notice ahead of time to your instructor for an absence. Arrangements for a makeup should be made as soon as you know you will miss. Do not wait for the next class. You can leave the instructor a message 24 hours a day by phone or email. Oversleeping, poor preparation, slight colds, and cold weather are not valid excuses.

Liberal Education Statment

This course satisfies the UMD Liberal Education requirement for Category Two: Math, Logic, and Critical Thinking. The Calculus is a universal mathematical tool that is used in many diverse areas including business, economics, boilogy, geology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Whenever measured quantities change with respect to time, or other variables, calculus is probably involved. This course develops the fundamentals of calculus suitable for applications in the life and earth sciences. By the end of the term, the successful student should understand the importance that calculus plays in modeling real-world phenomena by constructing and analyzing numerous models selected from ecology, wildlife/fisheries management, epidemiology, physiology, groundwater diffusion, and siesmic phenomena.

Disabilities

Please inform me of any disabilities of which I should be aware in order to provide for equitable participation.

Tutoring

Help is usually available M-F at the Tutoring Center in CCtr 40. Schedules are posted there.
This page (http://www.d.umn.edu/~bpeckham/www) is maintained by Bruce Peckham (bpeckham@d.umn.edu) and was last modified on Tuesday, 16-Jan-2001 14:43:19 CST.