Introduction to Functions and Calculus I
MATH MA
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Calculus stands as one of the great intellectual achievements of the last millennium, developed by Newton and Leibniz to understand motion, growth, and change. Math Ma is the first half of a full-year calculus sequence that studies functions and their rates of change through a coherent mathematical narrative that blends precalculus and calculus.
A central theme of Math Ma is understanding, describing, and calculating rates of change. Students develop and analyze mechanistic models built on specific assumptions about how quantities change over time, including constant rate of change, constant acceleration, and constant percent change. These models provide a natural context for a deeper exploration of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and how they are used to represent and interpret real-world phenomena.
Throughout the course, algebraic reasoning is used to justify conclusions; fluency with symbolic manipulation and differentiation is developed as a powerful tool for making sense of the world. Core topics include limits, derivatives, interpreting derivatives in context, and optimization, with a sustained emphasis on conceptual understanding.
Course Notes
This course, when taken together with Mathematics Mb, can be followed by Mathematics 1b. Mathematics Ma and Mb together cover all the material in Mathematics 1a (and more). This course, when taken together with Mathematics LS, can satisfy a number of different requirements for students interested in the life sciences or students on the pre-med track. See Math LS for more information.
Class Notes
Math MA is taught in small sections throughout the day on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule (9:00-10:15 am, 10:30-11:45 am, 12-1:15 pm, 1:30-2:45 pm, and 3:00-4:15 pm with sufficient enrollment). You will not register for Math MA directly. Instead, please: Enroll in Math PL.Once you are enrolled, complete the Math Sectioning Form (available on my.harvard) to indicate your course preferences and time preferences.Take the Math Placement Verification Exam during your assigned time slot. For information about how to register for this course and to rank your time preferences, please see the Canvas site.There will be required workshops Tuesdays. Workshop will be scheduled the first week of class. Information will be available via Canvas. The course will have a mandatory information meeting on the morning of the first day of the semester. Information will be available via Canvas.Midterms will be scheduled on various Thursdays during the block 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. You will sign up for a "Quiz Section" to block this time on your schedule. If there is an unavoidable academic conflict, please email Sarah Chin (schin@math.harvard.edu) explaining your conflict and why it is unavoidable. She will arrange an alternative time for you.
Recommended Prep
The first time you enroll in any introductory math course (Math Ma through Math 22a), you are required to take a Math Verification Exam. Your results may determine which introductory course(s) you are eligible to take. For more information please go to this website (https://canvas.harvard.edu/courses/168499). This course is appropriate for students with and without previous calculus experience. Techniques from high school algebra are used right away and students who have taken a break from mathematics can expect to spend extra time reviewing them.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
