Syllabus

Topics: This course is an introduction to the calculus of functions of several variables. It begins with studying the basic objects of multidimensional geometry: vectors and vector operations, various coordinate systems, and the elementary differential geometry of vector functions and space curves. After this, it extends the basic tools of differential calculus to multidimensional problems. The course will conclude with a study of integration in higher dimensions, including a multidimensional version of the substitution rule.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Math 141 or equivalent. Strictly enforced.

Instructor: Catalin Zara
Email: Please include [m240fa06] in the subject line.
Office: Science-3-091
Phone: (617) 287-6463

Textbook: Multivariable Calculus, 5th Edition, by James Stewart, published by Brooks/Cole, 2003.

Lectures: TuTh 10:00 - 11:15 am, M02-0207. For each hour we spend in class, you should spend about 3 hours at home.

Reading assignments on WebCT ( http://boston.umassonline.net ) and pre-lecture activities will be given for each section. Problems from the book will be assigned frequently, but will not be collected. For each lecture you will have an online problem set, using WeBWorK ( http://hosted.webwork.rochester.edu/webwork2/UMB_math240 ). There will be several group projects (lecture notes, glossary of terms) using MathWiki ( http://klein.cs.umb.edu/mathwiki/ ).

Calculators will be allowed on exams (but will be useless ...). Make-up exams will be given only to students with an official excuse. In all other cases, a missed exam will get a score of 0. Late homework will be penalized. Regular class attendance is required and active class participation is expected. Students are responsible for material and announcements missed due to an absence.

Office hours: TuTh 11:30am -12:30pm.

Any form of cheating will result in a score of 0 for the assignment. Any form of cheating on an exam will result in failure of the class. Serious forms of cheating will be referred to the appropriate University offices and can lead to suspension or expulsion.

Special accommodations: Students with documented special needs should inform the instructor during the first week of classes. Any special needs will be kept completely confidential. Contact the Ross Center for Disability Services for documentation if needed. Their website is www.rosscenter.umb.edu and their phone number is 617-287-7430.

Classroom Courtesy: Please come to class on time and remember to turn off your cell phone before the class begins. If you have to keep your cell phone open, or if you need to leave a class early, please alert me at the beginning of the class, and sit close to the door. You can drink your coffee or soft drink in the classroom, but please do not bring any food with you.

Any changes or class cancellations will be announced in class and will be posted on the official web site for this class, on WebCT (boston.umassonline.net).