MATH 280C, Multivariate Calculus
Spring 2013

January 14, 2013

Bryan Smith

Logistics

Professor Bryan Smith	Thompson 390D	879-3562	bryans[at]ups.edu

Math 280C	Thompson 197	M,T,Th,F	2:00 - 2:50 P.M.

Office Hours		Tuesday and Thursday	10:00 - 10:50 A.M.

		Monday and Friday	03:00 - 03:50 P.M.
		Other by Appointment

Course Overview

Multivariate Calculus (MATH 280) is the third course in the introductory calculus sequence and it's primary purpose is to extend the one-dimensional ideas introduced in MATH 180 and MATH 181 into two, three or even higher dimensions.

Course Goals This course has been designed with the following goals in mind:

to understand relevant calculus concepts,
to gain skill with the associated computational techniques,
to work with historical and current applications,
to improve the ability to read and write mathematics, and
to refine logical and critical thinking skills.

The department also maintains a topic syllabus for this course that you will find at http://www.math.ups.edu/~matthews/Syllabi/MA280Syllabus.pdf

Daily Process During most class days we will discuss the new material from the assigned reading, address questions that arise from that reading, and work through assigned problems you wish to discuss. We will use simple examples when introducing new material to highlight how the concepts fit into the "big picture" and will address the details and refinements necessary for a deeper understanding after you have worked on the associated homework problems - usually the next class period.

I expect you to do the assigned reading, work on the assigned problems, and actively participate in classroom discussions. You should expect me to ask you individually for ideas on how to proceed in a given problem or develop a new concept and should cultivate the habit of contributing to the discussion even if you are not confident your idea will work out. Many studies have shown that the best way to learn something is to actively engage it, make mistakes, think carefully about what led to the mistakes, correct them, and repeat.

A very useful resource illustrating how to implement the above process is the website http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~rapaport/howtostudy.html

Course Information

Reading Outside of class, you are to carefully read the relevant sections of the text. In particular, you should

work through the reasoning of the arguments and fill in any omitted steps,
keep a list of specific questions that arise during your reading,
make sure you find answers to those questions in class, with me outside of class, working with study partners or with a tutor.

Homework As mentioned above, spending considerable time engaging the material is essential to developing mathematical understanding and skill. To this end, I will assign homework problems from the textbook and/or handouts and we will begin most class sessions by addressing your questions from the homework or your reading. Each class day I will usually assign one or two problems to be submitted for grading. To receive full credit, your work should be complete, clear, correct, readable, and organized. The reason for homework is to help you master concepts. It is not just for developing computational skills. When you finish a homework problem you should ask yourself if you understand the ideas and skills necessary to get a correct answer. If not, you should think carefully about what you need to acquire that understanding and develop questions to ask in class whose answers will lead to that understanding.

Due Date Policy Each problem set and project will have a due date posted on my website. If you wish to turn an assignment in late, you must talk with me before the due date. For reasonable circumstances, I will grant individual extensions for deadlines. If you submit an assignment after a deadline (or an extension we have agreed upon), I will assess a penalty equal to 10% of the assignment's maximum point value for each working day that the assignment is late.

Assessment

For assessment purposes we will have four examinations. The date for each exam will be given at least one week in advance and the fourth exam will occur during the Final Examination period for this course, May 13 (Monday ) 4:00pm-6:00pm. Do not make travel arrangements that conflict with this scheduled examination. You should not be surprised if the first three exams occur in weeks 3, 7, and 11 of the semester.

Grades To determine your course grade, I will drop your lowest two homework problem scores and then calculate an overall homework percentage. If this homework percentage is greater than the lowest of your exam percentages, your lowest exam percentage will be replaced by the average of that percentage and your homework percentage. (If not, homework will play no direct role in your course grade.) I will then calculate a total course score with your lowest exam (after homework adjustment) weighted 16% and all other exams weighted 28%. I assign a preliminary course grade based on an objective standard (93.3-100% for an A, 90.0-93.2% for an A-, 86.7-89.9% for a B+, 83.3-86.6% for a B, etc.). I then look at each student's performance subjectively. Occasionally I will assign a course grade that is higher than the objective standard. For example, if a student has a grade of B according to the objective standard but has shown steady improvement, I might assign a course grade of B+.

If you wish I will post, on my university web page, a grade report with your current standing in the class. This will allow you to keep track of your grades on the various assignments and check them against these reports. If there are any discrepancies they should be dealt with immediately.

To have your information posted you need to print your name, the class (MATH 280C), and a code on a sheet of paper. Then sign the paper and physically hand it to me. I will not accept a code by email or phone. The code is to be a sequence of up to 23 symbols I can type on a keyboard.

Computing Technology You might find it useful to have a calculator (or equivalent technology) with the following capabilities: function graphing, numerical equation solving, numerical differentiation, and numerical integration. Many brands have suitable models. I am most familiar with Texas Instrument calculators. Among Texas Instrument calculators, the TI-83, TI-84, TI-86, and TI-89 models have appropriate features. Note that for some exams, I may forbid the use of symbolic computing features on calculators such as the TI-89. Texas Instruments provides support, including access to Manuals at http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/sectionHome/support.html.

Many graphing calculators are limited to two-dimensional plots. We will also want to look at three-dimensional plots and for these we will turn to other computing technology. I plan on using Sage for most of these but there are a number of other tools available.

Additional Information

Course Web Site My website for Math 280C is located at http://math.ups.edu/~bryans/Current/Spring_2013/280CIndex_Spring2013.html (or go to math.pugetsound.edu/~bryans and follow the obvious links.) On the course web site, I will maintain a list of assignments and due dates along with a list of daily topics and relevant sections of the text. I will also post announcements and comments about questions or issues that come up in class. You should check the web site for new announcements several times each week. Handouts will be available on the website to download as PDF files in case you lose your copy or miss class.

Office Hours Again

Office Hours	Tuesday and Thursday	10:00 - 10:50 A.M.

	Monday and Friday	03:00 - 03:50 P.M.
	Other by Appointment

Except for exceptional circumstances, I guarantee I will be in my office for the posted office hours. However, I am also usually in my office anytime I am not in class, eating, exercising or at a meeting so feel free to look for me. You may also make an appointment by phone, email, or talking with me after class.

Emergency Response Information

Please review university emergency preparedness and response procedures posted at http://www.pugetsound.edu/emergency/. There is a link on the university home page. Familiarize yourself with hall exit doors and the designated gathering area for your class and laboratory buildings.

If building evacuation becomes necessary (e.g. earthquake), meet your instructor at the designated gathering area so she/he can account for your presence. Then wait for further instructions. Do not return to the building or classroom until advised by a university emergency response representative.

If confronted by an act of violence, be prepared to make quick decisions to protect your safety. Flee the area by running away from the source of danger if you can safely do so. If this is not possible, shelter in place by securing classroom or lab doors and windows, closing blinds, and turning off room lights. Stay low, away from doors and windows, and as close to the interior hallway walls as possible. Wait for further instructions.

File translated from T_EX by T_TH, version 3.67.
On 16 Jan 2013, 14:35.

MATH 280C, Multivariate Calculus Spring 2013