MATH 10A - Calculus I - Briones [WI25]

Welcome to Math 10A, Lecture D!

 

Course:  Math 10A (Course Catalog)

Title:  Calculus I

Credit Hours:  4  (No credit given if taken after Math 20A.)

Prerequisite:  Math Placement Exam qualifying score, or AP Calculus AB score of 2, or SAT II Math 2C score of 600 or higher, or Math 3C, or Math 4C.

Catalog Description:  Differential calculus of functions of one variable, with applications. Functions, graphs, continuity, limits, derivatives, tangent lines, optimization problems.

Textbook:  The required textbook for the course is   OpenStax Calculus, Volume 1 https://openstax.org/details/books/calculus-volume-1   We will cover most of Chapters 1-4 in the text. A list of the topics scheduled to be covered can be found on the Lecture Schedule

Course Readings:  Reading the sections in the textbook that correspond to what we are discussing in class is a very important part of learning the subject. Lecture time is very limited and not every subject can be fully covered in the time allotted for lecture. Consequently, it is in your own interest to read the related chapters in the textbook. You should read the section of the book prior to the lecture in which that section is discussed.

Homework:   Homework is a very important part of the course and in order to fully master the topics it is essential that you work carefully on every assignment and try your best to complete every problem. We will have two different kinds of homework assignments in this class: online WebAssign homework (which will be graded) and, occasionally, "pen and paper" homework (which will not be graded). The online homework can give some insight on what the easier exam problems could be like, while the pen-and-paper problems could give some idea of what the harder exam problems could be like. *The pen and paper problems can be very VERY different from exam problems.

• No homework assignment scores will be dropped at the end of the quarter.

• You can get help with the textbook homework in TA office hours, or in the course Piazza site, or in the Teaching & Learning Commons Drop-In Math Tutoring Service.
• Should you need any extensions on online homework assignments, please request them through the Webassign homework platform

 

Piazza  Piazza is an online discussion forum that allows you to ask questions using mathematical symbols and expressions. Piazza was designed to enable you to get help quickly and efficiently from classmates, TAs, and instructors. Rather than emailing questions to the teaching staff, you are encouraged to post your questions on Piazza. Find the link to our class Piazza page in your Math 10A Canvas site.

Note: If you have any problems or feedback for the developers, email team@piazza.com.

 

Electronic Computing Devices:  Graphing calculators and computer programs (or online computing websites such as Wolfram|Alpha) can be very helpful when working through your homework. However, a calculator/computer should be used as an aid in the learning concepts, not just as a means of computation. You should not hesitate use these devices when working on math problems at home, but always keep in mind that you will not be allowed access to any electronic computing devices during exams. Of course, this also means that you will not be asked to solve problems on exams that require the aid of an electronic computing device.

• The use of electronic devices will NOT be permitted during exams.

 

Exams:  There will be two midterm exams and one final exam. See the course calendar for the specific dates and times.

• It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not have a schedule conflict involving the final examination. You should not enroll in this class if you cannot sit for the final examination at its scheduled time.
• There are no make-up exams for any reason. Nor do we allow alternate times for taking exams. (If you have a documented disability or must miss the exam for a university sponsored activity, then arrangements can be made using the standard procedures.)

• No NOTES of any kind will be allowed during the examinations, and this includes cheat sheets and note cards. We may, at our discretion provide you with a formula sheet.

• No calculators or electronic devices of any kind will be allowed during the examinations.

• IF YOU FAIL THE FINAL EXAM, REGARDLESS OF YOUR GRADE IN THE REST OF THE COURSE, YOU FAIL THE COURSE.**

• ** Note that what is considered a "passing" final exam grade will vary, and will be explained. It usually ISN'T as simple as a 70% on the exam, but the outcome is usually that you CAN earn less than 70% on the exam and still pass the exam.

• Exams will have the following types of points:

  • Calculation Points: These are the points that involve just raw algebraic computation. This can include your attempts at taking limits, derivatives, and anti-derivatives, as well as simpler prerequisite material, like multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division (this is NOT an exhaustive list). This will also include points from all-or-nothing problems that are easier to solve. 
  • Understanding Points: These are points that involve performing the correct steps toward reaching the solution to the problem. Notably, you can potentially get many of these points despite having a wildly incorrect answer. This can include things like using the correct limit or derivative rule for a problem, or identifying which functions serve which purpose in a problem.
  • Mastery Points: These are points that involve your conceptual understanding of the course material. They will only be awarded on parts of the exam that are designed specifically to be different and more difficult than the homework. 

In order to get an A in the course, you need a sufficient number of BOTH understanding points AND mastery points. If you do not reach that threshold, your highest possible grade in the course is an A-.

In order to pass the final exam (and consequently, in order to pass the course), you need a sufficient number of understanding or mastery points (i.e. some combination of both, with more weight on the understanding points). Should you be slightly below the threshold to pass, we can possibly consider your understanding and mastery points on previous exams, but that is left to the discretion of the instructor. 

 

Regrade Policy:  Your exams will be graded using Gradescope.  You will be able to request a regrade via Gradescope for a specified window of time.  Be sure to make your request within the specified window of time; no regrade requests will be accepted after the deadline.

 

Administrative Deadline:  It is your responsibility to check that your exam scores on Canvas are the same as your exam scores published on Gradescope and contact your TA before the end of the 10^th week of the quarter to resolve recording errors.

• Questions regarding missing or incorrectly recorded exam scores will not be considered after the last day of the quarter.
• Note:   Your WebAssign online homework record will be fully uploaded to Canvas after the deadline for the last assignment.
  • Technical problems with your WebAssign account should be resolved as early as possible.   Questions regarding WebAssign will not be considered after the last day of the quarter.

 

Grading: Your course grade will be determined by your cumulative average and your exam grades at the end of the term and will be based on the following scale***:

A+/A/A-	B+/B/B-	C+/C/C-	F
[90 , ...)	[80 , 90)	[70 , 80)	< 70

Your instructor reserves the right adjust the scale. Your cumulative average will be the best of the following two weighted averages.

• 20% Homework,  10% Discussion (5 of 7),  20% Midterm Exam 1,  20% Midterm Exam 2,  30% Final Exam
• 20% Homework,  10% Discussion (5 of 7),  20% Best Midterm Exam,  50% Final Exam

 

***Notes on grading:

• Since there are no makeup midterm exams, if you miss an exam for any reason then your course grade will be computed with the final exam counting 50% of your weighted average. This is considered to be the accommodation for missing a midterm exam. 
• Whether you earn an A, whether you earn a + or - grade, and whether or not you pass, WILL be affected by the number of understanding and mastery points you get on exams, especially the final exam.
• In order to get an A in the course, you need a sufficient number of BOTH understanding points AND mastery points. If you do not reach that threshold, your highest possible grade in the course is an A-
• In order to pass the final exam (and consequently, in order to pass the course), you need a sufficient number of understanding or mastery points (i.e. some combination of both, with more weight on the understanding points). Should you be slightly below the threshold to pass, we can possibly consider your understanding and mastery points on previous exams, but that is left to the discretion of the instructor.
• In addition to the pass threshold for the final exam, there is still going to be a pass threshold for the course, based on your cumulative average. Should you NOT reach that passing threshold, you will not pass the course, regardless of your grade on exams. Unlike the final exam, the cumulative average passing threshold is as simple as some number that is . Based on historical averages, this number is usually less than 70.
• I do NOT give Ds due to administrative issues involved in advancing in the math department. Since math courses will often require the prerequisites to be passed with a C- or higher, and a D is considered a passing grade, it becomes more difficult to take courses in the department that require this course as a prerequisite if you do end up with a D. 
• Unlike in other courses, achieving a 97% or higher does NOT guarantee an A+ in the course. The thresholds or requirements for an A+ will likely be different and more strict, and reflective of consistent, exemplary work in the course.
• The following will disqualify you from receiving an A+ in the course, as they all disrupt the process of getting grades out:
  • Asking what the cutoff for an A+ is
  • Asking for an A+ directly
  • Pointing out that your grade, or any part of it, is "high enough" for an A+
  • Asking why or pointing out that you did not receive an A+
• Exams themselves are generally not curved. This may change in extreme cases–in particular, a curve is more likely (but not guaranteed) if the mean falls below 70%. These extreme cases are separate for the extreme cases of the passing threshold for the final exam.
• No one will know if the course itself is curved at all until after all grades are in. Even if it is determined there would be a curve, it is not guaranteed that such information or the nature of any curve would be given to students. I usually do not tell students how grades are decided, as that tends to cause more chaos the more transparent grade curves/cutoffs are decided.

 

OSD Accommodations:   Students requesting accommodations for this course due to a disability must provide a current Authorization for Accommodation (AFA) letter issued by the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).  We will make every effort to arrange provide any accommodations stipulated by your AFA letter.  For more information, visit the OSD website.

 

Assessment Versioning:   following UCSD (and common) practice recommended by the Academic Integrity Office,  assessments given at non-overlapping times will be comparable, but may not be identical.  This practice is meant to maintain course integrity, avoiding non-allowed collaboration (either intentional or accidental).

 

Academic Integrity:  Academic integrity is highly valued at UCSD and academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense.  Students involved in an academic integrity violation will face an administrative sanction which may include suspension or, in very serious cases, expulsion from the university. If you are caught committing an academic integrity violation, and you do not admit responsibility, and you are found responsible for committing an academic integrity violation, you will receive a failing grade, no matter how small the violation of academic integrity. Your integrity has great value:  Cultivate and protect your academic integrity. For more about academic integrity and its value, visit the UCSD Academic Integrity Website.

• According to the policy, you are not allowed to:
• Complete, in part or in total, any assignment for another person.
• Have any of your course work be completed, in part or in total, by someone else.
• Plagiarize or copy even part of the work of another person or source and submit it as your own work.
• Employ aids excluded by the instructor in completing any assignment.
• Alter graded class assignments, then resubmit them for re-grading;
• Submit substantially the same material in more than one course without prior authorization; and misrepresent, to your instructor, any aspect of your academic work.

(This is not an exhaustive list; refer to the above link for more details)

 

• Name and Gender Pronouns. UC San Diego is committed to supporting its students' name and gender preferences. Class rosters provided to your instructor and TAs have students' legal names, but we will strive to honor your request to be addressed using a preferred name or gender pronoun. Please let your instructor and TA know your preferences so that we can make changes to our records. (Certain university records may be beyond our ability to change, however.)

 

• Equity, Inclusion, and Respect. We are committed to the UC San Diego Principles of Community . "To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to maintain a climate of fairness, cooperation, and professionalism. These principles of community are vital to the success of the University and the well being of its constituents." The principles of community include (but are not limited to): "We affirm each individual's right to dignity and strive to maintain a climate of justice marked by mutual respect for each other." "We reject acts of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs, and, we will confront and appropriately respond to such acts." "We promote open expression of our individuality and our diversity within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect." "We are committed to promoting and supporting a community where all people can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of abusive or demeaning treatment." Visit the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for more information.

 

Lecture Schedule: [Under Construction]

 

Lecture	Date	Topics	Textbook Sections
1	1/6/25	Course Overview and Functions	1.1
2	1/8/25	Functions and Basic Function Classes	1.1-1.2
3	1/10/25	Trigonometric Functions	1.3
4	1/13/25	Inverse Functions	1.4
5	1/15/25	Exponential and Logarithmic Functions	1.5
6	1/17/25	A Preview of Calculus	2.1
n/a	1/20/25	MLK Day (No Lecture)
7	1/22/25	The Limit of a Function	2.2
8	1/24/25	Limit Laws	2.3
Exam	1/27/25	Midterm 1	--- TBD ---
9	1/29/25	Continuity	2.4
10	1/31/25	Defining the Derivative	3.1
11	2/3/25	The Derivative as a Function	3.2
12	2/5/25	Differentiation Rules	3.3
13	2/7/25	Differentiation Rules (Part 2)	3.3
14	2/10/25	Derivatives as a Rate of Change	3.4
15	2/12/25	Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions	3.5
16	2/14/25	The Chain Rule	3.6
n/a	2/17/25	President's Day (No Lecture)
17	2/19/25	Derivatives of Inverse Functions	3.7
18	2/21/25	Implicit Differentiation	3.8
Exam	2/24/25	Midterm 2	--- TBD ---
19	2/26/25	Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithm Functions	3.9
20	2/28/25	Linear Approximations	4.2
21	3/3/25	Maxima and Minima	4.3
22	3/5/25	The Mean Value Theorem	4.4
23	3/7/25	Derivatives and the Shape of a Graph	4.5
24	3/10/25	Derivatives and Infinity and Asymptotes	4.6
25	3/12/25	L'Hopital's Rule	4.8
26	3/14/25	Buffer Day: Review/Catch Up?	??
n/a	3/19/25 (Wednesday)	Final Exam 3:00PM-6:00PM TBA

 

Course Discord (Not an Official Resource): https://discord.gg/XdqYQpvpcN . This discord is shared with other classes I am lecturing this quarter.

 

Instructional Staff:

 

Name	Role	E-mail	Office/Tutor/One-on-one hours
Jor-el Briones	Instructor	jbriones@ucsd.edu	(Actual Office in AP&M 1131, OH will occur in AP&M 1218) (Office Hours vary by week)
Justine Dell	Instructional Assistant	jsdell@ucsd.edu	Office Hours: Tuesday 9:30-11:30am, HSS 5012
Chenghao Xu	Instructional Assistant	chx025@ucsd.edu	Office Hours: Mon 8-10am HSS 4062
David Stephens	Content Tutor	d1stephens@ucsd.edu	Office Hours: Friday 2-3pm APM 5218
Bree Tassinari	Content Tutor	btassinari@ucsd.edu	Office Hours: Monday 10-11am APM 5218
Kera Finnigan	Supplemental Instruction Leader	kfinnigan@ucsd.edu	SI Sessions: Wednesdays 12:00-1:20 pm in Center Hall 316 (in person) Fridays from 1:00-2:20pm on Zoom.