Advanced Placement Calculus

 Advanced Placement AB Calculus Syllabus

Course:  Advanced Placement (AP) AB/BC Calculus

Text:  Calculus, James Stewart 5^th Edition.

Course Description:  This course give the student a strong background in first and second semester college calculus.  Essentially differential calculus is the study of how quantities change.  It describes motion and has practical applications in physics, economics, social and biological science, engineering and other areas.  Problem solving and independent thinking will be stressed.  This course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus with concepts, results, and problems being expressed geometrically, numerically, analytically and verbally.  Integral calculus involves finding area and volume of solids, advanced integration techniques, and the use of sequences and series in calculus. 

Expected Behavior: According to research, achievement is greater and retention is stronger when learning takes place in a cooperative environment.  We will spend the first 15 – 30 minutes of each class (as applicable) discussing homework problems or other issues.  I will expect students to take the lead in these discussions and not sit waiting for me to show you the answer.  Discussing ideas and solutions with your colleagues will be very beneficial and will help prepare you for other college level courses.  It is up to each one of us to construct our own mathematical understanding, which means you should be spending time thinking about and doing mathematics rather than passively listening and watching while I do all the work.  It would be to your benefit to not use me as your first resource for help.  Believe in your own abilities and try to find ways to help yourself.  This will provide you with lifelong problem solving skills that you will use in many different situations.

Class Structure:

Class opening 15 – 30, Classroom discussion.

45 – 60 minutes, instructor input

0-30 minutes, work on homework

Grades

Homework will be assigned on a daily basis to be discussed everyday.  I expect participation from everyone in class on solving problems both on the whiteboard and from your desk.  Specific problem sets will be taken up for a homework grade.  Special care should be taken to make homework neat and legible.  This is as much a part of your notes as example problems that I give you.  Many homework questions are quiz and test question. 

Quizzes will be given every Friday and will be AP style.   

Tests, final exam – 65%

Homework, quizzes – 35%