An implementation of TAMU Coalition freshman math

As an example (not a prescription) of how the FC freshman calculus curriculum can be implemented, we present here a daily record of the classes taught by S. A. Fulling during Fall 1997 and Spring 1998. In some instances these "diary entries" were written in advance and served as lecture notes; in others they were reconstructed after the fact. Added remarks in ALL CAPS label plans that were not executed because of shortage of time, or attempt to evaluate the success or failure of various pedagogical strategies. (Frequently, pidgin TeX syntax is used for mathematical expressions.) The paper version includes photocopies of some overhead transparencies used or written in the course of the classes.

For a variety of reasons, the day-to-day content of the classes does not correspond exactly to the syllabi in Part One. This is especially so for the fall semester, which matched only approximately the Spring 1998 version taught by D. L. Barrow; in particular, he reversed the order of topics 4 and 5 to improve the coordination with the physics syllabus.

List of teaming, active learning, and assessment activities


  1. Maple, Functions and Graphs, Calculus Preview
  2. Tangents and Velocities, Limits, Continuity

    Review and Test 1a (Day 3.3)

  3. Derivatives and Antiderivatives
  4. Differentiation Rules and Applications

    Review and Test 1b (Day 5.3)

  5. Vectors
  6. Parametric Curves; Polar Coordinates
  7. Chain Rule, Implicit Differentiation, Related Rates
  8. Definite Integral; Numerical Integration

    Review and Test 2 (Day 8.3)

  9. Integration: Fundamental Theorem, Substitution, Area
  10. Line Integrals, Vector Fields, Double Integrals

    Review and Test 3 (Day 12.3)

  11. Properties of Functions and Graphs (Extrema, Concavity, Asymptotes, etc.)

    Review and Midterm Exam


  12. Vectors in Three Dimensions
  13. Applied Max/Min Problems
  14. Differentials; Newton's Method
  15. Transcendental Functions (exp, ln, Inverse Trig)
  16. L'Hospital's Rules

    Review and Test 4 (Day 19.R)

  17. Integration by Parts
  18. Volumes
  19. Centers of Mass and Moments of Inertia
  20. First-Order Differential Equations

    Review and Test 5 (Day 23.R)

  21. Second-Order Differential Equations
  22. Taylor Expansions
  23. Logic and Limits
  24. Limits Involving Infinity; Improper Integrals

    Review and Test 6 (Day 27.R)

  25. Sequences and Series
  26. Historical Perspective

    Review and Final Exam