Calculus for the Life Sciences Lab

Course Description

Laboratory supporting MAT 184. Corequisite: MAT 184; Note: No grade is awarded with this course number. Grades are awarded with the lecture course.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Calculate derivatives and integrals of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions
  • Use derivatives to determine extrema and points of inflection, and to sketch graphs
  • Use integrals to calculate areas
  • Apply calculus techniques to solve growth and decay problems in applications

The course also adheres to the MAC General Education learning goals attached to the Quantitative Reasoning marker:

  • SLO 1 Interrelate real world information with mathematical forms (eg., with functions, equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words, geometric figures)
  • SLO 2 Formulate and justify conclusions based on quantitative arguments
  • SLO 3 Communicate the quantitative evidence of the argument

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Tests (4 at 15% each) 60%
Homework 10%
Quizzes 10%
Final exam 15%
Lab attendance 5%

Grading Scale:

Percentage Letter Grade
93.0-100%A
90.0-92.9%A-
87.0-89.9%B+
83.0-86.9%B
80.0-82.9%B-
77.0-79.9%C+
73.0-76.9%C
70.0-72.9%C-
67.0-69.9%D+
63.0-66.9%D
60.0-62.9%D-
Below 60%F

Attendance/Participation:

Lab attendance is included as part of the grade for this course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

  • Textbook: Mathematics for Biological Scientists by M. Aitken, B. Broadhurst, and S.Hladky. ISBN-13: 978-0-8153-4136-9
  • A scientific calculator or other non-internet enabled calculator.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.