The calculators that are most familiar to the instructional staff are the TI-82 and 83. We certainly won't use all the power of these instruments, but will concentrate on straightforward applications such as those described in these nice tutorials. Students should be aware that the numerical and graphical output of devices like graphing calculators may be deceptive. You shouldn't read more into the output than is there. Problems can happen if you don't heed this warning!
Classes
For all students, lectures are given twice a week (80 min.), and
workshops once a week (80 min). Most sections
meet in the large lecture format, in which lectures are conducted
for three sections together, and the workshops are conducted separately
for each section. However, certain sections meet in
small classes, having two lectures, one workshop
and one 55-minute practicum (see below) each week. If you are in one of these
small-class sections, you must register simultaneously for the practicum
by registering for the appropriate section of Math 157 or 158 (for example, if
you are in section 33 of Math 151, then you must register for section 33
of Math 157, and if you are in section 33 of Math 152, then you must register for section 33
of Math 158).
In the workshop, you will work together with two or three other students. The emphasis will be on problem-solving strategies, multi-step problems, and good write-ups of your solutions. This small-group work will be directed by your professor if you are in one of the small classes, or by a teaching assistant if you are in one of the large lectures. Your TA is an experienced graduate student studying for a doctorate in some area of mathematical science. You will also be assisted by an undergraduate peer mentor. The peer mentors major in various fields and have been at Rutgers for varying amounts of time.
In the practicum for 5-credit, small-class sections, you will be taught by a teaching assistant. The practicum is an opportunity to discuss homework exercises from the text.
Whether you are in the small class or large lecture format, you will
hand-in for grading at least one workshop problem and a certain number
of the textbook homework problems per week, as announced by your instructors.
Late homework or workshop writeups will not be accepted.
Exams and Grades
Two midterm examinations will be given at times to be announced by your lecturer; they will occur approximately in the time slots for lectures #11 and #22. You may not be allowed the use of a graphing calculator on midterm exams, at the discretion of your instructor.
The final examination will be given in the Math Group Final time and ordinarily will be the same for all sections, in contrast to the midterm exams. You will not be allowed the use of a graphing calculator on the final exam.
There may also be short computational tests or quizzes. Computational tests will test your computational skills; no calculators will be allowed for these. Quizzes will test your mastery of the material; calculators may or may not be allowed at the discretion of your instructors. Both computational tests and quizzes may be announced or unannounced, at the discretion of your instructors.
Your course grade will be determined by your grades on the final exam
and the two midterm exams, as well as your workshop assignments, participation
in workshops, and grades on any quizzes and computational tests. Your
instructor can give you the precise formula for computing a final
total numerical grade. This formula may vary somewhat from section to
section.
Further Information
Certain aspects of Math 151 and 152 will vary by section. Please refer to the links on this web page for a link to your specific section, as well as more information, such as materials specific to each of Math 151 and Math 152.
To apply for special permission to enter a closed section, go to www.math.rutgers.edu and click on "Special Permission for Mathematics Classes".