• Course Description
• Course Assignments: Text Problem lists
• Multivariable Calculus- Solutions to problems in Stewart, 3rd edition
• Course Problem of the Week (sometimes with hints, etc.)
• Some Calculus web sites for surfing.

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Last updated: 8/20/97

OFFICE: Library 48                             PHONE:826-4950
Office Hours (Tent.)- M W 10:30-11:40; T Th 11:40-12:30 AND BY APPOINTMENT!
E-MAIL: flashman@axe.humboldt.edu     WWW: http://www.humboldt.edu/~mef2/
***PREREQUISITE: Math 110 (One Year of Calculus) or permission.

• TEXTS: Calculus 3rd Edition by James Stewart.
  X(PLORE) for MS-DOS or MAC by David Meredith. (optional)
  

• SCOPE: This course will deal with the elementary theory and application of what is often described as "Calculus of several variables and vector calculus." We will cover essentially the same topics treated by other sections of this course (Chapters 9, 11-14.4), though we will cover some topics that the other sections will not cover. Supplementary notes and text will be provided as appropriate.

• TESTS AND ASSIGNMENTS: There will be several tests in this course. There will be an oral quiz on the chain rule, several reality check quizzes and cooperative problem assignments, two self-scheduled midterm exams, and two special "team" assignments which I will grade (numerically).
  Homework assignments are made regularly and should be passed in on the due date. Work is graded Acceptable/Unacceptable with problems to be redone. Redone work should be returned for grading promptly.
  • Exams will be announced at least one week in advance.
  • THE FINAL EXAMINATION WILL BE SELF SCHEDULED.
  • The final exam will be comprehensive, covering the entire semester.
  • BECAUSE OF THE INTENSE NATURE OF THIS COURSE, MAKE-UP TESTS WILL NOT BE GIVEN EXCEPT FOR VERY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES!
  • It is the student's responsibility to request a makeup promptly. *** DAILY ATTENDANCE SHOULD BE A HABIT! ***

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• Writing Assignments: At the beginning of each class you will submit a brief statement (at most four sentences) describing the content from previous class and any topics you would like to discuss further either in class or individually. I will read these and return them the next class.

• Team Activities: Every two weeks your team will be asked to submit a summary of what we have covered in class. (No more than two sides of a paper.) These may be organized in any way you find useful but should not be a copy of your class notes. I will read and correct these before returning them. Team participants will receive corrected photocopies.
  Your summaries will be allowed as references at the final examination only.
  On alternate weeks teams will submit a response to the "problem/activity of the week." These will be graded 3, 2 (for OK), 1, or unacceptable and will be used in determining the 140 points allocated for quizzes and cooperative assignments.

• The Reading Assignment: Each student is expected to read at least 3 short notes or articles from periodicals or the world wide web on some application of the calculus. A short report / synopsis of these readings and any reactions you have to them will collected on Wednesday, October 1st, October 29th, and December 3rd. On December 10th each student will be expected to make a 5-10 minute oral presentation based on one of these readings. You may propose an alternative to the oral presentation.

• GRADES: Final grades will be determined taking into consideration the quality of work done in the course as evidenced primarily from the accumulation of points from tests and graded "team" assignments.
  • Midterm exams will be worth 100 points each, the team assignments will be worth 50 points each, and the final exam will be worth 200 points.
  • The work on the daily writing and summaries will be worth 40 points (based on quality of work and coverage).
  • Your reading reports will be worth 30 points.
  • The oral presentation will be graded on a honors(10 points)/credit(7 points)/no credit(0) basis.
  • Homework performance will count for 60 points.
  • Quizzes and cooperative problem assignments will be used to determine 140 points.
  • The oral quiz on the chain rule will be graded on a credit(20 points)/no credit(0) basis.
    The total points available for the semester is 800. Notice that only 400 of these points are from examinations, so regular participation is essential to forming a good foundation for your grades as well as your learning. MORE THAN 3 ABSENCES MAY LOWER THE FINAL GRADE FOR POOR ATTENDANCE.

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  See the course schedule for the dates related to the following:
  • no drops will be allowed without "serious and compelling reasons" and a fee.
  • no drops will be allowed.
  • Students wishing to be graded with either CR or NC should make this request through the recording office.
    See the Fall course list for a full list of relevant days.

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• TECHNOLOGY:
  • Computers: During this course the computer will be used for many problems. For this purpose, we will meet in Science D 017, the Mathematics Department MAC-computer lab, every Wednesday and Friday at the regularly scheduled hour. We will use X(PLORE), a powerful and friendly system designed to help learn calculus with the computer. You will need one 3 1/2" disc on which you can copy this system and keep your own work. A version of X(PLORE) is also available for DOS based PC's.

  • Graphing Calculators: Though much of our work this semester will be using the computer, graphing calculators are welcome and highly recommended. The HP48G anf the TI-92 are particularly useful for some 3-dimensional work though most graphing calculators will be able to do much of this work. HP48G's will be available for students to borrow for the term by arrangement with the Math department. Supplementary materials will be distributed if needed. If you would like to purchase one or have one already, let me know. Students wishing help with any graphing calculator should plan to bring their calculator manual with them. I will try to help you with your own technology when possible during office hours, optional "5th hour"s, or by appointment (not in class).

• Optional "5th hour"s: Many students find the third semester of calculus difficult because of weakness in their Calculus I, II, and pre-calculus background skills and concept. A grade of C in Math 110 might indicate this kind of weakness. Difficulties that might have been ignored or passed over in previous courses can be a major reason for why things don't make sense now. If requested I will organize and support additional time with small (or larger) groups of students for whom some additional work on these background areas may improve their understanding of coursework. Later in the semester optional hours may be available to discuss routine problems from homework and reality check quizzes as well as using technology. These sessions should be especially useful for students having difficulty with the work and wishing to improve through a steady approach to mastering skills and concepts.