Introduction to calculus for functions of one variable. Focus is on the definition, methods, and applications of derivatives. Integrals are briefly introduced. Students normally begin the calculus sequence with this course if they have solid precalculus preparation and have not previously studied calculus. Students who need a thorough review of precalculus should take MA125 instead; students who have previously studied calculus should consider MA129 instead. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Perspectives: I, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Agbanusi, Erickson, Moran, Nguyen, Price, Rennie

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Calculus l

Jan. 2012
Instructor: Marlow Anderson

Welcome to Calculus 1. This course will cover the basics of derivatives and integrals, and also include some interesting applications of derivatives. It culminates in the profound and surprising connection between derivatives and integrals, which is called the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Students of this course can expect to acquire specific mathematical skills, to grapple with important scientific ideas, and learn how to use a computer to implement these skills and ideas. The course involves a nice balance between working individually and also working in groups. The development of calculus by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz in the latter part of the seventeenth century was one of the most exciting and important developments in the history of science. Today, the ideas of calculus permeate almost every scientific endeavor, whether a physicist is predicting the path of an astronomical object, or a biologist is modeling the population growth, or an economist is studying a firm’s allocation of resources. Thus, the study of calculus is both an exciting intellectual journey, and also the practical acquisition of tools used throughout science.

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