MATH 1830 - VSCC
INTUITIVE CALCULUS
3 Credit Hours

Important information about the course is contained in this Syllabus.  You should carefully read the entire document, and make sure you understand all course Policies and Procedures.  You may want to PRINT it for future reference.

Course Information

Course Description:

Limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, and applications.  This course will not substitute for MATH 1910.  Intended primarily for business majors.

Course Objectives:

The primary educational goal of this course is to provide the student with an intuitive understanding of differential and integral calculus and its applications to business and economics. As a result of successfully completing this course, students will have demonstrated an acceptable level of mastery of the concepts and applications of an introductory course in calculus.
Prerequisites and Corequisites:
MATH 1130 with a grade of C or better. This prerequisite is necessary to assure the student has the algebra skills necessary for successful completion of the course.
Course Topics:
Functions, Graphs, and Limits
  Limits
Differentiation
  The Derivative
  Techniques of Differentiation
  Rate of Change and Marginal Analysis
  The Chain Rule
  Higher Order Derivatives
Applications of Differentiation
  Increase and Decrease; Relative Extrema
  Concavity; Curve Sketching
  Absolute Maxima and Minima
  Practical Optimization Problems
  Applications to Business and Economics
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  Exponential Functions
  Exponential Models
  The Natural Logarithm
  Differentiation of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
  Compound Interest
Integration
  Antiderivatives
  Integration by Substitution
  The Definite Integral
Applications of Integration
  Area
Applications to Business and Economics
Specific Course Requirements:
  • Connection to the web through a dependable Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Required Textbook (see below)
  • Registration with MathZone (online homework)
  • Scientific or approved Graphing Calculator (see below)
  • Some proficiency in using the email, discussion board, and drop box components of D2L
  • A valid Picture ID (e.g., driver's license)
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:

CUSTOM BUNDLE W/MZ
Calculus for Business, Economics, and the Social and Life Sciences, (10th Brief Ed.), by Hoffman and Bradley.  McGraw-Hill, 2010, ISBN 9780077984021 
 

ALTERNATE ACCEPTABLE TEXT:  Calculus for Business, Economics, and the Social and Life Sciences, (9th Brief Ed.)

This custom textbook bundle is available ONLY at the VSCC Bookstore or at the RODP Bookstore.
Supplementary Materials:
Optional: A printed copy of all the PowerPoint slide Presentations (9 slides per page) may be obtained by sending a check for $10, the course number (MATH 1830), and your return address to:
     Prof. Ondis Bible
     Volunteer State Community College
     1480 Nashville Pike
     Gallatin, TN  37066-3188
Hardware Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found in the Course Orientation.  Log in to the course in D2L, then click on [Content] in the menu bar at the top, and click on [PC Requirements] in the Orientation module.  Specific hardware requirements for this course include a scientific calculator or an approved graphing calculator (nothing stronger than a TI-84). Hand-held computers and programmable computer-like calculators (like the TI-89 or TI-92) are not permitted.  You must also have a printer linked to your computer.  Speakers (internal or external) and a microphone are also highly recommended.
Software Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found in the Course Orientation.  Log in to the course in D2L, then click on [Orientation] in the Course Menu, scroll down, and click on [Hardware & Software Requirements].  Specific software requirements for this course include the web browser, Internet Explorer (a free download from Microsoft.com).
Instructor Information
Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information.
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:
Quizzes:  All scheduled Quizzes will be online (multiple choice and/or short answer).  Quiz problems must be worked on paper with answers submitted online to the instructor by the stated deadline.  The textbook, homework, and course notes may be used as a resource when doing a Quiz (but not on a Test).  Assistance from another person is not permitted.  A score of zero will be assigned for each Quiz not completed and submitted by the stated deadline.  Each student's lowest Quiz grade will be dropped.  Make-up Quizzes may be allowed (at the discretion of the instructor), provided the student contacts the instructor, preferably in advance, to offer an explanation and request an extension.  Detailed solutions to all Quiz (and Mod Check) problems may be viewed after the quiz has been submitted.  Quizzes are graded automatically by D2L immediately upon submission.

Tests:  There will be four major Tests (non-cumulative) and a comprehensive Final Exam.  All Tests will be done online on the scheduled test date.  All Tests except Test 2 and the Final Exam may be accessed via a computer at the student's home, school, workplace, etc.  Test 2 (at mid-term) and the Final Exam must be proctored on the campus of the student's "home school" or some other RODP test site.  The only materials allowed during a Test are pencil or pen, eraser, clean white paper, and an approved calculator.  A student who must miss a scheduled Test due to an emergency should make every attempt to notify the instructor prior to the test deadline.  A student who is allowed to do a Make-up Test may be required to do it on paper under the supervision of a proctor.  All Tests must be done entirely by the enrolled student, with no assistance from another person.  Anyone caught cheating will receive a grade of zero, a grade of F in the course, and may face other punitive measures.  For additional (partial) credit on Tests 1, 3, and 4, after submitting the Test online, you must send (preferably FAX) your worksheets to the Instructor. Be sure to number each problem, and write your name on the worksheets. After Test 2 and the Final Exam, give your worksheets to your PROCTOR to send to the Instructor.  Tests will be graded and grades posted within a few days after the test date.  There will be no exemptions from taking the Final Exam.  An appointment to take a proctored Test should be made by the student about two weeks before the scheduled Test.  The appointed test time must be at least two hours before closing time at the testing center, and the student must show a picture ID.  Tests will be graded by the Instructor and grades posted within three days after the Test.
Grading Procedure:
The major Tests, Final Exam, Quizzes, class Participation, and Homework (including Assignments, Mod Checks, and Presentation scores) will count in the final average as follows:

Tests 1, 3, & 4 = 10% each                    Test 2 = 15%                    Final Exam = 25%      

Quizzes = 15%               Homework = 10%               Participation = 5%

Grading Scale:
Letter grades will be assigned according to the following intervals:

90.00   -   100 +   =   A

80.00   -   89.99   =   B

70.00   -   79.99   =   C

60.00   -   69.99   =   D

00.00   -   59.99   =   F

Withdrawal (W-grade):  The "Last Day to Withdraw" and receive a grade of "W" is posted around campus and on the college web site.  Each student should be conscious of this date.  All students who, as of this date, are failing the course should follow the established withdrawal procedures of the college by the withdrawal date.

Incomplete (I-grade):  Generally, the Incomplete (I-grade) will NOT be given in this course.  One exception might be a student who misses the proctored Final Exam due to a serious, legitimate, and documented emergency.

Academic Honesty:
Cheating, in any form, is absolutely forbidden.  Anyone caught cheating will receive a grade of zero, a grade of F in the course, and may face other punitive measures. 
WARNING: D2L provides the instructor with many tools for detecting cheating.  Don't do it; dishonest actions will be detected!  Your moral character is more valuable than any unearned grade in this course.
Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:
PowerPoint Presentations:  Students enrolled in this course are required to view the online PowerPoint presentation for each lesson before doing the homework.  Each presentation contains a "keyword" on a randomly selected slide.  Students are required to submit this keyword to the instructor (one of the questions in the Mod Check).  Printed versions of these presentations are available for purchase at a nominal fee, but should be used only for review.  The printed slides do NOT contain the required keyword.  Viewing the animated presentations diligently has proven to greatly increase the probability of success in this course!
 
Homework:  Assignments in MathZone must be done by the due date.  An automatic two-day extension may be acquired by submitting the correct password (via the MathZone Assignment password submission tool).  The password for an assignment is the keyword found in the associated slide Presentation.  Homework grades will be posted periodically in D2L, e.g. a few days after each of the four major Tests.
 
Full or partial credit may be given for late homework (after the 2-day extension) at the discretion of the instructor, provided the student contacts the instructor in advance to offer an explanation and request another extension.  Homework may be done before the due date.  Any student who has not completed the assigned homework before a scheduled Quiz or Test will be at a distinct disadvantage, and will be graded more harshly.

Warning:  Doing the assigned homework is absolutely essential for students to learn the skills necessary to successfully complete this course.  Any student who has not successfully completed at least 70% of the relevant homework may be denied access to a Quiz or Test and is not eligible for any extra credit and/or grading curve that might otherwise be available.

Mod Checks:  The Mod Checks will count in the Homework Average and are to be done online after viewing the PowerPoint Presentation and completing the assigned Homework for that lesson.  A detailed solution of the included problem may be viewed immediately after submitting the Mod Check.

Class Participation:

Discussions:  Online discussions among students are to be posted at the appropriate time in the appropriate folder of the course message board.  Students are required to regularly read and post course-related messages.  D2L allows the instructor to track discussion messages posted, as well as messages read.  Both quantity (articles "read" and "posted") and quality of participation in these threaded discussions will count in the student's Participation grade, which counts 5% of the overall grade. The questions posted in each forum are intended only as suggested topics to begin the discussion for that module.  Other topics may be discussed, as long as the dialogue is primarily relevant to the course module --- and secondarily, to the course in general.

TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE:  A student may get additional tutorial assistance from the instructor during regular office hours in W-100H or by calling (615)741-3215 or (615)452-8600 or 1-888-335-8722, extension 3386.  For online interaction with the instructor, use D2L Email.

Math Lab:  Trained tutors are also available in the Math Lab (Wood-102) or by calling extension 3387.  Lab hours are posted on the Math Lab web site at http://www.volstate.edu/MathScience/Lab.  Any time a student needs additional tutorial assistance, e.g. homework help, the Vol State Math Lab is highly recommended.  At times when the Instructor and other resources are not available, the trained staff in the Math Lab stand ready and willing to offer free tutoring six days a week.

Punctuality:
Homework assignments must be delivered (or at least postmarked) on or before the due dates posted in the course Calendar.  Quizzes and Tests must be completed on the scheduled dates.  Any student who is unable to meet a stated deadline should contact the instructor before the deadline to request an extension. 
Course Ground Rules
Students are expected to participate in all interactive aspects of the course.  You should regularly communicate with other students and the instructor using the D2L online communication tools, including email and discussions.  View the online PowerPoint Presentation for each Lesson before attempting the homework.  Practice until you can navigate proficiently in D2L.  Check the course message board every day or two for new postings.  For this course, use the email component of D2L, in lieu of your regular email address, such as one supplied by your Internet Service Provider.  When you have technical problems with your computer or the online components of this course, get the necessary assistance immediately.  Observe course netiquette at all times.
Instructor Response Times
The primary means of communication in this course will be D2L Email.  Messages should be sent to the Instructor any time a student feels the need.  Messages will be read and responded to every day --- even two or three times a day in the first week and at other critical times during the semester.  Whenever a student has something to share with classmates, the Discussion component of D2L should be used.  Tests and Quizzes will be graded and grades posted within a few days after the availability period has ended.  Homework grades will be posted periodically, e.g. a few days after each of the four major Tests.
Guidelines for Communications
Email:
  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members.
Discussion Groups:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other�s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
Chat:
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestion.
Web Resources:
  • Click on [Contents], and scroll down near the bottom to [References], under [Study Tools].

Library

The VSCC Library is available to all Vol State students. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) are available.

Students With Disabilities

It is the student's responsibility to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services to receive accommodations and services in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Only those students with appropriate documentation and who are registered with the Office of Disability Services will receive accommodations.  For further information, contact the Office of Disability Services at (615) 230-3472, TDD (615)-230-3488, or visit the office which is located in Room 108, Wood Campus Center.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Volunteer State Community College is an equal opportunity Affirmative Action Educational Institution. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the College because of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap.  The college also complies with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended and with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974.  The commitment to equal opportunity applies to all aspects of recruitment, employment and education of individuals at all levels throughout the College.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

Telephone Support:
If you are having problems logging into your course, timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please use the MyVolState Online Support Website at http://www.volstate.edu/DLSuccess/.  If the necessary assistance is not found there, call the VSCC Help Desk at extension 3302.  If necessary, you may also contact the Instructor.

VSCC Phone Numbers: (615) 452-8600, (615) 741-3215, (888) 335-8722

  • Help Desk, ext 3302
     
  • Instructor, click on [Instructor Information] in the course Content

NOTE:  Technical advice is free; however, neither the Help Desk nor the Instructor will attempt to make needed repairs to your computer.