MATH-1620A (CRN 1039) Fall 2021 Course Syllabus

When, where, and who

  • Title: Calculus II
  • Time: Monday and Wednesday, 10:50am – 12:30pm
  • Room: 318 Goodwyn Hall
  • Instructor: Dr. Tianran Chen
  • Email: tchen1@aum.edu
  • Course page: http://www.tianranchen.org/teaching/calc2/
  • Office: 310A Goodwyn Hall
  • Office hour:
    • Mon, Wed, Tue, Thu: 3:15pm – 4:30pm
    • …and by appointment

What we will learn

This is the second course in the calculus sequence. We will discuss more advanced topics in calculus and related areas of mathematics. In particular, we will cover…

  • Deeper subjects involving limits
    • Technical definition of limits
    • Limits of sequences
    • Limits of indeterminate form
  • Infinite series
    • Convergence properties
    • Rules for testing Convergence
    • Taylor series expansion of functions
  • Important functions
    • Exponential functions
    • Logarithm functions
    • Inverse trigonometric functions
    • Hyperbolic functions
  • Simple differential equations
  • Describing curves using parametric equations
  • Integration techniques
    • Integration by substitution
    • Integration by parts
    • Integration involving inverse trigonometric functions
    • Improper Integrals
  • Applications of Integrals
    • Computing arc-length
    • Computing volume
    • Computing center of mass

Prerequisite

In order to succeed in this class, a solid understanding of basic calculus is necessary. These prerequisite can be satisfied by MATH-1610 or an appropriate score in the AUM Math Placement Test.

Textbook and supplemental material

  • [Required] Calculus: Early Transcendentals (any edition) by Larson & Edwards (6th edition ISBN: 978-1285774770)
  • [Optional] OpenSTAX Calculus Volume 2 (free!)
  • [Optional] Lecture notes and links to narrated lectures (with pre-recorded voice-overs) can be found in the “Content” folder on our Blackboard course page.

Attendance

Participation in in-class discussions is an important part of the learning process. Therefore, your in-class/virtual attendance is expected.

Code of conduct

Please be respectful of other people in the classroom and use common sense. In particular, please…

  • DO NOT use cell phones
  • DO NOT use social media
  • DO NOT play video games
  • DO NOT take photos without permission
  • DO NOT sleep

Students who violate these rules will be asked to leave the meeting and will not be allowed to return until they have spoken privately with me.

Policy for calculators and smart devices

Scientific calculators or equivalent software programs can be helpful in doing homework problems. According to AUM Mathematics Department Calculator Policy, students are required to have a graphing calculator (TI-84 is recommended). The use of such calculators may be required for certain homework problems or in-class activities. However, all in-class quizzes and exams are designed so that no calculator will be needed.

Graded components

Reading tests

Carefully reading relevant sections of the textbook (or supplemental lecture notes) before each class meeting is an important component of your learning process.

After reading the textbook (as well as lecture notes, if available) you need to complete a short reading test through the Blackboard system. No late submission will be accepted unless valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency, etc) and proper documentation are provided, preferably in advance. Otherwise, a missing reading test receives a score of zero. It is recommended that you finish each reading test at least a few days before the due date.

Concept tests

You will complete short online tests called “concept tests” on the Blackboard system that are designed to test your overall understanding of the subject. Please see the “concept tests” folder on the Blackboard system for detail.

Survey

Every few weeks, you will be asked to complete a short survey. It is a way for us to document your learning progress and discuss issues and difficulties along the way. Late submissions will receive lower scores.

Quizzes

You will be expected to complete short quizzes during (some of the) class meetings, and they will form a major component of your course grade. No makeup quiz will be offered. However, a missing quiz may be replace by additional online quizzes if valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency, etc) and proper documentation are provided. Otherwise, a missing quiz receives a score of zero.

Homework assignments

Homework assignments can be found on the Blackboard system. All homework assignment are open-book & open-internet assignments. However, you must complete the assignment independently. Late submission will receive lower scores unless valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency, etc) and proper documentation are provided, preferably in advance.

Final exam

The final exam is scheduled to take place on 12/6 10:45 am – 12:15 pm. It constitutes a major part of your course grade. Please see the announcement on the Blackboard system for detailed description.

Grade composition

Your final grade is determined according to your overall performance of quizzes, the in-class worksheets, projects, and the final exam, and is calculated according to the following weights.

Component Percentage Where/how
Surveys 3% Blackboard
Reading tests 22% Blackboard
Concept tests 15% Blackboard
Homework 20% Blackboard
Quizzes 30% In person
Final exam 10% In person

Letter grade conversion scale

  • A : 90% - 100%
  • B+: 87% - 89.9%
  • B : 80% - 86.9%
  • C+: 77% - 79.9%
  • C : 70% - 76.9%
  • D+: 67% - 69.9%
  • D : 60% - 66.9%
  • F : below 60%

Other policies

AUM COVID-19 updates. Please follow guidelines detailed in the AUM pandemic plan relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technology equipment expectation. Access to computers and stable Internet connection are expected. Students who do not have their own equipment can use AUM open labs including labs found in the first floor of the Taylor center and the second floor of the library.

Syllabus contingency plan. Should the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Governor, or Chancellor determine the university discontinue face-to-face (in-person) instruction in the interest of safety, this course would be converted to a virtual-only format. If normal class and/or lab activities are disrupted due to illness, emergency, or crisis situation (such as a COVID-19 outbreak), the syllabus and other course plans and assignments may be modified to allow completion of the course. If this occurs, an addendum to the syllabus and/or course assignments will replace the original materials.

In case the instructor cannot attend due to COVID-related matter, a back-up instructor will be arranged by the Department of Mathematics.

Academic dishonesty. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. In particular, you cannot copy (totally or partially) someone else’s solutions or allow someone else to copy your solutions on quizzes or exams. If you do, you will receive an “F” in the course. Please consult Student Handbook for additional guidelines.

Disability accommodations. Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting during office hours to discuss your accommodations. If you have a conflict with my office hours, an alternate time can be arranged. To set up this meeting, please contact me by e-mail. If you have not registered for accommodation services through the Center for Disability Services (CDS), but need accommodations, make an appointment with CDS, 147 Taylor Center, or call 334-244-3631 or e-mail CDS at cds@aum.edu

Academic support. Student Success Advising in the WASC can be scheduled through Advisor Trac, email at wasc@aum.edu, or by calling our front desk at 334.244.3230. ISL: Tutoring appointments can be scheduled online by filling out the form at http://www.aum.edu/tutoringapp.

Student privacy policy. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (FERPA) requires institutions receiving federal monies to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. For details go to the AUM’s FERPA website: http://www.aum.edu/academics/Registrars-office