Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - MATH 154 D100

Calculus I for the Biological Sciences (3)

Class Number: 3011

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 12, 2018
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Simon Fraser University Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 151 or 157 may not take MATH 154 for further credit.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: limits, growth rate and the derivative; elementary functions, optimization and approximation methods, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics Covered:

  • Rational Functions
  • Limits
  • Rates of Change
  • Definition of Derivative
  • Basic Differentiation Rules
  • Chain Rule
  • Linear Approximation
  • Curve Sketching
  • Optimization
  • Related rates and implicit differentiation
  • Exponential and logarithmic functions
  • Differential equations for exponential growth and decay
  • Solving differential equations
  • Euler's method and numerical solutions
  • Periodic and trigonometric functions
  • Applying qualitative analysis to biological models

Grading

  • Instructor Questions (best 9 out of 10) 10%
  • Diagnostic Test (or CSS) 5%
  • Online Questions 5%
  • Midterm 1 15%
  • Midterm 2 15%
  • Final Exam 50%

NOTES:

THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks.
Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semester.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course Notes: Differential Calculus for the Life Sciences by Leah Edelstein-Keshet available as a downloadable version from your Canvas MATH 154 course container in full format or section by section at the start of the term if you are enrolled in the course.

 

REQUIRED READING:

See Materials section above.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS