Undergraduate Courses

MA 171, Calculus A

Course Description and Goals

Calculus A is the first course in a three-course sequence in calculus, primarily intended for students in science and engineering. Specific topics include

• the basic concepts and algebra of limits,
• the basic concepts and techniques of differentiation,
• applications of the derivative, particularly to related rate problems, optimization problems, and graphs of functions
• the study of families of transcendental functions including exponential and logarithmic functions
• numerical approximations including Newton's method and first order approximations
• basic concepts of the definite integral
• basic concepts of the indefinite integral and antiderivatives
• the fundamental theorem of calculus
• applications of the integral to area and distance
• the use of the Maple computer algebra system

Goals of the course include

• a basic understanding of the special language, notation, and point of view of calculus
• the ability to solve basic computational problems involving derivatives and integrals
• an understanding of concepts from complementary points of view (algebraic, geometric, numerical, procedural)
• the ability to model and solve basic calculus problems in science and engineering
• a basic sense of the history of calculus and its central importance in science
• an improved ability to read, write, speak, and think in mathematical terms

Alabama General Studies Curriculum

MA 171 is an AGSC approved course; the standard AGSC number is Math 125.

Prerequisites

MA 113, Precalculus Trigonometry with a grade of C or better, or MA 115, Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry with a grade of C or better, or placement

Credit

4 Semester Hours

Grading System

This course is graded A, B, C, D, F. The grade typically depends on a combination of class tests, homework, Maple assignments, quizzes, and a comprehensive final exam.