Calculus (Math 1271) Question

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Minnesota
1

<p>I got stuck with Professor Albert Marden this semester for Math 1271. I see on AlbertMarden</a> - University of Minnesota - RateMyProfessors.com that he gets terrible reviews from students and they all say he is pretty much worthless. To people who have taken Math 1271 at the UMN-TC, how hard is it to teach yourself calculus out of the book? I did this fine for Algebra last semester, but was wondering how much the professor plays a role in learning calculus? Is it doable with a crap professor? Or should I wait until next semester when I can get a good proff? Not sure, so I can use all the advice I can get!</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!.</p>

2

<p>You should be able to teach yourself all the concepts from the book or the internet. Just make sure to do all the assigned problems and get help if you need it! </p>

<p>Good luck, I’ve heard of that professor can be really hard!</p>

3

<p>Nothing like paying $25k to go to college and then teaching yourself from the book/internet.</p>

4

<p>I agree. Since you’re paying for it anyway, just bite the bullet and go to lecture. If you don’t understand what he is talking about, go to his office hours so he’ll at least know you are struggling. I’ve known quite a few professors who are terrible at teaching in front of the entire class, but are helpful one-on-one.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the responses; you were right Jer. It has been okay so far, and I think it will be more than doable teaching it myself this semester. I’m just annoyed by the fact that this school costs so much money and yet for all the science & math classes I take, it’s pretty much a teach-it-to-yourself learning experience. Oh well though :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Also, I’m very glad I took math 1038 (college algebra) before this calc class… or I’d be utterly lost right now if I hadn’t <em>hints for all you freshmen out there</em> :P</p>

6

<p>During my time through calculus 1 the biggest pitfall I observed that held students back was poor algebra skills. What I mean is, unable to keep up with the professor skipping steps or not being able to manipulate equations efficiently. I would highly recommend anyone who struggles at all with algebra to take college algebra as well as pre-calc.</p>