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Math 131 is the first of three courses focused on calculus at UMass. The three course sequence is Math 131, Math 132, and Math 233. Math 131 is concerned with differentiation of one-variable functions, including logarithms and functions from trigonometry. We will use the tool of differentiation in several ways, but especially we will be interested in optimizing a function (in other words, what is the maximum or minimum value of a function?). At the end of the course, we will begin learning about integration, which is one of the two main focuses of Math 132. For a view of what's to come after Math 131, Math 132 covers the topics of integration and infinite series, while Math 233 deals with calculus for functions of two or three variables. After completing Math 131, you will be able to understand what a differential equation is. Differential equations are essential to understanding physical phenomenon such as how the planets move or how heat is conducted in materials. Differential equations are studied in Math 331. Math 131 is intended for students majoring in engineering, physics and other natural sciences, computer science, and mathematics. Students seeking a slightly faster and more in-depth treatment of the material can enroll in the honors version of Math 131 (Math 131H). Generally, students majoring in the life sciences, social sciences, or management will take Math 127 (and perhaps also Math 128) in place of taking Math 131 and Math 132. However, any student meeting the prerequisites is welcome in Math 131, and we encourage majors in economics, especially those interested in graduate work, to take Math 131. |
In order to be successful in Math 131, you should have a good foundation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. For example, you should know (or quickly relearn):
Math 131 meets in small sections. Your instructor will lead lectures 2 or 3 times per week and your TA (teaching assistant) will lead a discussion session one hour per week. All sections follow the same syllabus and take the same exams (which are given at night).
Course ChairThe chair for all the course sections is Prof. Eric Sommers, LGRT 1223K, esommers at math.umass.edu, 545-6013.
TextbookStewart, Calculus: Early Transcendentals, Vol 1, University of Massachusetts: Amherst, Sixth Edition, Thompson Brooks/ Cole, 2007. Paperback. ISBN 0-495-48312-5.
The text is a version of Stewart's 6th edition made especially for our course. One reason we have chosen this version is that it costs only one-third of what the regular, hardbound version costs.
CalculatorYou are strongly urged to have a scientific calculator with graphing capability. There is no specific model that you must have, but if you don't already own one, we recommend the TI-89 Titanium since it has a number of features that are useful for solving calculus questions.
A calculator can be used on all class activities except for exams.
HomeworkMost sections will adopt the same homework policy. Homework is posted here. Your homework grade will be calculated after dropping your lowest homework score.
ExamsThere are 3 midterm exams and a final exam. The exams are common to all the students who are enrolled in Math 131. Exams are given at night. Here are the times/locations of the exams:
Please make sure you read and understand the exam make-up policy: Make-up policy
Extra help and tutoringThe library has provided Math 131 with three supplemental instructors who will provide extra help to any student in Math 131.
The instructors will run six sessions per week where students can, for example, ask for help on current topics from the class, or topics necessary to be successful in 131 (such as trig or logs), or additional help on homework assignments.
All sessions take place in rooms in the DuBois Library. The room assignments for each session are posted in the Learning Resource Center (10th floor of DuBois).
The SI sessions are:
In addition, tutoring is available in the Learning Resource Center every Sunday through Thursday. Please
check here for times:
Tutoring times
The grading is as follows:
Your instructor will assign 20% of your grade. This will be based on homework assignments, discussion session worksheets, and possibly other factors. Your instructor will inform you about how this portion of the grade will be assigned.
Depending on the difficulty of exams and how each section performs, the exams may be scaled. We will annouce any scaling shortly after each exam. The adjusted scores are then used to compute your final course percentage. Then grades are assigned based on the following scale:
The last day for dropping the course is Monday, February 11.
The last day for withdrawing from the course is Tuesday, March 25 (only a "W" will appear on your transcript).
An incomplete will be given only for a compelling reason (e.g. serious illness), at the discretion of the course chair. To receive an incomplete, you must be passing the course.