Math 211 - Multivariable Calculus
Spring Semester, 1995-96
Single-variable calculus, as studied in Math 111 and Math 112, is concerned with functions of one variable and their two-dimensional graphs (xy-coordinates). In multivariable calculus, we turn our attention to functions of more than one variable. If the function is a function of two variables f(x,y), its graph requires three dimensions (xyz-coordinates), and we will spend much of our time in three-dimensional space.
To help us visualize in three dimensions, we will use Mathematica, a powerful program for doing all sorts of mathematics. Mathematica is capable of producing gorgeous three-dimensional graphics as the above pictures of a torus (donut) and the Klein bottle illustrate. It takes a little effort to get used to Mathematica, but the rewards are worth the effort.
Following are a few particulars about this course.
CLASS INFORMATION:
- Meeting time: MWF 10:00-10:50
- Meeting room: Glatfelter 203
OFFICE AND OFFICE HOURS:
- Office hours: MWF 8:00-9:50 and by appointment
TELEPHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL:
- Telephone: 337-6630
- E-mail: jfink@gettysburg.edu
- WWW page: http://www.gettysburg.edu/~jfink/jpf.html
- Class e-mail alias: ma-211-a
EXAM DATES:
- Exam 1: Monday, February 12
- Exam 2: Wednesday, March 20
- Exam 3: Friday, April 26
- Final Exam: Saturday, May 4, 8:30-11:30 AM
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:
- See Gettysburg College Announcement of Courses or Gopher.
PREREQUISITES:
- Math 112 (with a C grade or better) or equivalent
TEXTBOOK:
- Multivariable Calculus (preliminary edition) by McCallum, Hughes-Hallett, Gleason, et al.
COURSE CONTENT:
GRADING POLICY:
- Your grade will be determined by your scores on the following:
- the homework and quizzes (1/6),
- the three exams (1/6 each),
- the final exam (1/3).
***There will be no make-up exams or quizzes, and late work will not be accepted.***
- New department requirement for all 200- and 300-level courses:
A requirement of this course is full attendance at three or more designated departmental extracurricular functions. Examples include the department's Common-Hour colloquium series and other special events which will take place from time to time and which will be announced in advance. The final course average of any student not satisfying this requirement will be reduced ten percentage points or one letter grade.
DAILY READINGS AND HOMEWORK:
- Assigned readings should be done before class, and you should also attempt an assigned problem or two. See the detailed syllabus. Working problems is essential for an understanding of the material, and you are advised to keep up with the homework. The daily assignments may include material that will not be discussed in class. You are expected to learn this material on your own and to make use of the resources available to you to complete the assignments. I will not collect and grade all the assigned problems. Instead, I will give a combination of quizzes and homework to be turned in drawn from or similar to the assigned readings and problems.
CLASS PARTICIPATION:
- Class attendance and discussion will be noted and can account for a +/- grade difference. Interaction and discussion with other students are strongly encouraged.