Elementary Calculus I

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Objectives:

The course provides students with an elementary introduction to functions of one variable, focusing on trigonometric and exponential functions, limits, differentiation, integration, and simple differential equations. Additionally, the course includes basic vector algebra. Students learn to use this for simple modeling in biology, natural sciences, and social sciences.

Content:

The course includes an elementary introduction to functions of one variable, focusing on trigonometric and exponential functions, limits, differentiation, integration, and simple differential equations. Additionally, the course includes basic vector algebra.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • has insight in the properties of basic functions such as polynomial functions, exponential functions, and trigonometric functions.
  • can differentiate functions formed by the basic functions, and they know basic techniques for evaluating indefinite and definite integrals involving these functions
  • can discuss the graphs of functions of one variable, basic vector algebra with simple geometrical applications
  • can model simple situations involving exponential functions and simple differential equations, and find solutions for the model equations

Skills

The student

  • is able to solve problems involving basic functions such as polynomial functions, exponential functions, and trigonometric functions
  • is able to differentiate functions formed by the basic functions, and the student can apply basic techniques for evaluating indefinite and definite integrals involving these functions
  • is able discuss the graphs of functions of one variable, and is able to apply basic vector algebra on simple geometrical applications
  • is able to model simple situations involving exponential functions and simple differential equations, and is able tofind solutions for the model equations

General competence

The student

  • can basic mathematical methods and the student can apply them to solve simple practical problems.
  • can engage in group work and articulate mathematical reasoning.

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Semester of Instruction

Autumn

Recommended Previous Knowledge

R1 (Intermediate level of mathematics from Norwegian high school) or S1+S2

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

MAT111: 5 ECTS, ECON140: 7 ECTS, MAT105: 5 ECTS

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Mandatory attendance at first test-KTĂ…LT

Forms of Assessment

The course has a composite assessment structure, where the final grade is based on three components:

1. Multiple-choice quizzes completed throughout the semester, both individually and in groups. Results from the individual and group-based quizzes are weighted equally. This component contributes 20 % of the final grade.

2. Written mid-semester examination (2 hours). This component contributes 40 % of the final grade

3. Written final examination (2 hours). This component contributes 40 % of the final grade.

The final grade for the course is calculated on the basis of the points achieved in all three components, weighted as described above.

Validity of Assessment Components

You will receive a separate letter grade for each of the three assessment components.

  • The result from the multiple-choice quizzes (Component 1) is valid in the semester in which the quizzes are completed and in the following spring semester.
  • The results from the mid.semester examination (Component 2) and the final examination (Component 3) are valid only in the semester in which they are completed

Grounds for Appeal and Appeals Against Grades

  • For the multiple-choice quizzes (Component 1), requests for grounds for assessment and appeals may be submitted and processed on an ongoing basis throughout the semester.
  • For the mid-semester examination (Component 2) and the final examination (Component 3), requests for grounds for assessment and appeals can only be processed after the final examination has been graded.

Resit Examination

Students who retake the examination in the folloving spring semester will receive a final grade based on:

1. The previously achieved result from the multiple-choice quizzes completed during the autumn semester (20 %)

2. An early written on-campus examination in the spring semester (4 hours), which replaces both the mid-semester examination and the final examination (80 %)

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Reading List

The reading list will be published within 1. december.

Course Administrator

The Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mathematics has the administrative responsibility for the course and program.