Course Administrator/ Recitation Instructors (click on names for email)
Course administrator: Terrence Blackman, office: 2-279
Recitation instructor:
David Jackson-Hanen, office: 2-492
Prerequisites: High school algebra and trigonometry
Textbook: Calculus with Analytic Geometry (2nd edition), by George Simmons
Basic Information
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Please read through this entire webpage; it contains important information.
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Click here for a link to the basic couse policies.
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Course updates will often be posted at the bottom of this webpage in the "Recent Updates" section.
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The first lecture is on Tuesday, February 5.
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We will be using the Piazza platform to encourage interactive participation outside of class. Participation in Piazza is entirely optional. If you join, you will be able to post questions and comments (anonymously if you prefer), and your fellow classmates and the instructors can respond. The forum will be moderated by the instructors. This is an excellent resource for homework questions, questions about the course material, etc. In order to use this resource, you will have to join the MIT 18.01 Spring 2013 section that has been created at the following location: here. Instructions on how to join will be provided in recitation.
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You can view your course grades and your recitation section by visiting our Stellar webpage.
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In addition to the textbook listed above, you will also need to download (for free) the Supplementary Notes. These notes were written by David Jerison and Arthur Mattuck and were designed to supplement the text. They are also available for Print-On-Demand from CopyTech for around $13.
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There is an exellent resource available: the math learning center. It is staffed by people who can answer questions about the course material, homework, and math in general. You can either walk-in or set up a one-on-one appointment.
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There is a version of this course available on OCW Scholar. It was designed for self-study and covers slightly different material. You should view it as an alternate, optional resource that is available if you are interested.
Who should I contact? (see above for names and email)
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For issues with the homework, contact your recitation instructor(David Jackson-Hanen).
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For issues with midterm exams, contact the course coordinator (Professor Blackman).
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For issues with the final exam or final grades, contact Professor Blackman.
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For mathematical issues, contact any of us.
Syllabus
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This course covers differential and integral calculus for a function of a single variable including some applications. This roughly corresponds to the first 13 chapters of the text.
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For a detailed syllabus, see the "Syllabus" link at the top of the page. The detailed syllabus will most likely evolve as the semester progresses. You are encouraged to do the reading listed on the syllabus before class.
Grades
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Your final grade will be determined by a weighted average of your homework, 4 midterms, and a final.
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The homework is worth 25%, each midterm is worth 10%, and the final is worth 35%.
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There will be no "curve," but I can't tell you what the letter grades will be until after the final.
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First year students' final grades appear on their transcripts as either "Pass" or "No Record." The definition of "Pass" is C- or better. For MIT's official grading policy, go here.
Homework
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The homework problem sets will be posted in the "Problem Sets" section; the link is at the top of this page. Paper copies will not be distributed.
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Your homework is due every Friday 15 minutes before the start of class. The homework should be turned in at the Pset boxes outside of room 2-255. This is the only valid method of turning in homework for this course.
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There are absolutely no deadline extensions for homework. If you have any problems, then talk to your recitation instructor. They may offer to fill in any missing grades with the average of your other homework scores. They may offer other remedies. You are responsible for trying to make such arrangements; if you don't make any arrangements, then any missing scores will count as a 0 in the calculuation of your final course grade. You will receive an official email from your recitation instructor confirming any arrangements.
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Collaboration is permitted, but your final version must be written in your own words and you must fully understand the argument.
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It is illegal to consult any sources for the homework. This includes solutions from previous years, the internet, textbooks, journal articles, etc. The only exception to this rule is the Supplemenatary Notes, which you are free to use.
Exams
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There will be four written midterm exams: March 05, April 04, April 25, and May 09. Each midterm will last 50 minutes.
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There will be a 3 hour written final exam. The final will be scheduled by the Registrar.
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The midterms will take place at the usual class time, but perhaps in a different location. The location, if necessary, will be announced in the future.
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Midterm policies: If you fail a midterm, you will be notified, and you can take the makeup midterm to increase your score. The makeup midterm is offered only once for each exam, and only at a specified date and time. The makeup time and location will be posted on this page. Taking the makeup cannot decrease your given score, but can only increase it to the minimum passing level (any points beyond the minimum passing score will be discarded). Usually, the same policy holds if you did not attend the midterm and do not have a valid reason. The course policy is that you cannot take any midterm, or any makeup midterm, at a date besides the official date and time.
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If you have any problems with midterms or midterm scheduling, contact the course coordinator (Terrence Blackman). It is your responsibility to do so if there are any problems.You will receive an official email from the course coordinator confirming any arrangements.
We will use the MAPLE computer algebra system. MAPLE is a technical computing software for engineers, mathematicians, and scientists. Using MAPLE we can do quick calculations, better understand fundamental mathematical ideas, or produce sophisticated high-fidelity simulation models. Used appropriately, MAPLE can efficiently aid in the solution every type of mathematics/quantitative problem that you will encounter in your college career and beyond. This software program is available freely to each registered MIT student. It can be downloaded here.
Software
Recent Updates
[02.05.2013] Welcome to the semester! Today is our first lecture. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you.
[02.07.2013] I have posted the notes from today's lecture.
[02.09.2013] Problem Set 1 has been posted. It is due in recitation on 02.18.2013
[02.12.2013] I have posted the notes from today's lecture.
[02.14.2013] The notes from today's lecture has been posted.
[02.20.2013] Problem Set 2 has been posted. It is due in recitation on 02.27.2013
[02.22.2013] Our final examination has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 9:00 to 12:00 Noon in 2-142
