Lectures: BK 203, MW 1:00pm-2:15pm
Instructor: Dr. Mihaela Vajiac Office: VN 107
Office hours:TBA on personal webpage http://www.chapman.edu/~mbvajiac. Email: mbvajiac at chapman.edu.
Text: Multivariable Calculus, Early Transcedentals by James Stewart, 6th edition, Brooks Cole, 2007. Topics covered: Vectors and the Geometry of Space (Chapter 12), Vector Functions (Chapter 13), Partial Derivatives (Chapter 14), Multiple Integrals (Chapter 15), Vector Calculus (Chapter 16), maybe even some Second-Order Diff.Eq.
Prerequisites: Math 111 or equivalent. Credits: 3
Objectives: The main objective for this course is to acquaint
you with fundamental calculus concepts involving functions of more than one
variable, and to help you to understand and apply such functions in a
variety of settings.
We begin with a treatment of
the geometry of space. We shall learn about vectors, dot and cross-products,
line, planes, 3-D surfaces and how to visualize them. We then introduce the concept
of a vector function and their derivatives, integrals, arc-length, curvature.
Then on to functions of several variables, and their partial derivatives,
directional derivatives and max/min problems.
We will then we cover multiple integrals and finish in style with
vector calculus, wrapping everything in a layer of higher-level math.
Much thought and persistent work on your part will be necessary in
order to achieve this goal. Making a regular and concerted effort to
read the textbook will be a key to success. To prepare for exams, it is
also recommended that you try working as many problems from the book as
possible. Condensed answers to the odd numbered problems can be found
in the back of the book to assist you in determining whether your
approach is correct. Questions are ALWAYS welcome during class periods
and during office hours. Attendance at each class lecture is required
and expected.
Homework:
Homework comes in two forms. One form consists of WeBWorK problems
which are done over the web at
http://math.chapman.edu
and provide instant feedback as to whether you have done a problem correctly or not.
When you have done a WeBWorK problem correctly, your credit for the problem is
immediately recorded in the database.
You are encouraged to discuss problems with other students, however WeBWorK
problems are individualized for each student, so you must do your own assignment.
WeBWorK problems count for 100 of the total 500 points.
There will be approximately 22 WeBWork assignments, each consisting of 10 or so
problems, open every class period and due next class period.
The second form of homework consists of supplementary practice problems that are listed on the schedule on the web on my web page as well as on Moodle. (you will learn about Moodle in thee following paragraph) These problems contribute as extra credit points that are added to your total grade, up to a maximum of 3 percentage points, and they will be due on the day of the midterm exam. Similar problems will undoubtedly appear on WeBWorK homework and on exams. It is especially important to work on both the WeBWorK and supplementary practice problems in the same week.
The third form of homework consists of 1 or 2 problems asssigned weekly to assess your capabilities of writing mathematics.
The sum of these contribute an extra 1 percentage point.
Moodle: We will also use a web-based course management system called Moodle (at http://math.chapman.edu). This system has particular features for writing mathematical formulas, graphing functions, and communicating in online discussions. We will make use of this system for some homework assignments and projects. Every few weeks, you may be assigned problems to which you will write solutions within Moodle, much like the written homework, for more extra credit points.
Tests: Two in-class tests (100 points each) will be given. The dates for these tests will be anounced in class a week in advance. Implicit in your registration for this class is the affirmation that you will be present to take all examinations. No make-up exams will be given.
Final exam: The final exam (200 points) is comprehensive and is scheduled on Wednesay, December 15th, 8:00am-10:30am.
Important Note: As a general rule, there will be no no make-up tests.
Grading: Total 500 points, distributed as follows:
Tentative scale:
| Score of at least (%) | 92 | 90 | 87 | 83 | 80 | 77 | 73 | 70 | 67 | 63 | 60 |
| Letter Grade | A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- | D+ | D | D- |
Students with disabilities: In compliance with ADA guidelines, students who have any condition, either permanent or temporary, that might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the beginning of the term. The University, through the Center for Academic Success, will work with the appropriate faculty member who is asked to provide the accommodations for a student in determining what accommodations are suitable based on the documentation and the individual student needs. The granting of any accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course.
Academic Integrity: Students are assumed to be familiar with the Academic Integrity Code. Any violations of this code will be strictly dealt with in accordance with this code. You are responsible for all the information discussed in class and in the appropriate sections of the text, unless told otherwise.
Dr. Mihaela Vajiac