This course, an HONORS version of Math 1552, is intended to serve the interests of students in engineering, the sciences, mathematics, and other fields as well. It provides background for Math 2057 or 2058; 2065, 2070, or 2090; and 2085 or 2086. Its objectives include the same knowledge, computational skills, and problem-solving abilities as 1552, plus additional attention to rigor, precision, scientific applications, and especially interesting problems. A centerpiece of the course is the development of Kepler's Laws.

The required text for this course is the same as for 1552: Calculus Early Transcendentals, fourth edition, by James Stewart, published by Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. Math 1553 corresponds to Chapters 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13. We will deal with much of the material in those chapters. The course may cover some additional material, including some not contained in the book.

In that this is an HONORS course, somewhat more will be expected of you. You should be able to handle it successfully if you made an A or a B in 1550 or 1551.

Requirements: There will be four 50-minute tests, a two-hour final exam, and a number of problem sets to be written up and turned in. I'll assign some problems for you to do on your own, not to be turned in, which you will be responsible for.

The first of the 50-minute tests, called the Special Test, will cover basic competencies in differentiation and anti-differentiation. It will count 15% of your course grade. Prepare well for this test. If you are not satisfied with the result, you may sign up for a re-match in the department's make-up lab.

Your written solutions to problems should be easy to read, neat, organized, clear, and well-written - as well as correct. You should write at a level such that your solutions will be easy for your fellow students to understand. Your work on the problems must be your own, with the following exceptions: You may consult the text and other books. You may consult me for help. To a limited and reasonable extent, you may consult other persons or work with others in the class, but if you give or receive such assistance, you must acknowledge all instances of so doing on your paper.

I may sometimes make copies of your solutions to problems and test questions and distribute them to the class, with attribution.

Grading Formula: Let S denote your grade on the Special Test. Let T denote your average grade on the other three 50-minute tests; P , your overall grade on the assigned problems; and E , your grade on the final exam. Your overall grade in the course will be no lower than
 

Being present: I expect you to attend class faithfully and to keep up with assigned work. When you are absent, or if you are late to class, or if you leave class early, I will assume that you have good reason; but please let me know why. If you have difficulties of any kind that affect your work, I will be glad for you to tell me about them. Whenever there is some way you think I can help, please ask. It is best not to miss scheduled tests; but if you find that you are unable to take a test at the appointed time due to illness or other difficulty, please discuss it with me as soon as possible; once you have taken a test, a re-take is not allowed. When a test or problem set is graded and handed back to you, you should look it over carefully, and if you have any question or complaint about the grading, you should discuss it with me. It never hurts to ask.

Read the book: Do not expect to read a math book fast. Read the book actively. Try to be convinced that you understand each line before going on to the next. An assignment to "read Section x" includes not just a thorough reading but also doing a few of the exercises at the end.

Personal advice: Have due respect for what you're up against in your academic program. Take care of your health and of your general well-being. You need to be in good physical condition to succeed. Get the physical exercise that you need, and eat properly. Do what you need to do to assure that you have helpful conditions in the places where you live, work, and sleep. If you have emotional problems, get help, or at least find a friend to talk to; don't go it alone, and don't despair.