Lectures (MWF)

Lectures will be face-to-face on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You are expected to attend every lecture. Lectures are run by the professors, listed below. Lectures will be recorded via Boilercast and posted on the Brightspace page.

Recitations (TTh)

Recitations will be face-to-face on Tuesdays and Thursday. You are expected to attend every recitation session. Recitations are run by the Teaching Assistants (TAs). A complete list of the TAs and their emails is available on the class website: https://math.purdue.edu/MA161

Communication

For most course-related questions (deadlines, grading, technical issues), email your TA first. If needed, the TA will escalate your question to the instructor.

Instructor’s Contact Information

Instructors’ contact information is listed below, as well as their office hours.

Math Resource Room

The TAs will hold face-to-face office hours in the Math Resource Room (MRR). You can view the MRR hours here: https://www.math.purdue.edu/academic/courses/helproom

Supplemental Instruction

There are Supplemental Instruction (SI) study sessions available for this course. These study groups are open to anyone enrolled in this course who would like to stay current with the course material and understand the material better. Attendance at these sessions is voluntary, but extremely beneficial for those who attend regularly. Times and locations for the help sessions can be found here: www.purdue.edu/si or on Brightspace. Students who attend these interactive sessions will find themselves working with peers as they compare notes, demonstrate, and discuss pertinent problems and concepts, and share study and test-taking strategies. Students are asked to arrive with their student ID card, lecture notes and questions to these informal, peer-led study sessions. 

Brightspace Page for MA 16100

Check the course Brightspace page (https://purdue.brightspace.com/) often for important information and announcements.

• All due dates for the semester are posted in Brightspace.
• The link to the online Homework in MyLab Math will be posted in Brightspace.
• Your grades will be posted in the Brightspace Gradebook.
• Any changes to the syllabus or important announcements will be posted to the Brightspace page under “Announcements”.
• You can access instructions for using Brightspace at the following page under “Learner Resources”: https://www.purdue.edu/brightspace/Documentation.php

Course Page for MA 16100

You can check this page for information about your lecture or recitation section. It will have your TA’s name and contact information. https://math.purdue.edu/MA161

Textbook and Homework Access

Homework will be completed online in the Pearson MyLab Math platform.

• You will need an access code for Pearson MyLab Math.
• You should access Pearson MyLab Math through the course page in Brightspace.
• For reference, the textbook is “Calculus, Early Transcendentals”, (Third Edition) by Briggs, Cochran, Gillett, Schulz.
• You do not need a physical textbook. A digital version of the textbook (eText) is included in Pearson MyLab Math.
• Video: How to register for MyLab and Mastering with Brightspace by D2L
• There is a two-week trial available before you must purchase an access code.
• If you are taking more than one semester of calculus, the full access code (multi-semester) is good for all the Calculus courses (MA 16100, MA 16200, MA 16500, MA 16600, and MA 26100) since they use the same textbook.

Calculators

Calculators are not allowed in exams or quizzes. You may use calculators for homework assignments.

Course Outcomes

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

1. Solve exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric equations.
2. Compute limits and apply limit laws.
3. Apply rules of differentiation to compute derivatives of elementary functions.
4. Sketch graphs of functions with the aid of differentiation techniques.
5. Find maxima and minima of functions and solve optimization problems.
6. Compute integrals of some elementary functions.
7. Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
8. Compute areas of certain planar regions.

How the Course Works

Course Calendar

The course calendar will be posted on the Brightspace page. The calendar is also posted online here: https://www.math.purdue.edu/~kthood/calendar_ma161_sp26.html

Any changes or adjustments to the schedule will be announced on the Brightspace page.

Homework

• 36 online homework assignments in MyLab Math.
• Homework is due on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Open resource, but your homework submission should reflect your own understanding.

Quizzes

There will be a quiz during face-to-face recitation almost every week on Tuesdays. Quizzes typically cover the lecture material from the previous week. Please see the calendar for the quiz schedule.

Recitation Activities

There will be a graded Recitation Activity during face-to-face recitation almost every week on Thursdays. Recitation Activities are collaborative, in-class problem-solving sessions designed to help you practice explaining ideas and reasoning with peers in preparation for quizzes and exams.

Grading & Assessment

Grades

Course grades are determined from your overall total score using a percentage scheme according to the formula in the table below:

• You can check your running Total Score online in the Brightspace Gradebook. The Total Score percentage grades will not be rounded.
• Letter grades are based on total percentage, not curved by individual component.
• Final letter grades will be determined using the following tentative grading scale:

Will there be a curve?

• At the end of the semester, the total class score will be calculated according to the formula above and a letter grade assigned.
  • For each of the grades in the Tentative Grading Scale, it's possible that a somewhat lower percentage will be enough to earn that letter grade.
  • The grading scale will be chosen so that the grade distribution is consistent with previous semesters of this class.

Exams

There will be three midterm exams and a final exam. The midterms are all evening exams. Dates and times are listed below:

Detailed exam rules appear in the “Detailed Assessment Policies” section.

Detailed Assessment Policies

You do not need to read this section now. You can come back to this section if you have any questions about course policies.

Attendance Policy

This course follows Purdue’s academic regulations regarding attendance, which states that students are expected to be present for every meeting of the classes in which they are enrolled. Attendance will not be recorded, but you are responsible for all information, announcements, and course material that is presented in lectures and recitations.

Homework Policies

Unlimited Attempts

There are unlimited attempts on the homework questions.

• Open Answer Questions: you have 3 tries to answer the question correctly.
• Multiple Choice Questions: the number of tries = number of choices - 2

After a student has reached the maximum number of tries on a question, they will be presented with another attempt. This will be a similar question but with different coefficients and a different solution. Students will have unlimited attempts at each question with (up to) 3 tries for each attempt. You will use one attempt when you access “Help Me Solve This”. The highest grade of all attempts is recorded in the Gradebook. There is no penalty for submitting an incorrect answer.

Homework Score Appeal

If you believe there was a mistake in the grading of a homework question, please contact your recitation TA by email.

Homework Habits

Dr. Hood strongly recommends that students attempt each homework problem independently, using pen and paper. Keeping all homework in a single notebook is encouraged, as it allows you to review your work when studying for quizzes and exams. Becoming stuck partway through a problem is both common and valuable—this is often where the most learning occurs, as it reveals which concepts or techniques require further practice.

Students may be tempted to rely on questionable resources such as excessive calculator use, online solution generators, generative AI, answer-sharing websites, etc. Using these shortcuts undermines the purpose of homework by preventing you from developing problem-solving skills, assessing your own understanding, and building computational fluency. Consistently poor homework habits will almost certainly be reflected in weak quiz and exam performance.

Quiz Policies

There will be a quiz during face-to-face recitation almost every week on Tuesdays. You are not permitted to use calculators, books, notes, electronic devices, websites, or to consult a peer or any other person on the quizzes.

Recitation Activity Policies

Recitation Activities are collaborative, discussion-based sessions designed to provide guided practice and formative feedback. During recitation, the TA will circulate, answer questions, and offer feedback as students work through the problems, helping them identify misconceptions, refine their reasoning, and practice effective problem-solving strategies.

Students are expected to actively participate and contribute to their group’s work. While collaboration and TA guidance are encouraged, students should be able to solve similar problems independently on quizzes and exams. Credit for Recitation Activities is based on participation and demonstrated reasoning, not on completing every problem. Because these activities take place during class time, students who arrive late may not be able to earn full credit for that day’s activity.

Mistakes are an expected and valuable part of learning mathematics. Students are expected to engage respectfully and constructively with their peers during Recitation Activities.

Exam Policies

• The final exam will be comprehensive, and it will cover the material from the entire course. The final exam information will be announced later in the semester.
• You are not permitted to use calculators, books, notes, electronic devices, websites, or to consult a peer or any other person on the exams.
• Exam scores are final and there are no exam re-takes.

Missed Homework/Quiz/Recitation Activity

If you miss a deadline due to a Purdue University Approved Absence, then you may contact your TA to request an exemption. You must contact your TA about your extenuating circumstance by 48 hours after the due date and provide necessary supporting documentation to receive an exemption.

• Missed Homework – extension possible
• Missed Quiz – exemption possible, no make-ups
• Missed Recitation Activity – exemption possible, no make-ups

To accommodate any unpredictable absences or absences without documentation, the following scores will be dropped:

• 3 lowest homework scores
• 1 lowest quiz score
• 1 lowest recitation activity score

Missed Exam Policy

If there are any special circumstances that may affect your ability to successfully complete an exam (illness, family emergency, conflict with another class at Purdue, etc.), you should discuss the situation with your instructor before taking the exam (if you are physically able to).

• Approved Absence – make-up exam, no penalty
• Unapproved Absence – make-up exam, 20% penalty

Approved Absences

In rare cases, students may be permitted to take a make-up exam. This exam will be a different version from the in-person exam taken on the original date. Make-up Exam dates and times are limited. Make-up Exams should be requested within 48 hours of the original exam date. When possible, advance notice is preferred.

If a student is sick at the time of the exam, the appropriate course of action is to schedule a make-up exam for when the student is feeling better. Once an exam is taken, it cannot be voided or retaken.

Unapproved Absences

If you miss an exam with an Unapproved Absence such as remembering the time or date wrong, you will be given an opportunity to take a make-up exam with a 20% late penalty.

• That means, for an exam worth 100 points with a 20% late penalty, then 20% of your scored points will be subtracted from your score. For example, if you scored 86/100 on the exam, then your score will become (86*0.8)/100 = 68.8/100 after the penalty is applied.
• If a student arrives at an exam more than 20 minutes late, they will not be permitted to take the exam. The student will have to take the make-up exam later. The 20% late penalty will be applied (unless the student provides documentation for an Approved Absence).
• Requests for a Make-Up Exam due to an Unapproved Absence must be made within 48 hours of the original exam date. Requests after that deadline will be denied.

Supporting Documentation

• If you have an extenuating circumstance for missing a deadline, we will do our best to make the accommodation needed based on the situation. You are expected to provide supporting documentation for missing the deadline.
• Please read the table below for the type of documentation needed for each absence. You do not need to memorize this table. Refer to it only if you miss an assessment.

Administrative & Enrollment Information

Section Changes and Drops

During the first week of classes, you can make section changes or drop the course yourself within myPurdue, and no signatures are required. From the second week until the deadline, you need to submit an electronic section change or withdrawal request on myPurdue.

If you switch between recitation sections, please email both your previous TA and new TA to ensure that your HW and quiz scores are copied over into the new Brightspace Gradebook.

Important Dates

Please see Spring 2026 Add/Drop Information for more details.

University Statements

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is one of the highest values that Purdue University holds. Individuals are encouraged to alert university officials to potential breaches of this value by either emailing integrity@purdue.edu or by calling 765-494-8778. While information may be submitted anonymously, the more information is submitted the greater the opportunity for the university to investigate the concern. More details are available on our course Brightspace under University Policies.

Nondiscrimination Statement

A hyperlink to Purdue’s full Nondiscrimination Policy Statement is included in our course Brightspace under University Policies and Statements.

Accessibility

Purdue University strives to make learning experiences accessible to all participants. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at: drc@purdue.edu or by phone: 765-494-1247.

If you have been certified by the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as eligible for accommodation, you should contact your TA to discuss your accommodation as soon as possible. You should send your Course Accessibility Letter (CAL) to your TA and to the professor. Here are instructions for how to send your course accessibility letter: https://www.purdue.edu/drc/students/course-accessibility-letter.php Accommodations will be implemented once the CAL is received. According to University policy, accommodations are not retroactive.

Students with disabilities whose DRC Course Accessibility Letter (CAL) includes test accommodations must first release their CAL to the instructor and then schedule to take their exams through the DRC at olympic.accessiblelearning.com/Purdue. While exams are scheduled through the DRC, the exams will be organized and proctored by the Undergraduate Math Office (UMO). You must schedule your exam at least one week before the exam date listed on the syllabus. In the case of finals week, you must do this at least one week before the start of finals week. The instructor will provide the UMO with your exam and the UMO will administer it and provide the result to the instructor for grade reporting. Students who fail to follow this process and these deadlines risk not being able to have their accommodations for that exam.

Mental Health/Wellness Statement

• If you find yourself beginning to feel some stress, anxiety and/or feeling slightly overwhelmed, try WellTrack. Sign in and find information and tools at your fingertips, available to you at any time.
• If you need support and information about options and resources, please contact or see the Office of the Dean of Students. Call 765-494-1747. Hours of operation are M-F, 8 am- 5 pm.
• If you find yourself struggling to find a healthy balance between academics, social life, stress, etc., sign up for free one-on-one virtual or in-person sessions with a Purdue Wellness Coach at RecWell. Student coaches can help you navigate through barriers and challenges toward your goals throughout the semester. Sign up is free and can be done on BoilerConnect.
• If you’re struggling and need mental health services: Purdue University is committed to advancing the mental health and well-being of its students. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of mental health support, services are available. For help, such individuals should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 765-494-6995 during and after hours, on weekends and holidays, or by going to the CAPS office on the second floor of the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) during business hours. The CAPS website also offers resources specific to situations such as COVID-19.

Basic Needs Security

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support. There is no appointment needed and Student Support Services is available to serve students 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Commercial Note Taking in Classes

Notes taken in class are generally considered to be "derivative works" of the instructor's presentations and materials, and they are thus subject to the instructor's copyright in such presentations and materials. No individual is permitted to sell or otherwise barter notes, either to other students or to any commercial concern, for a course without the express written permission of the course instructor. See University Senate Document 03-9, April 19, 2004.

Course and Instructor Evaluations

During the last two weeks of the semester, you will be provided an opportunity to evaluate this course and your instructor(s) through online course evaluations. On Monday of the 14th week of classes, you will receive an official email from evaluation administrators with a link to the online site. You will have two weeks to complete this evaluation. Your participation in this evaluation is an integral part of this course. Your feedback is vital to improving education at Purdue University. We strongly urge you to participate in the evaluation system.

Emergency Preparation

In the event of a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines and grading percentages are subject to changes that may be necessitated by a revised semester calendar or other circumstances beyond the instructor’s control. Relevant changes to this course will be posted onto the course Brightspace page. You are expected to read your @purdue.edu email on a frequent basis.