Math 170 Calculus I - FALL 2020

Moodle is a Learning Management System, similar to Blackboard, that allows for flexible mathematics based quizzes. We will be using Moodle for all quizzes and for additional course resources. There is no fee for using Moodle.

Accessing Moodle

Question Styles

Time Restrictions

Course Resources

Software, Videos, and Apps

Free Online Calculus Courses

Free Textbooks

A list of all recommended homework problems from the textbook is included in this syllabus. While your work for these problems will not be collected, practicing the material as much as possible is the best (and only) way to learn it. You are strongly encouraged to work through additional problems as well.

If you're stuck on a homework problem, please let me know! I can help in class, via email, or in office hours, and I'd be happy to create additional notes or videos to explain a tricky problem or topic.

The exact topic covered on a particular date is subject to change. Exams and quizzes will be given on the day they are scheduled, though the sections appearing on a quiz may differ. Announcements will be made in class regarding any schedule changes.

This is sure to be an unprecedented semester! While we cannot know what the next few months will bring, we must all work together to keep our campus community safe and healthy.

Below is some information regarding policies of the University (in italics) as well as comments, suggestions, and requests that pertain to our class specifically.

SECTION 01 ONLY: A/B Meeting Schedule

As you know, larger classes this semester will need to be “split” into two groups in order to allow for social distancing in the classroom. This means that for each meeting, only half of you will be coming to the classroom for lectures, and the other half will be participating live through Zoom. While this isn’t the ideal scenario, at least it means you can stay in bed two extra mornings each week!

Group A will be come to class on Monday and Wednesday, and attend via Zoom on Tuesday and Friday.
Group B will be come to class on Tuesday and Thursday, and attend via Zoom on Monday and Wednesday.

Face Masks

As per the COVID-19 Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Policy, Mercyhurst University is requiring that all members of the campus community wear a cloth or disposable face covering over their nose and mouth when on campus. Please refer to the policy for specific details as to where and when face coverings are required. Students may use their own face coverings or those provided by the University. A student in need of a face covering should email covid19@mercyhurst.edu or call 814-824-3600 to find the nearest location where face coverings are available. The University’s Mask/Face Coverings Policy will be enforced in this class.

I will have a few disposable masks with me in case you need to borrow one, but please understand that these supplies are limited.

Sanitation and Safety

In keeping with the COVID-19 Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Policy, students are expected to use hand sanitizer and to wipe down their desks using disinfectant wipes when they enter and exit the classroom. Classrooms have been provided with sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for student and faculty use.

Eating and Drinking in Classrooms

In light of the COVID-19 situation, Eating is not permitted in classrooms, labs, or other academic spaces. A water bottle or cup with a lid, and straw preferably, is permitted to be used in classrooms and labs to help prevent a student from becoming uncomfortably parched. Masks should be pulled only slightly away from the bottom of the face to take a quick drink and immediately replaced to covering the mouth and nose.

Class Dismissal, Congestion Prevention

In keeping with the COVID-19 Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Policy, faculty members and students should take steps to avoid crowding outside of classrooms, in hallways, and any enclosed area in university buildings. All rooms will be designated with signs indicating maximum capacity for specific instructional use. These must always be adhered to. Students waiting to enter classrooms or exiting classrooms should always maintain a minimum of 6 feet of distance from others. Class time endings may be adjusted when necessary to minimize overcrowding or congestion.

Seating Chart

In compliance with federal and state regulations, the University must be able to conduct contact tracing if there is a positive test or an outbreak; therefore, seating charts are mandatory for all in-person classes. Students will be required to sit in the same seat in the classroom each time they attend class. The seating chart will be available for review for purposes of contact tracing.

Paper Sharing Policy

We will not be exchanging paper this semester. Supplemental materials will be distributed and made available electronically. Assignments and exams will be submitted electronically as well. You are welcome to bring your own paper to class to take notes, but you may not pass paper to a classmate or to me.

Attendance, Missed Class

Attendance at all classes is expected. However, it is important that students and course instructors adhere to the university’s COVID-19 mitigation policies and strategies. As such, a student who misses class due to illness or suspected illness within the context of those policies will not be penalized and will be provided sufficient means to make up any missed course content or work and remain actively engaged in the class.

The word "attendance" has a broader definition than usual this semester. While attending class is certainly preferred, please do not feel obligated to come if you are feeling ill. You are free to join and participate in the live Zoom meeting in lieu of attending a class meeting, regardless of your A/B schedule . If you're not up to joining in, please watch the recording of the class meeting and the associated video lectures when you're able to.

If you are unable to attend class (or join the live Zoom meeting) for more than a few days, please let me know as soon as possible. I am happy to work with you in building a plan that allows you the time off you need without risking your academic progress.

Potential Class Changes

It is my hope that we remain able to meet in person as scheduled for the entire semester. However, there is a very good chance that our plans will change, and without much notice.

If we are unable to continue meeting in person, you will still have the opportunity to "attend" class via Zoom during our regularly scheduled times. The course content on Blackboard was created to help fill in any unexpected gaps in meetings or attendance.

Our highest priority (even above learning about determinants and vector spaces) is to remain healthy and safe. We will all need to remain responsible, flexible, and understanding to make this semester a success, and I have full confidence that we will be able to achieve that goal.

ADA and Learning Differences

Mercyhurst University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for qualified students, and employees with disabilities as required by law. Individuals seeking an accommodation for a disability must submit a written request outlining the specific accommodation request being made. Supporting documentation may also be required. To request an accommodation, contact Alice Agnew, Director of Equal Opportunity Programs, 311 Egan Hall, aagnew@mercyhurst.edu, 814-824-2362.

Title IX Information

Mercyhurst is committed to providing an environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. Please refer to the Title IX – Sexual Respect button on the HUB for more information. If you would like to file a sexual misconduct complaint, please contact Mercyhurst Title IX Coordinator Alice Agnew, 311 Egan Hall, aagnew@mercyhurst.edu, 814-824-2362. Please be aware that in compliance with Title IX educators must report incidents of sexual assault/harassment, stalking, and domestic/dating violence. If you disclose any of these situations in class, in papers, or to me personally, I am required to report it to the Title IX Coordinator (or any of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators).

Academic Honesty

Students are required to uphold academic integrity throughout the course. In particular, plagiarism of any sort, unauthorized collaboration on exams, quizzes and other assignments, and other incidences of academic dishonesty will be handled according to the policies set forth in the Student Handbook.

Course Evaluations

Near the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete an online course evaluation. The evaluation will be completed in class during the last two weeks of the semester using any laptop, tablet, or mobile device. The response tool allows you to note aspects of the course that helped you learn, as well as aspects that might be modified to help future students learn more effectively. You will receive an email letting you know when the evaluation window for our class is open. Please note that these course evaluations are anonymous and instructors do not see the results until after the grades for the course are submitted.