Welcome to MA 123 (Spring 2025)

Course Description

This course is an introduction to differential and integral calculus, with applications to business and the biological and physical sciences. We cover differentiation of rational, radical, and exponential functions, integration as area, and using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to integrate certain elementary functions. We cover applications to increasing and decreasing functions, concavity, optimization, marginal cost, and others.

This website contains almost all the information you will need this semester, including the course calendar, contact information for your instructor, an optional textbook for the course, policies for absences and grades, and more.

Learning Outcomes

This course will emphasize computational and modeling aspects of mathematics. The course will also require you to effectively communicate your solutions. This means that by the end of the semester you should be able to: setup application or word problems, explain the result of a computation, interpret formulas or processes, and clearly communicate your solution process, in addition to getting the "right" answer.

The web homework is mainly capable of testing your computational ability. Materials completed in recitation and lecture will help develop your modeling and mathematical communication skills.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Evaluate limits of functions given graphically or algebraically.
2. Compute derivatives of algebraic, logarithmic and exponential functions, and combinations of these functions.
3. Interpret the derivative as a rate of change, and solve related application problems.
4. Use first and second derivatives to analyze the graphs of functions, to find the maximum and minimum values of a function, and to solve related application problems.
5. Interpret the definite integral in terms of area, and solve related application problems.
6. Integrate selected functions, and apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate definite integrals.

Students will improve with regard to the following mathematical practices:

1. Students will make sense of problems and be persistent while solving them.
2. Students will engage in productive struggle with mathematics problems.
3. Students will productively collaborate with others.
4. Students will communicate through mathematical writing.

Additionally, this course satisfies the UK Core requirement: Quantitative Foundations. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

1. demonstrate proficiency with number sense (e.g., order of magnitude, estimation, comparisons, effect of operations) and with functional relationships between two or more sets of variable values (i.e., when one or more variables depend upon, or are functions of, other variables) and also relate different representations of such relations (e.g., algebraically or symbolically, as tables of values, as graphs, and verbally). Relations between numerical values must be included in order that students will be prepared for the Statistical Inferential Reasoning course.
2. apply fundamental elements of mathematical, logical, or statistical knowledge to model and solve problems drawn from real life. In this modeling process, students will be able to:
   1. recast and formulate everyday problems onto appropriate mathematical or logistical systems (viz. algebra, geometry, logic), represent those problems symbolically (i.e., in numbers, letters, or figures), and express them visually or verbally.
   2. apply the rules, procedures, and techniques of appropriate deductive systems (e.g., algebra, geometry, logic) to analyze and solve problems.
   3. apply correct methods of argument and proof to validate (or invalidate) their analyses, confirm their results, and to consider alternative solutions.
   4. interpret and communicate their results in various forms, including in writing and speech, graphically and numerically.
   5. identify and evaluate arguments that contain erroneous or fallacious reasoning (e.g., unsound mathematical or logical inferences), and detect the limitations of particular models or misinterpretations of data, graphs, and descriptive statistics.

Course policy regarding supportive discourse: Students are not allowed to make negative comments about themselves or their mathematical ability, at any time, for any reason. Here are example statements that are banned, along with acceptable replacement phrases.

• I can't do this. ⟶ I am still learning how to do this.
• That was stupid. ⟶ That was a productive error.
• This is impossible. ⟶ There is something interesting and subtle in this problem.
• I'm an idiot. ⟶ This is going to take careful thought.
• I'll never understand this. ⟶ With persistence I can get this.
• This is terrible. ⟶ I think I've done something incorrectly, let me check it again.

Course Calendar

The course calendar contains all homework due dates and dates of exams, as well as a tentative schedule of what will be covered each lecture/recitation (calendar is subject to change). The calendar also includes important dates for the semester.

Instructor Information

TA Mathskeller and Office Hours

Textbook

The textbook is written as a series of guided notes that you may use in addition to the notes from class. Each chapter includes a blank set of notes, a completed set of notes, and videos for each worked out example (there are no videos for Chapter 1).

Calculators

You will need a calculator for the homework and exams. We allow the same calculators as the ACT allows. You may not use any machine (carbon-based life form or silicon-based) that has symbolic manipulation capabilities of any sort on any exam. This precludes the use of TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS, HP 48, TI-92, Voyage 200, Casio Classpad or laptop computer. Also, you may not use your cell phone on any exam even if you forget your regular calculator. If it runs Android, GEOS, iOS, Linux, MacOS, PalmOS, Ubuntu, Unix, Windows, or similar operating systems, you cannot use it on the exams. Free response answers that are simply the output of a calculator routine or a single numerical or symbolic expression that has no supporting work will receive no credit on exams.

Policies

Excused Absences:

Excused absences are granted according to AR-ASA 5.2.5.2 and 5.2.5.2.1, which defines the following as acceptable reasons for excused absences: significant illness; serious illness of or death of a family member; University-related trips; major religious holidays; interviews for full-time job opportunities after graduation; and other circumstances your instructor finds to be "reasonable cause for nonattendance". A University Health Services Tier 2 or Tier 3 excuse, or a similar note from a healthcare provider, is required for any health-related absence. In general, documentation should indicate which day(s) the student is excused.

The procedure for handling an absence varies based on whether you are missing an exam, a lecture, or a recitation.

Missing an exam:

Excused absences from exams should be reported (in advance when possible) using one of the alternate exam forms. Please note you will be required to submit documentation. Students who have university excused absences or who have university-scheduled class conflicts with common hour examinations need to make arrangements to take their exams at an alternate time. It is the student's responsibility to resolve scheduling conflicts with common hour exams, and this must be done at least ONE WEEK prior to an exam when possible. If you fail to inform your instructor of exam conflicts in timely manner, a 10 point penalty may be assessed on your exam score and you may be required to take the exam at one of the already scheduled alternate exam times. In case of an excused absence, a make-up exam must be completed within one week of the absence; otherwise, a score of zero will be assigned. Make-ups will not be granted for unexcused absences.

There are no online exams. All exams are taken in person.

Unless you have a documented excuse, no final exams will be given before Wednesday, May 7 at 6pm.

Missing a lecture:

In person lecture attendance will be taken as a way to earn bonus credit in the course. Documentation must be provided within one week of an absence in order for the absence to be excused (see link on Canvas homepage). You should contact iClicker support or UK ITS if you experience technical difficulties with iClicker in class.

To request a homework extension, you must contact your instructor and provide documentation for any missed lectures. In general, homework extensions will be granted only if an excused absence significantly prevents a student from attempting an assignment during the time it is assigned.

Missing a recitation:

In person recitation attendance is required. Contact your TA as soon as possible if you are unable to attend recitation due to an excused absence (you must provide documentation). In case of an excused absence, any missed work must be completed within one week of the absence; otherwise, a score of zero will be assigned. Make-ups will not be granted for unexcused absences.

Disability Accommodations:

If you have a documented disability that requires academic accommodations, please see your instructor as soon as possible during scheduled office hours. In order to receive accommodations in this course, you must provide a Letter of Accommodation from the Disability Resource Center (Suite 407, Multidisciplinary Science Building, 859-257-2754, email address drc@uky.edu) for coordination of campus disability services available to students with disabilities. The letter must be submitted at least 7 business days prior to the date you wish to use your accommodations. Instructors may require an electronic version of the accommodation letter, which you can download by logging into your account with the DRC.

Academic Integrity, Honesty, and Cheating:

You should feel free to study with friends, but any work you submit for a grade should be your own work. This applies to all exams, recitation activities, and homework assignments, with the exception of assignments that are specifically designated as group assignments. Academic dishonesty, in any form, will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, copying a classmate's work, allowing a classmate to copy your work, having someone else turn in an assignment for you, checking in for lecture attendance for someone who was not there, modifying an exam after it has been handed back in an attempt to deceive the instructor into believing the assignment was graded incorrectly, or using a cell phone during an exam. A student found guilty of academic dishonesty will receive an automatic E on the assignment, and in some cases the offense may lead to an E for the course, academic probation, or even expulsion. See AR-ASA 6.3.2 for more information regarding academic integrity. You may also use the following links for a thorough description of plagiarism and cheating.

Classroom Decorum and Civility:

Students are expected to actively participate during class. Students are also expected not to distract others. If you are disrupting class, you may be asked to leave.

College-level mathematics can be very difficult, and many of your classmates will be having a hard time adjusting both to the university and to the demands of the class. You are expected to treat your classmates with respect. It is reasonable to disagree, but you should express your disagreement respectfully. Personal attacks or statements denigrating another on the basis of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender or gender expression, age, national/regional origin or other such irrelevant factors are considered a severe disruption. Harassment will not be tolerated.

Non-Discrimination Statement and Title IX Information:

In accordance with federal law, UK is committed to providing a safe learning, living, and working environment for all members of the University community. The University maintains a comprehensive program which protects all members from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. For complete information about UK’s prohibition on discrimination and harassment on aspects such as race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, and sexual orientation, see AR 6:1. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex in academics, employment, and all of its programs and activities. Sexual misconduct is a form of sexual harassment in which one act is severe enough to create a hostile environment based on sex and is prohibited between members of the University community and shall not be tolerated. For more details, see AR 6:2. Complaints regarding violations of University policies on discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct are handled by the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity (Institutional Equity), which is located in 13 Main Building and can be reached by phone at (859) 257-8927. You can also visit Institutional Equity’s website.

Faculty members are obligated to forward any report made by a student related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct to the Office of Institutional Equity. Students can confidentially report alleged incidences through the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center, Counseling Center, or University Student Health Service .

Reports of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct may be made via the Institutional Equity’s website; at that site, click on "Make a Report" on the left-hand side of the page.

Technical Support

If you experience technical issues with Canvas, visit https://www.uky.edu/canvas for assistance or call customer service at (859) 218-4357. If you experience technical issues with WeBWorK or Piazza, contact your instructor.

Expectations for Student Work

For any written solutions to problems in this course, students are expected to submit work that is clear, legible, and well-written. Students should show all their work in an organized manner, using complete sentences (when necessary) to explain their solutions and justify their computations.

Study Advice and Getting Help

Mathematics is not a spectator sport. To understand what this means, consider how well you might learn to play soccer by merely watching Lionel Messi, or learn to sing by only listening to Adele. Similarly, you will not learn the material in this course by doing just enough to get the correct answer on the homework. In order to learn, you must actively engage during both lecture and recitation. You should also use the homework as a chance to deepen your learning of the course content. The instructor's role is that of a coach or guide who will help you learn as much of the material as you desire. This being said, form good study skills from the start!

• Take good notes during both lecture and recitation that you can look back on for reference.
• Begin on the homework as soon as possible. It is imperative that you keep up with the content in lecture and recitation.
• Form in person discussion groups or online discussion groups on Piazza or Canvas. Spend time discussing problems.
• Begin preparing for exams well in advance. Review your lecture and recitation notes. Make sure you are familiar with the main results and theorems, and how they are used in homework.
• Work additional problems to prepare for the exam. Use old exams from previous semesters to test yourself. Compare your answers with those provided on the answer key.
• If you are having trouble at any point, seek help immediately. We are here to help you, and we want each and every single one of you to be successful in this course.

Grading

You may access your course grades through the Canvas system, logging in with your linkblue ID and password. Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

THE GRADING SCALE IS STRICT.

Will there be any extra credit opportunities? There is only one opportunity for bonus credit. Your effort in this course will be measured as an average of your lecture attendance, recitation, and homework. Anyone whose effort meets or exceeds 85% will receive a 5% increase to their overall grade in the course. This bonus will be applied at the end of the semester.

Will final grades be rounded up? No.

Midterm Grade

Midterm grades will be posted in myUK by the deadline established in the Academic Calendar.                               

Exam Information

Exam Schedule

MA 123 has common hour exams, including the final exam.

Each exam is worth 100 points. You must bring a photo ID to each exam and you may use an ACT approved calculator on the exams. No Computer Algebra System (CAS), no network (data or wifi), no camera. Absolutely no cell phone use during an exam is allowed. Each exam consists of 18 multiple choice questions and 2 free response questions. The final exam, Exam 4, is cumulative.

Exams will be graded and returned via Gradescope. Once an exam is returned, you have one week to dispute your grade. No grade changes will be made afterwards. You should go back over an exam once it is returned and redo problems you got wrong. Due to the cumulative nature of this course, it is worth your time to learn from your errors promptly. In addition to accounting for 17.5% of your overall grade, your Exam 4 score will replace your lowest score from Exam 1 through Exam 3 if there is an improvement. To be clear, you may not replace your Exam 4 score nor can you drop it.

A review will be posted within your Canvas course at least two weeks prior to each exam.

MA 123 Old Exams

Exams from previous semesters can be found here. These are not practice exams, they are exams given during prior semesters.

Caution: The exact content of the exams may vary from semester to semester. Some new material may be added and some types of questions may be deleted. Exam content for your particular semester will be drawn from the lecture and recitation materials, and web homework (WeBWorK).

Web Homework (WeBWorK)

Homework is turned in on WeBWorK, our online homework system. You can access WeBWorK using the Assignments tab in your Canvas course. We strongly recommend using Chrome or Firefox as the web browser.

Once you submit your answer to a problem and see the green "correct" notification, you are done with that problem. You do not need to submit the entire assignment. WeBWorK will sync your grade with Canvas as you complete each problem.

You have unlimited tries for each problem up until the close date of an assignment. To earn 100% credit on an assignment, it must be completed by 5:00pm on the date listed below. With the exception of HW14, you can receive 80% credit for any work that is completed after the listed due date and before 11:59pm on Wednesday, April 30.

Due At 5:00pm On Given Date (for 100% credit)

The document Entering Answers in WeBWorK gives more information about how to enter mathematics to answer questions in WeBWorK. Please contact your instructor or teaching assistant if you have difficulty logging in.

Piazza

Piazza is a group discussion board that we will use to ask/answer homework questions. Piazza has useful features like a math tool and the ability to post screen shots. You can find a link to Piazza in our Canvas course on the side tool bar. You should read the posting guidelines which are pinned to the top of the discussion history. Following the guidelines will allow the instructors to better assist you and will make information easier to find for everyone. This resource is FREE to use.

Recitation

You are required to attend your recitation section to receive credit. Time in recitation will be used to introduce new content via Desmos activities. Points will be earned by completing the activities in class. Students should bring an iPad/tablet or laptop with them to recitation.

The first (up to) 15 minutes of recitation will be used to answer homework questions.

Classroom Emergency Preparedness and Response

Information related to emergency reporting and action can be found here.