Math 321: Vector Calculus 2006

Calculus: Concepts and Connections, Smith & Minton, Chapters 10-12

Dr. Roland Minton, Trexler 270-G, 375-2358, office hours 10M, 10T, 2W, 7-9Th

minton@roanoke.edu www.roanoke.edu/staff/minton/ccourse.html

Course Objectives: Continue to learn how to do mathematics! Mathematics is a problem-solving discipline, and we all have room to improve. To develop as problem-solvers, we must focus on technique and not on memorization. In this course, we develop an understanding of the theory and elementary applications of functions of several variables, multiple integration, line integrals, and integral theorems of vector calculus. The emphasis is on calculating with functions of more than one independent variable. Living in a 3-dimensional world (4, if you count time), it is clearly necessary to use such functions if we are to realistically model the world. Unfortunately, the graphical cues that are so helpful for functions of one variable are not as easy to visualize in 3 or more dimensions. The calculations are sometimes more difficult, requiring us to extend our notion of integration. The different types of integrals are beautifully connected at the end of the course in a series of fundamental theorems.

Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is expected. You are responsible for everything done in class, through your attendance and sharing class notes with classmates. If you miss a class, you must e-mail or call me before class is over and explain why. If you have two unexplained absences, you will be dropped from the course.

Equipment: We will use the TI-89 calculator in class, on homework assignments and on tests (and future courses, including independent studies). We will do some work with Mathematica.

Academic Integrity: The college policy is fully supported. Tests are closed notes, closed book. No electronic devices other than calculators are allowed in a test situation.

Homework: Problems from each section of the book will be assigned, typically in three stages. You will be asked to read ahead and work basic problems from the next section to be discussed (advance homework). After that section has been discussed, a small number of more in-depth and significant problems will be assigned (advanced homework). Many of the problems from a given section will be study problems not to be turned in. Homework will be graded partly on effort and partly on correctness. Late homework is not accepted. If you miss class, get a friend to turn in your homework for you.

Co-Curricular: During the course of the semester, you must attend at least three approved co-curricular events offered by the MCSP department. For each, write a one- or two-paragraph description of the event, due within a week of the event.

Tests: There will be three tests and a final exam. Each test will cover all material discussed since the previous test. Anticipated test dates are (F) 9/22, (F) 10/13 and (W) 11/15. The exam is Friday, December 15, 2:00-5:00.

Make-ups: In case of sickness or scheduling conflicts, get in touch with me ASAP.

Grading: Each test counts 20% of the final average. The exam counts 24% of the final average. Each of the following counts 8%: (1) advance homework, (2) advanced homework and co-curricular. Grades may be curved up based on participation, one unusually low test score or other extenuating circumstance.

A: 93-100 A-: 90-92 B+: 87-89 B : 83-86 B-: 80-82 C+: 77-79 C: 73-76 C-: 70-72

D+: 67-69 D: 63-67 D-: 60-62 F: 59 and below