Course Information for Calculus I, II, & III
Why Study Calculus?
“Calculus is that branch of mathematics whose primary purpose is the study of motion and change. It is an indispensable tool of thought in almost every field of pure and applied science-physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, geology, engineering, and even some of the social sciences. It also has many important uses in other parts of mathematics, especially geometry. By any standard, the methods and applications of calculus constitute one of the greatest intellectual achievements of civilization, and to become acquainted with these ideas is to open many doors that lead to a broader and richer life of the mind.” George F. Simmons
Who should take the Calculus sequence ?
This three-semester sequence is designed for those students intending to pursue a degree in math, science, or engineering. Typically these students must complete the first two semesters of the sequence before continuing on with such courses as physics, chemistry, and/ or computer science, to name just a few. Any one of the courses in the sequence will also satisfy transfer requirements for the UC and CSU systems. Finally, these courses will satisfy those students who find enjoyment and challenge in the study of mathematics.
Important Notes for Prospective Students to Consider:
[1] I will do everything I can to help you succeed in these courses. To that end I will go over any questions you may have concerning your homework exercises. I will then proceed to lecture on new material unless the need exists to go over certain concepts that the class might be having trouble with. In addition, check my schedule to see when I will be available in the LMC laboratory.
[2] You must do your part! That means doing the homework problems or at least attempting them. If you haven’t attempted the exercises yourself, it will do you no good to watch me do them on the board while you copy everything down. Only when you have spent some time and effort working on the exercises will their solutions hold any value for you. Trust me on this!
[3] You will ask questions when you don't understand something. You will come to see me, either during office hours or lab hours, if you need help outside of class. You will read the sections to be covered in the next day’s lecture the night before so that you will be prepared. You will take an active interest in your learning.
[4] To be sure there will be times when the subject seems difficult; nevertheless the same can be said of many other courses. To be successful you must resist the temptation to simply memorize facts in the hopes that recall alone will help you solve the homework problems or pass the exams. This is not what my courses are about. The adventurous student wouldn't want that anyway! The exams will contain some routine problems and some that might even stretch your imagination. I am not so much interested in your power of computation as I am in your ability to reason and analyze mathematically!
[5] We want to be flexible in our approach to the subject and break the bonds of solving math problems by using cookbook routines that don't allow us to think or to use our vision, that's right vision! In order to gain this vision you will need to be attentive, observant, and active. You will want to ask questions when you don't understand something or you will want to notify me right away to get help if you need it.
Final Note:
Calculus is a wonderful scientific tool for you and it comes at a very advantageous time. You will see that in this course, and the others in the sequence, all of the knowledge and skills you have mastered in all of your previous math courses will converge. Perhaps the answer to the age-old question “What do I need this for?” will be answered right here! In these course we will make the connections between mathematics and the physical world around us. There will be quite a bit of work to be sure but it will be well worth your time and effort!
Click on one of the following links for each course syllabus:
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
-Theodore Roosevelt
"There is no try. There is only do."
-Yoda to Luke