Mathematics 181: Calculus and Differential Equations for the Life Sciences I.
Spring 2006, 4 credits
Instructor:
Professor Stephen J. Willson
office: Carver 411
telephone: 294-7671
email: swillson@iastate.edu
FAX: (515)-294-5454
Current course grades
Current course grades and all recorded scores are available on the web by clicking
grades. Scores are listed by the last 6 digits of student social security numbers. If a score has been incorrectly recorded, you should contact the instructor.
Homework:
Most days there will be practice homework assigned that will be discussed the next day but not collected. In addition, some homework or projects may be assigned to be turned in. The current homework assignments are available by clicking
homework.
Stride length data for the class
Click here for the stride length data in inches. These data will be used for the turn-in homework assignment in the computer lab.
Supplementary Lecture Notes:
Office hours:
TWRF at 2:10-3:00 and M 11:00-11:50 in 411 Carver. Please also feel free to make an appointment if the office hours are inconvenient for you.
Class meetings:
MTRF at 1:10 - 2:00 in 1115 Pearson
The first class is Monday, January 9, 2006, and the last class is Friday, April 28, 2006.
There are no classes on Martin Luther King Day (January 16) and Spring Break (the week
of March 13 - 17). The last day to drop the course is Friday, March 24.
Prerequisites:
2 years of high school algebra, 1 year of high school geometry, 1 semester of trigonometry or enrollment in 141 or 142.
Catalog description:
Exponential and logarithm functions, derivatives, first order linear difference equations and differential equations. Examples taken from laboratory experiments. Only one of 151, 160, the sequence 165-166, or the sequence 181-182 may be counted toward graduation.
Textbooks:
- Lecture notes for Mathematics 181: Fall 2005 by Stephen J. Willson. Available from the University Book Store in the Memorial Union.
List of errata in the lecture notes:
A list of errata is at
errata
Likely order of topics:
- Lines
- Linear systems and quadratic curves
- Difference equations
- The derivative
- Applications of derivatives
All topics will give emphasis to biological interpretations.
Grading:
Grades will be based on points accumulated, with approximately 500 points total in the course. Points will be awarded for
- at least three hour exams (50 points each),
- a comprehensive final exam (100 points)
- 8 or more half-period quizzes (approximately 25 points each)
- possibly some graded homework (variable numbers of points)
Grades may include a plus or a minus. Grade cutoffs will be announced for each exam and quiz. The cutoff for a given level (for example A-) in the course will be the sum of the cutoffs for that level for each exam or quiz. Current grades will be visible on the web.
Sickness policy:
If you are sick the day of an exam, you must contact the instructor by phone on the day of the exam to arrange a timely make-up.
Calculators:
A graphing calculator is required for this course. I recommend the TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus, TI-85, or TI-86, but the more expensive TI-89, TI-92, and TI Voyage 200 are also acceptable. For help in using your calculator, see your manual or else use
web calculator help.
Disabilities:
Please address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. Those seeking accommodations based on disabilities should obtain a Student Academic Accommodation Request (SAAR) form from the Disability Resources (DR) office (515-294-6624). DR is located on the main floor of the Student Services Building, Room 1076.
Information about the instructor:
For more information about the instructor, click here.
Last updated April 12, 2006.