Math 231 Calculus III Fall 2009
Daily Syllabus Peter Greim's home page MACS home page Registrar's page Citadel home page
Class
Section 1: Mo, We, Fr 9:00-9:50 and Tu 9:30-10:20 in TH 319
Section 2: Mo, Tu, We, Fr 13:00-13:50 in TH 317
Instructor
P. Greim, Thompson
329, Tel. 9535035, Email: peter.greim@citadel.edu
http://macs.citadel.edu/~greimp
Office hours are posted at my door and at my class schedule web page. You can read it as long as you are using a Citadel terminal. The class schedule will give you an idea which times might be available if you need to make an appointment.
Prerequisites: MATH 132 and a grade of C or better in MATH 131.
Text:
Calculus
by R.T. Smith and R.B. Minton
McGraw-Hill (3rd ed., ISBN 0-07-286953-4)
Covered material: Chapters 10-14
Course purpose:
The students should become familiar with multi-variable arithmetic and calculus, and learn to apply them to the solution of problems arising in their science or engineering courses. This includes an understanding of the limitations of the standard formulas and procedures, an ability to decide when and how to apply them, and the technical skills required for their implementation.
To achieve this purpose the student will be expected to:
1. Learn to perform vector arithmetic, particularly dot, vector and triple products, and understand their geometric interpretations.
2. Develop the ability to envision 3-dimensional objects in order to solve spatial problems.
3. Become familiar with the use of polar, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates. This includes the transition between different coordinate systems and the description of objects in the plane or in space by means of these coordinate systems.
4. Learn to parameterize plane and space curves, to recognize a curve from a given parameterization, and to model motion problems.
5. Become familiar with the calculus of curves, including curve length and related notions.
6. Understand and use the geometric relevance of partial and total derivatives, be able to find gradients and tangent planes for smooth surfaces.
7. Learn to compute multiple integrals by means of different coordinate systems. This includes setting up the limits and choosing an appropriate order of integration.
8. Learn how to apply multiple integration to problems in physics or engineering.
Calculators and computer software
For some homework assignments you will need to use a computer algebra system or equivalent (for example, TI89 or 92). Several software packages are available on campus: MathCad 14 in Thompson Hall 220 and in LeTellier Hall, DERIVE and MatLab in Thompson Hall 220, Scientific Notebook (student edition) in Thompson Hall 220 and in Grimsley Hall.
Grades
are based on the final, 4 tests, and quizzes and homework assignments. The four tests count for two thirds of your pre-final score; homework and quizzes count for one third. The weight of the pre-final score is either double or triple the weight of the final exam score, depending on what’s better for you. Additionally, you'll receive 0.5 percentage points extra credit for each correctly solved problem of the week. (Look out for weekly announcements on the Thompson Hall bulletin boards.) I will follow the usual 10% per grade scheme and not grade "on a curve". However, if after grading a test the statistics show a particularly bad performance of the whole class at one problem, I may adjust that problem's weight within the whole test. You may take your final exam together with the other section if space is available and you let me know a day in advance. Please observe that the exam for section 1 is on Thursday, 10 Dec. If that creates a conflict with another exam, let me know within the first two weeks of the semester.
Missing a test unexcused will result in a score of zero. I will not allow you to miss a test because of a lack of preparation. If your absence is excused, I may choose to drop it and prorate the other test and homework scores, or give you a comprehensive make-up test at the end of the semester. Guard duty is no excuse for missing a test.
On campus, you can check your standing in the course in a spreadsheet file.
Since its total weight is only 25%, you can ignore the homework and still make a "C" in the course, right?
Wrong. You don't even have a remote chance to pass the course without doing the homework. Not only will it enable you to test your understanding of the material you saw in class - you will understand Calculus through trying, failing, and eventually succeeding in solving the problems.
When you work problems, first try to do them by yourself. After that, whether you succeed or not, you may discuss them with others. You will learn from talking about mathematics. However, do not copy homework from others. I want you to understand a problem solution (either through own research or discussion) and then formulate it in your own words. Discussing a problem solution with a classmate, understanding it, and then formulating it in your own words is allowed. Copying a solution from others is not. I will not accept identical projects.
Occasionally I may let you do or redo part of a test as take-home. In that case you are completely on your own - almost. I am the only person with whom you may discuss a test problem before turning it in.
The quiz questions will be closely modeled after homework that was assigned at least two class sessions ago. I suggest you work the homework problems the day they are assigned; I'll reserve some time for your questions during the following class period. That should prepare you sufficiently for the quizzes.
is available: you may work with other students, see me after class, during office hours, or make an appointment (or just drop by my office, taking a chance that I may be busy). I’m on campus Monday nights and, by appointment, Thursday nights.
One last advice: when you are getting behind (or can't even get started right) - let me know right away. I'll go out of my way to help you if you try. Your grade will be based on your success - not on your effort. However, your effort will determine how much I help.
Other
The cell phone policy in the White Book applies. No electronic communication devices may be used during class. I may allow the use of laptops or palmtops, for class purposes only, on a case-by-case basis.
The time in class is to be dedicated to the class subject. Don’t even think about finishing your homework for your other courses, surfing the web on your laptop, or bringing your mp3 player to class.