General course information
As of Autumn Quarter 2020, the textbook for MAT 1234 is Calculus, 9th edition, by Stewart, Clegg, and Watson. You are strongly encouraged to purchase the textbook from the SPU bookstore since other materials needed for the course will be bundled for free with the textbook. (Note: There are several versions of calculus texts by Stewart, Clegg, and Watson; some have subtitles such as “Early Transcendentals.” The correct textbook has no subtitle.)
During the first quarter, you will cover most of the material in the first four chapters of the textbook. This textbook is also used for MAT 1235 (Calculus II), MAT 1236 (Calculus III), and MAT 3238 (Vector Calculus).
Calculus Placement
All students are required to take the ALEKS Placement Assessment prior to enrolling in MAT 1234 (“Calculus I”) or MAT 1221 (“Survey of Calculus I”). The ALEKS Placement Assessment, which is administered online, covers pre-calculus algebra and trigonometry skills necessary for success in calculus. Calculator use is not permitted on the assessment. Scores on the assessment will be used to determine appropriate mathematics placement.
Students currently enrolled at SPU who wish to register for MAT 1234 should contact onlinelearning@spu.edu to request access to the ALEKS Placement Assessment. Newly admitted students will receive information about taking the placement exam before coming to campus for New Student Advising.