Math 1241 Syllabus, Fall 2013
General information
Synopsis of course
Math 1241, Calculus and dynamical systems in biology, is an introduction to calculus, but it has a significantly different focus than a typical Calculus I course. As evidenced by the title, we will introduce the concepts of calculus and related mathematics through modeling the dynamical behaviors of processes and systems in biology. Biological systems are constantly in flux, and the mathematical rules we can develop to capture the dynamics of living systems provide an ideal basis for introducing the basic elements of calculus.
Using models of biological systems as a guide to the development of the mathematics, our goal is to elucidate both how mathematics can lead to a deeper understanding of biological systems and how biology can unlock some of the mystery of calculus, dynamical systems, and other areas of mathematics. Compared to a traditional calculus course, Math 1241 will focus less on specific computational techniques and more on the concepts underlying the mathematical tools and their application to modeling living systems.
For more details on the course content, see the course description.
Relationship to other Calculus courses, prerequisites
Math 1241 will develop the tools of calculus from scratch, so no previous experience of calculus is required. However, Math 1241 is not an exact substitute for a traditional Calculus I course. Math 1241 includes a broader range of topics than a traditional Calculus I course, covering topics from more advanced calculus courses or outside calculus altogether. By the same token, it will not cover all the topics of Calculus I in the same depth as a traditional first semester of calculus. For this reason, it does not satisfy the prerequisites for Calculus II (Math 1272). If you discover you wish to take Calculus II after taking Math 1241, you will need to discuss your options with your instructor.
Class format
Math 1241 will use an “inverted” (or flipped) format for class instruction. The lecture material will be posted online in the form of videos and text that will be watched and read at home. Given that you will be expected to spend significant time outside of class with the lecture material, there will be less homework assigned than in a typical math course. Instead, much of the “homework” will be done in class, where you will work on problems and projects in groups.
Course materials
Textbook
Modeling the Dynamics of Life: Calculus and Probability for Life Scientists, Third Edition, by Frederick Adler (optional)
Math Insight
Lecture videos, additional expository material, interactive applets, quizzes, and exercises will be posted on the Math Insight website.
Geogebra
Some assignments will involve the use of Geogebra, a graphics program that will allow you to visualize both mathematical models and data.
Grading
The course has a “gateway” algebra exam. In order to receive a passing grade (C- or above), a student must obtain a passing score on the exam.
Assuming a passing score on the gateway exam is achieved, the course grade will be based out of a total of 1000 points. The 1000 points are distributed among exams, quizzes, problem sets, and projects according to the following scheme.
| Course component | Points each | Total points |
|---|---|---|
| Four module exams | 100 | 400 |
| Comprehensive final exam | 200 | 200 |
| Quizzes | 100 | |
| Problem sets | 200 | |
| Projects | 100 | |
| Course total | 1000 |
Gateway exam
In order to pass the course, a passing grade must be achieved on the algebra “gateway” exam. The exam is at a slightly higher level than the placement exam that was taken to qualify to take calculus, except without trigonometry. It emphasizes functions, variables, parameters, and inequalities.
The gateway exam can be taken multiple times until a passing grade is achieved. To maintain good standing in the course, minimum scores must be achieved by the following deadlines.
- A score of 60% or above: September 13
- A score of 80% or above: October 4
Students who fail to reach the required score on the gateway exam can either withdraw from the course by the drop deadline or receive a failing grade.
Attendance
Attendance and participation in each Tuesday/Thursday class period will be tracked. Although the attendance score will not be part of the course grade, it will be used to determine the final deadline of assignments, including exams.
Each assignment will have an initial due date, which will be the firm due date for students whose cumulative attendance through the previous week is less than 75%. However, for some assignments, the due date can be postponed for a week or more for students whose cumulative attendance through the previous week is at least 75%.
Excused absences will not count against the cumulative attendance used to calculate due dates. For absences due to recognized University related activities and religious holidays, you must notify your instructor or TA at least 1 day before the missed class to receive an excused absence. Verifiable illness and family/medical emergencies can also merit an excused absence.
To receive full credit for attendance, you must be actively involved with the class activity. Engaging in substantial non-course activity during the class period could reduce your attendance credit for the day to one-half or zero.
Friday class sessions are available solely to take exams. Attendance will not be taken for Friday classes.
Exams
Exams (including Gateway exams) will be offered on Fridays. You can take exams any time between 10:10 AM and 12:05 AM on Fridays regardless of which section you are enrolled in.
The course is divided into five modules. The first four have an associated exam worth 100 points. You can take each exam any time before the exam's finale due date. An exam can be retaken once to improve your score as long as both attempts are completed before the exam's final due date. If you take the exam twice, your score for the exam will be the maximum score of the two attempts.
The initial due dates for each exam are:
- Exam 1: September 27
- Exam 2: October 18
- Exam 3: November 1
- Exam 4: November 22
Students who maintain a cumulative attendance of at least 75% through the previous week will be able to delay the due date of each exam by at least one week.
The fifth module will not have a separate exam, but the exam for the fifth module will be combined with the comprehensive final exam. The final exam will be 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Friday, December 13. The final exam cannot be retaken.
Quizzes
Quizzes will be taken online. Each quiz can be taken repeatedly up to the deadline.
Problem sets
Problem sets will be worked on in groups during class, but must be handed in individually.
Projects
Five projects will be available that can be completed in groups of up to three students. One write up can be submitted for each group.
Policies
Make-ups
Students must make arrangements in advance if they will not be handing in homework on time or will miss an exam. Exam absences due to recognized University related activities, religious holidays, verifiable illness, and family/medical emergencies will be dealt with on an individual basis. See official University Policy on Makeup Examinations for Legitimate Absences.
Scholastic conduct
We expect the highest standards of conduct from members of this class. Cases of academic dishonesty will be treated with utmost seriousness. See Student Conduct Code.
Student privacy and course website
In this class, our use of technology will sometimes make students' names and U of M Internet IDs visible within the course website, but only to other students in the same class. Since we are using a secure, password-protected course website, this will not increase the risk of identity theft or spamming for anyone in the class. If you have concerns about the visibility of your Internet ID, please contact your instructor for further information.
Incompletes
A final grade of incomplete is given only if you have successfully completed all but a small portion of the work of the course, and have a very compelling, well documented excuse from completing the course. Simply being behind in your work does not qualify you for an incomplete.
Drop dates
You may drop the course without permission by the end of the eighth week of the semester. If you drop before the end of the second week, no mention of the course will appear on your transcript. Otherwise, you receive a "W" for the course.
Liberal education requirement
This course fulfills the Mathematical Thinking component of the Liberal Education requirements at the University of Minnesota. An important part of any liberal education is learning to use abstract thinking and symbolic language to solve practical problems. Calculus is one of the pillars of modern mathematical thought, and has diverse applications essential to our complex world. In this course, students will be exposed to theoretical concepts at the heart of calculus and to numerous examples of real-world applications.
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