Calculus for the Social Sciences

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
MATH 1125
Descriptive
Calculus for the Social Sciences
Department
Mathematics
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
35
Course Designation
None
Industry Designation
None
Contact Hours

Lecture: 4 hrs/week

Tutorial: 1 hr/week

Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Tutorial
Learning Activities

Lectures, tutorials,  problem sessions and assignments

Course Description
This course is an introduction to differential calculus for students in business and social sciences. Topics include limits, differentiation techniques for algebraic, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions, mathematical modeling, applications to graphing and optimization, implicit differentiation and differentials.
Course Content
  1. Limits and Limit Laws
  2. Continuity
  3. Tangent Lines and the Derivative
  4. Differentiation Rules and Implicit Differentiation
  5. Related Rates
  6. Marginal Analysis and Differentials
  7. Applications to Graphing Functions
  8. Determining the Extrema of Functions
  9. Additonal techniques of Business Analysis
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

  • evaluate elementary limits involving algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.
  • describe the concept of continuity and determine intervals upon which a function is continuous.
  • apply the intermediate value theorem.
  • find average and instantaneous rates of change.
  • define derivatives and relate them to tangent line slopes and instantaneous rates of change.
  • use differentiation rules to compute the derivatives of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric and implicit functions.
  • formulate and solve problems involving marginal analysis, elasticity, points of diminishing returns, and other forms of economic modeling.
  • apply the concepts of differentials and linear approximations to applications in business and social sciences.
  • sketch graphs of functions by applying first and second derivative techniques as well as analysis of vertical, horizontal and slant asymptotes.
  • use differentiation to determine the local and absolute extrema of functions.
  • use calculus methods to solve problems of time value of money: interest, annuities, loans, investments and the value of a continuous money flow.

Additional topics that may be included in the course:

  • compute the definite and indefinite integral of a function.
  • use integration techniques (substitution, integration by parts and others) to compute integrals.
  • apply the integral to problems in business and the social sciences.
  • use Newton’s method to determine points of intersection.
  • solve problems involving Markov Chains, Linear Programming and Game Theory.
Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.  The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.  Evaluation will be based on the following:

Weekly tests 0-40%
Term tests 20-70%
Assignments 0-20%
Attendance/participation 0-5%
Tutorials 0-10%
Final examination 30-40%
Textbook Materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. 

Example textbooks and materials may include:

Hoffmann and Bradley, Applied Calculus, current edition, McGraw Hill

Prerequisites

MATH 1105 or MATH 1110 or Precalculus 12 or equivalent with a B or better

Which Prerequisite