Sometimes homework can take 30 minutes, but usually it takes 3 hours or more. There is a quiz each week given during discussion, so you have to go to discussion. That's how they enforce its mandatory nature. There are two midterms. The first one is relatively easy, and the second one is extremely difficult. The average seemed to be at 70%. The final was on the same level as the second midterm. He never tells the average, but it was likely around 70%. There is a slight curve, but it is small. Don't rely on it. Lecture is extremely boring, and he tends to complicate things. If you are on a pre-comm track, just take Applied Calc 1. Don't be a fool and think that you are showing more effort by taking regular calc 1. It's not worth it.