GENERAL:
It has been awhile since I've taken a calculus course. What can I do to prepare for Math 1LT3? To prepare for Math 1LT3, many students find it useful to review differential equations and techniques of integration (chapter 7 in the Math 1LS3 textbook). Topics from other sections in the textbook will come up from time to time but a solid understanding of chapter 7, sections 7.1, 7.2, and 7.5 in particular, will be very helpful in preparation for this course (especially if it has been awhile since you've taken Math 1LS3 or an equivalent calculus course). If you're coming from a course other than Math 1LS3 (for example, Math 1A03), you may wish to look over section 3.1 (discrete-time dynamical systems) in the hardcover textbook when we begin to study stochastic population models.
Do I have to attend lectures? There are no marks for attendance. Your final mark is calculated solely on your term tests, participation in the discussion forums on Avenue, and on the final exam. However, it is very strongly recommended that you attend all lectures. You will learn a lot by listening to lectures, taking notes and seeing your instructor solve problems and do exercises live.
What can I do to improve my mark? Course marks are exclusively based on your assignments, tests and the final exam. We do not give extra work of any kind with the purpose of improving individual student's marks. Doing so (among other things) would not be fair towards other students in the course.
I need extra help! What are my options? Good news! There is a lot of help available! One of our best math help resources is the Math Help Centre. This drop-in centre provides tutors free of charge for all first year mathematics courses. It can often get busy before tests and exams so to fully benefit from this service, it is best to visit on a regular basis. The Math Help Centre is located in the basement of Hamilton Hall (HH/104) and also virtually in MS Teams. Hours and further information can be found here. Also, your instructor will hold office hours each week during which you are free to drop by (without an appointment) and ask any questions you might have. If you would prefer a more personalized, one-on-one session, you can contact a private tutor (check out McMaster's peer tutoring network here).
I am interested in taking more math courses at McMaster. Any recommendations? Of course! Send me an email and let me know the topics that you enjoyed the most in this course, and I can help you find upper year courses which align with your interests. For example, if you liked Chapter 8 from the hardcover textbook, then you'd probably enjoy Math 2C03: Differentiatial Equations. Was Functions of Several Variables your favourite part? Math 2X03: Advanced Calculus I is a continuation of this study. Liked the Probability and Statistics module? Then you might consider taking Stats 2D03: Introduction to Probability.
POLICY ON MISSED WORK:
What material is covered on tests?
Relevant documents: University policy and Faculty policy (with online forms; MSAF) on absences which result in missed academic work. Continue reading to see how these policies apply to this course.
University policy: The MSAF cannot be used for academic work that has already been completed or attempted. Attempting online work INCLUDES opening a test/quiz on Avenue to Learn or other platform.
Missed tests and assignments: For any accommodation to apply, your absence must be documented by an MSAF, or by a communication from your faculty office if you already used an MSAF.
What happens if you miss a test? If you miss a test AND have an MSAF for it, then the weight of that test is transferred to the exam. If you miss a test and do not have an MSAF for it, then that test is recorded with a mark of 0 (zero). Transferring weight from a test to the exam rule above applies if you miss one test. If you miss both tests, then you need to contact your instructor (Dr. Clements, at clemene@math.mcmaster.ca) as soon as possible.
What happens if you miss an assignment? If you miss an assignment AND have an MSAF for it, then the weight of that assignment is transferred to the remaining assignments. If you miss an assignment and do not have an MSAF for it, then that assignment is recorded with a mark of 0 (zero). Transferring weights rule for assignments applies if you miss one or two assignments. If you miss more than two assignments, then you need to contact your instructor (Dr. Clements, at clemene@math.mcmaster.ca) as soon as possible.
TESTS/EXAMS:
What material is covered on tests? About a week before the test, all relevant test information will be posted on this webpage under TERM TESTS.
For online assessments, if any: What is considered academic dishonesty for online tests/exams in this course?Your tests and exam should be completed independently. You should only use the McMaster standard calculator (if required) to aid with calculations (for example, you should not perform a google search on any of your questions, use an online integral calculator, etc.). If you need clarification during a test or exam, you should contact your instructor only. Any other collaboration will be considered (and treated) as academic dishonesty.
For online assessments, if any: Will this course use proctoring software? Possibly. In the past, I have supervised tests and exams using MS Teams (students are divided into small groups and supervised by myself and TAs on a Teams meeting) as well as Respondus (online proctoring software). Both options have their unique pros and cons, and we will discuss these options together as a class before tests and exams.
What calculator am I allowed to use? You may use the McMaster Standard Calculator, Casio fx991 MS or Casio fx991 MS PLUS. You are encouraged to use symbolic or graphic calculator or math software (such as Maple, Excel, Desmos) to study, investigate, or to check solutions to assignments and practice questions.
How much work do I have to show when I solve a math question? Probably the best answer is that you will learn by experience. Observe how your instructor solves examples and problems in lectures. Important note: For online tests/exams, I always ask students to upload their supporting work for each answer, even for multiple choice and true/false questions. In the past, some students have commented that they didn't show any work because they just knew the answer automatically. A final answer only, without any supporting work, does not earn full credit. Imagine if, as an instructor, I just started writing final answers for you without any supporting work or explanation. I am sure you wouldn't find it acceptable! Even if the answer seems obvious to you, remember that there is always a reason or explanation for a given answer and this is what you'll need to provide (along with your final answer) to earn full credit.