Calculus I: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can you give an approximate weekly time investment necessary to successfully complete the course?
A. That's hard to tell. It will probably translate into 9 - 12 hours/week for the class. I would guess that, once you were used to the system, you should spend the same amount of time on this class as if it were a standard college class.

Q. Approximately how much time is needed to complete homework assignments?
A. Time spent on homework will be rather variable and is included in the study time above. For this class, there will be 3 types of assignments:
• Short exercises as you go through the 'lecture' material
• Homework assignments from the textbook, which usually do not take too much time
• Three written assignments, which can take longer to do but are infrequent.

Q. How much time is spent on chat sessions?
A. One hour a week to begin, more only if there is more demand.

Q. Are the chat times mandatory?
A. They are encouraged, but not required. Participation is not evaluated. I want you to ask questions, provide suggestions, etc. without worrying about how I might grade your comments.

Q. Do you have an approximation of when the chat times will be conducted? Will they conflict with my sports schedule?
A. I hope to be able to arrange a common time. If that were not possible, I would have two times that students could choose from.

Q. What is the exam structure for Calculus 1?
A. Exam dates are flexible, although there will be deadlines to have completed the exams. There are two midterm exams, plus a final exam, and the types of homework listed above. Homework lists and deadlines for completing those will be available next week.