MAT 127:  Calculus C                  Stony Brook,  Spring 2006

[book cover]

Text: Calculus: Concepts and Contexts (Single Variable), (Second edition) by James Stewart.
This book costs about $110 at the bookstore, and can be found for $25-50 used. This is the same book used by MAT126, MAT127, and MAT132 last semester, but this semester only MAT127 is using it. Make sure you get the second edition and not the third edition. If you buy the book elsewhere, make sure it is the Concepts and Contexts version (with buildings on it), not the other one (with violins).

Calculators: You may find using a graphing calculator helpful. However, be careful how you use it. Many students become dependant on their calculators, and wind up being unable to do anything without them. In this course, no calculators will be allowed on exams.

About this course: This is the third semester in a three semester sequence on single-variable calculus. Now that you understand derivatives and integrals (which you learned in MAT125 and MAT126), we can turn to two final topics: elementary differential equations and infinite series. These concepts are the focus of this course, and are essential in many areas of science, mathematics, and engineering.

Homework: You can not learn calculus without working problems. Expect to spend at least 8 hours a week solving problems; do all of the assigned problems, as well as additional ones to study. If you do not understand how to do something, get help from your lecturer, your classmates, or in the Math Learning Center. Unlike previous semesters, MAT127 does not have a recitation, so you will have to take more responsibility for your learning. You are encouraged to study with and discuss problems with others from the class, but write up your own homework by yourself. Specific problem assignments can always be found on the web at http://www.math.sunysb.edu/calculus/mat127. Some of the homework problems will be turned in on and graded by the computer; others will be done on paper. See the web page for more details.

Reading: The textbook is intended to be read. Read the assigned sections before the lecture! This will greatly increase your comprehension, and enable you to ask intelligent questions in class. Furthermore, the lectures will not always be able to cover all of the material for which you will be responsible.

Examinations and grading: There will be two evening exams, and the ever-popular final exam. The dates and times are listed below; the locations will be announced in lecture. Success on the exams will require correct and efficient solutions to the more difficult of the homework problems.

What When % of Final Grade
Exam 1 Monday, February 20 8:30-10:00 pm 25%
Exam 2 Tuesday, March 21 8:30-10:00 pm 25%
Final Exam Monday, May 15 11:00-1:30 pm 35%
Homeworks, Participation, etc. 15%

Make sure that you can attend the exams at the scheduled times; make-ups will not be given. If you have evening classes, resolve any conflicts now. If one midterm exam is missed because of a serious (documented) illness or emergency, the semester grade will be determined based on the balance of the work in the course.

Math Learning Center: The Math Learning Center, in Math S-240A, is there for you to get help with Calculus. It is staffed most days and some evenings-- your lecturer may hold some of his or her office hours there. A schedule should be posted outside the room and at the Math Undergraduate Office.

Disabilities: If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services, ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building, room 128, (631) 632-6748. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential.

Students requiring emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information, go to the web site http://www.ehs.stonybrook.edu/fire/disabilities.shtml



Scott Sutherland 2006-01-16