Math 1a - Introduction to Calculus

Instructor: David Pollack

E-mail: dpollack@math.harvard.edu

Phone: 495-1938

Office: Science Center 422

Office Hours: Tues 2-3, Fri 1-2

Textbook: Calculus (Concepts & Contexts 3) by James Stewart

Course Objective: The goal of Math 1a is to provide you with a deep understanding of topics in calculus as well as a strong sense of how useful mathematics can be and how you can apply mathematics in your work and studies. Our aim is to provide you with a solid set of mathematical skills and a high degree of mathematical confidence when you finish the course, so that you will be well-equipped for future studies in mathematics, biology, chemistry, economics, or other disciplines. To help you achieve these goals, we will use multiple approaches to problem solving, and we will stress understanding the ideas behind the mathematical formulas and techniques that you will learn. The course covers functions, graphs, limits, derivatives, applications of the derivative, the definite and indefinite integral, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Grading: The grade you receive in Math 1a will be based on your scores on a precalculus quiz,homework, two midterms and the final exam. These scores will be weighted as follows:

Homework: Homework will be assigned in class two or three times a week and will be due at the start of the next class meeting. The assignments will be graded and returned to at the next class. Homework problems will be graded for correctness as well as clarity, and solutions will be posted on the web. You are expected to show your work and, where appropriate, to explain your methods. If you find yourself having difficulty with this, be sure to come and see me for help. Late homework will not be accepted, but your lowest three homework scores will be dropped.

Working seriously on the homework is essential to success in this course. The only way to be come comfortable with the material is to spend time working with it and thinking about it. Mathematics is learned by doing not by watching. You are welcome (and encouraged) to work on the homework with your classmates, but you must write up the solutions on your own and in your own words. It is a good idea to start working on the homework early so you are able to ask other students or me for help.

Exams: We will have two in class midterms, on Friday, March 10th and Wednesday, April 26th. The final exam will be scheduled by the university for a date during finals period. If you cannot attend one of the exams, you must speak to me about it as soon as possible. Permission to reschedule an exam will not be given lightly.

The exams will be cumulative in nature, and will cover material from class and the homework.

Some advice: Please take advantage of my office hours. I think one-on-one interaction is very important in learning mathematics. In a brief conversation I may be able to help you identify a misconception, overcome a stumbling point, or see an idea from a new light. You can often make more progress with a few minutes of guidance than you can for hours on your own. On a similar note, talk to each other about the material. It can be much easier to grasp an idea by discussing it than by staring at a book. It's also a lot more fun.

I also encourage you to make use of the Math Question Center (MQC) , located in Science Center 309, where you can drop by to work on or ask questions about your math homework. It is staffed by Course Assistants and Graduate Students who are available to help you as you do your homework. The MQC is also a great place to meet and work with other people in your course. The center is typically open from 8 to 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays.