Welcome to Honors Math 155! The honors Math 155 sections are run separately from the other Non-Engineering and Engineering Math 155.
Prerequisites: Each student in Math 155 should have at least the equivalent of two high school units of algebra, one unit of geometry, and unit of trigonometry. In addition, you must meet one of the prerequisites set for honors calculus.
Students not meeting the prerequisites will be administratively deleted from the course.
Textbook: Essential Calculus: Early Transcendentals, by James Stewart
Goals: The goal of this course is to learn the concepts of limit, continuity, derivative in differential calculus and their application to graphing, related rates, and extremal problems of various kinds. This will require students to expand their knowledge of functions , how new functions are formed from others, and how knowledge of the concepts for original functions is used to gain knowledge of the newly formed functions. This will be done in the context of algebraic (functions defined by powers, including fractional powers), trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The beginning concepts of the Riemann Sum and anti-derivative will be learned in preparation for Calculus II.
Testing Procedures: The tests in honors calculus will be make up separately from the tests in other sectiuons. However, we may have the exams in the evening at the same time as other classes. We will decide this in the first week of class.i
Calculators are not allowed on tests/final exam.
Test Schedule: First Test: Tuesday, September 9th
Second Test: Tuesday,September 30th
Third Test: Tuesday, October 21st
Fourth Test: Tuesday, November 18th
Final Exam: Monday, December 8th 11:00am
Attendance: Attendance will be taken daily.
Students will be given credit for attendance when they have excused absences. Be sure to ask in writing for an excused absence (email is OK) from your instructor.
Homework and Assignment Sheet: Doing exercises is an important component to learning. For practice, students should do all of the suggested homework problems from each section listed on the Course Calendar web page. . A subset of these problems will be collected and graded on a scale of 0 to 5 for the set. Answers to most of these problems are given in the back of the textbook. There will be at least 12 assignments graded (most likely 14 or 15). The best 12 scores will be used to determine a maximum of 60 points
WebWork: The computerized homework will count towards your grade. There will be at least 12 computer assignments (most likely 14 or 15). NOTE: The assignments may be given in parts at the instructors discretion. For each assignment, the ratio of (points correct / total possible points) will be multiplied by 5. The best 12 scores are used to determine a maximum of 60 points.
Worksheets: Each worksheet will consist of a list of problems that will be collected and graded by your instructor. Some of the problems will be even-numbered problems from the textbook. Class time may be allotted for working on the worksheets (possibly over several class periods for one worksheet). Students will be encouraged to work together and to ask questions of the instructor. Although students are allowed to work together, each student is required to write up the solutions individually when submitting the problems for grading. There will be at least 12 worksheets during the semester, and each will be graded on a scale of 0 to 5. The best 12 grades will be used to determine a maximum possible total of 60 points for the worksheets.
Course Grades: The course grade is based on a total of 780 points, as listed below:
|
Four Tests (100 points each) |
400 points |
|
Comprehensive Final Exam |
200 points |
|
Twelve Worksheets (5 points each) |
60 points |
|
Twelve Computer Assignments (5 points each) |
60 points |
|
Twelve Graded Homeworks (5 points each) |
60 points |
|
Total |
780 points |
Grading Scale:
|
700-780 |
A |
(90% of 780 is 702) |
|
620-699 |
B |
(80% of 780 is 624) |
|
540-619 |
C |
(70% of 780 is 546) |
|
460-539 |
D |
(60% of 780 is 468) |
|
0-459 |
F |
Preparing for Tests: The key to success in this course is to learn how to do the problems on the homework assignments, the webwork problems, and the worksheets. The most important thing is to know the CONCEPT behind each problem and to recognize when a particular concept is needed. The problems on the tests and the final exam will be based on the concepts encountered in the problems in the text, on worksheets, and on webwork. It is not enough to watch your instructor do problems in class and think you understand the process. You need the hands-on experience of doing the problems yourself. Working many problems helps your understanding, and helping a friend or study mate with problems increases both individuals understanding
Help Outside the Classroom:There are several ways to seek help with your homework when you are not in class. You may visit your instructor during the office hours he/she announces in class. You may stop by the Math Learning Center, 301 Armstrong, where you may receive tutoring from undergraduate math majors. Hours of operation will be announced in class and are posted at the MLC. Tutoring is available in the University Learning Centers in the residence halls. You may also be able to hire a private tutor.
Calculator Policy: Students will not be allowed to use a calculator of any type when taking the common tests. Students may find a calculator helpful when working some of the homework problems. Some students may feel that a graphing calculator is helpful in developing their intuition about topics like limits, for example.
Online Resources: The textbook publisher has various internet tools to assist you in learning claculus if you feel you need another avenue. See the inside cover of your textbook.
Math Department Website: Information about this course, including this syllabus and room assignments for tests, will be posted on the Math Department website www.math.wvu.edu .
Make-up Tests: Students who have a valid reason for missing the first test or the second test will be given a make-up test.
Social Justice Statement: West Virginia University is committed to social justice. We concur with that commitment and expect to foster a nurturing learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in your class will be appreciated and given serious consideration.
Disability: If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in your class, please advise your instructor and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).