Johns Hopkins AS.110.108 Calculus I: Topics and Practice

Johns Hopkins AS.110.108, Calculus I (Physical Sciences & Engineering), is the first calculus course for Hopkins students heading into physics, chemistry, engineering and related fields. It is a 4-credit course in the Krieger School's mathematics department. This guide explains what the catalogue says and maps each Calculus I topic to free practice with instant feedback.

What AS.110.108 covers

The Johns Hopkins e-catalogue describes AS.110.108 as differential and integral calculus. It lists analytic geometry, functions, limits, integrals and derivatives, polar coordinates, parametric equations, Taylor's theorem and applications, and infinite sequences and series. It adds that some applications to the physical sciences and engineering are discussed, and that "the courses" are designed to meet the needs of students in these disciplines.

That wording matters: the catalogue uses the same description for AS.110.108 and AS.110.109, so it describes the whole two-semester sequence. In a typical split, Calculus I covers functions, limits, derivatives and the beginning of integration, while polar coordinates, parametric equations, Taylor's theorem and series belong to AS.110.109. The catalogue does not give a week-by-week split, so check your course syllabus.

The catalogue lists no prerequisite for AS.110.108. The course counts toward the Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences distribution area and the Science and Data foundational ability.

AS.110.108 topic map

Choosing a Calculus I at Hopkins

Johns Hopkins runs two parallel Calculus I courses and an honors option:

All three are 4-credit courses, according to the catalogue.

Example problems at the AS.110.108 level

1. A limit at infinity.

2. A related rate. A circle's radius grows at 2 cm/s. When r = 5, \frac{dA}{dt} = 2\pi r \frac{dr}{dt} = 20\pi cm²/s.

3. A definite integral.

How to do well in AS.110.108

• Strengthen functions first. Analytic geometry and functions open the catalogue description, so revise exponent rules and key trig values.
• Practice a little every day. Derivative rules become automatic only through repetition.
• Focus on physical meaning. The course emphasizes science and engineering applications, so practice reading derivatives as velocities and integrals as accumulated change.
• Prepare for exams with timed practice exams and the formula sheet.