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MATH 266A A02(04713), Winter 2009

Calculus with Applications to Biology I

Catalog Description:

Introduction to dynamical systems, limits, and derivatives in the context of biological applications. Students cannot earn credit for both 266A and either of 163A or 263A.

Course Content:

MATH 266 is a calculus sequence that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of prospective life science majors. The mathematical concepts covered in these courses will be developed in the context of biological questions, and numerous exercises will demonstrate further applications of calculus in the life sciences. MATH 266A roughly corresponds to MATH 263A and is considered a sufficient prerequisite for MATH 263B. For more information see the MATH 266 web page.

Prerequisites:

MATH 115 or Placement level 3.

Instructor:

Martin J. Mohlenkamp, mohlenka@ohio.edu, (740)593-1259, 315B Morton Hall.
Office hours: Monday 1-2pm, Tuesday 1-2pm, Thursday 1-2pm, and Friday 9-10am.

Web page:

http://www.ohiouniversityfaculty.com/mohlenka/20092/266A.

Class hours/ location:

MTuThF 12:10-1pm in 223 Morton Hall.

Text:

Calculus for Biology and Medicine, second edition, by Claudia Neuhauser; Prentice Hall, 2004.

Homework:

Several problems from each section of the book are assigned. These problems will not be collected or graded, but you will need to do them in order to learn.

Good Problems:

Six Good Problems are assigned, and will be collected and graded. These are homework problems that will be graded half on content and half on presentation. The idea is to practice writing mathematics regularly but in small pieces.

Tests:

There will be four mid-term tests, in class. Calculators are not permitted.

Final Exam:

The final exam is on Thursday 19 March at 2:30pm in our regular classroom. Calculators are not permitted.

Grade:

Each Good Problem is worth 1 unit, each test is worth 2 units, and the final is worth 4 units. Your lowest 2 units will be dropped and then your average is computed and a 90% guarantees you at least an A-, 80% a B-, 70% a C-, and 60% a D-.

Missed or Late work:

Only reasons given in advance of a missed test will be considered; otherwise a score of 0 will be given. Late Good Problems are penalized 5% for each 24 hour period or part thereof, excluding weekends and holidays. You can resubmit good problems to improve your score, but the late penalty will apply.

Attendance:

Attendance is not counted in your grade. However, you should estimate that for each class you miss your average will decrease by one point due to the learning you missed. It is your responsibility to find out any announcements made in class.

Academic Dishonesty:

You are strongly encouraged to work together on the homework. You can work together on the Good Problems, but you must acknowledge in writing what help you received and from whom. The tests and final exam must be your own work, and without the aid of notes, etc. Dishonesty will result in a zero on that work, and possible failure in the class and a report to the university judiciaries.

Special Needs:

If you have specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities and require accommodations, please let me know as soon as possible so that your learning needs may be appropriately met.

Learning Resources:

Your classmates are your best resource. Use them!

The Academic Advancement Center's Math Center has drop-in help, tutors, online help, and a telephone hotline.

Dr. Winfried Just has developed a set of interactive (computer) tutorials to help students in this course.

A set of exercises using the computer package MATLAB have been developed for this course.

Schedule