This class is cross-listed as:
Textbook:
Modeling the dynamics of life. Calculus and probability for
life scientists
by Frederick R. Adler. Brooks/Cole, Second Edition, 2005.
Here are pdf copies of
Sections 1.1 and 1.2
(and also the solutions to the odd problems in section 1.2).
Here are pdf copies of
Sections 1.3 and 1.4
(and also the solutions to the odd problems in sections 1.3 and 1.4).
Here are pdf copies of
Sections 1.5 and 1.6,
Sections 1.7 and 1.8,
(including also the solutions to the odd problems in sections 1.5-1.8).
We will cover most of the material in chapters 1-4.
The material on Chapters 5-8 will be covered during Spring 2009,
in a special section of Math 181 that will be taught by Prof. Helen Wearing
(joint professor in the Biology Department and the
Mathematics and Statistics Department).
Note: our textbook is different than the textbook used
in all other sections of Math 180 (Business Calculus).
Course Structure: There are two lectures per week, each of them one hour and fifteen minutes long. We will use the time for lecturing, and also working in groups solving problems.
Course Content: This is a first course in calculus for most of you. This is a special course whose main goal is to teach biology majors and BA/MD students (life sciences majors) the mathematical ideas behind the concept of modeling. As it turns out a central part of that is the idea of dynamic change, and the circle of ideas known as calculus. The book we are using follows three themes: growth, diffusion and selection, which are studied with three different types of models: discrete-time dynamical systems (Chapters 1-3), differential equations (Chapters 4-5), and stochastic processes (Chapters 6-8). As the author well says, ``these three themes provide a logical context to teach the standard material of a calculus text, and more.'' In this course we will make sure we understand measurements, and how functions express relationships between these measurements. We will learn how important for this understanding are basic properties of functions like rates of change, limits, derivatives, continuity, optimization, and integration. Most examples will be drawn from biology or medicine, so if you are a business major you are welcome to stay as long as you are curious about life sciences.
Prerequisites: ACT=>26 or SAT=>600 or MATH 121 or MATH 150 or Compass College Algebra >66, or permission from the instructor.
Homework: The problems and exercises in the textbook are an integral part of the course. You should solve as many as possible. Homework will be assigned weakly, the problems in the homework will be carefully graded, and returned promptly to you with feedback that will help you correct any errors. You are encouraged to discuss the homework with each other, but you should do the writing separately. You learn mathematics by doing, and there is no way around it, it is not enough to see your teacher or your friends solving problems, you have to try it yourself.
Exams: There will be two midterms ( Midterm 1, solutions review Midterm1 ) during weeks six and twelve (Review 2, solutions Review 2 ) , and a final exam on Monday December 15, 2008, from 7:30-9:30am. Here is the final review.
Grades: The final grade will be determined by your performance on the homework, quizes, midterms, and the final exam. The grading policies will be discussed in class.
Final Exams: Fall 2008 finals schedule . Here is the Final Exam.
Important Dates: Fall 2008 deadlines.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Qualified students with disabilities needing appropriate academic adjustments should contact me as soon as possible to ensure your needs are met in a timely manner. Handouts are available in alternative accessible formats upon request.
Return to: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico
Last updated: October 1, 2008