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- General Info
- Grades
- Homework
- Recitation
- Exams
Contents
General Info
Course Description:
In the course we will study vectors, vector functions, and curves in two and three dimensions; surfaces, partial derivatives, gradients, and directional derivatives; multiple integrals in rectangular, polar, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates. We will also consider different physical and geometric applications of multi-variable Calculus.
We will cover (parts of) Chapters 10, 11, 12 and 13 from the class textbook. The specific sections from these chapters to be covered are listed in the class study guide, and will also be outlined on the class Calendar.
Learning Outcomes: After completing this class, successful students will be able to:
- Represent vectors both algebraically and geometrically and be able to use vector methods effectively in problem solving.
- Use the dot and cross product to solve problems in a geometrical or physical setting.
- Integrate and differentiate vector-valued functions.
- Apply partial derivatives, directional derivatives, and gradients to solve problems of multivariable differential calculus such as max-min problems and rates of change of physical processes in space.
- Evaluate multiple integrals in rectangular, polar, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates with applications such as volumes and masses.
- Use vector functions to analyze particle motion (position vectors, components of acceleration) and to represent curves parametrically.
Prerequisites: MTH 252: Integral Calculus
Required Textbook, Study Guide and MyMathLab Account:
- Multivariable Calculus (2nd Edition) Briggs and Cochran, Pearson Learning, 2015
- MTH 254 Study Guide, by Hal Parks, et al.
- MyMathLab: access via Canvas
Reading Assignments: Look at the Calendar for a day to day schedule of Lessons and sections from the textbook that will be covered. For Lesson numbering, refer to the Study Guide.
While it may not be stated explicitly each day, students are expected to read each section to be covered before class. Questions not addressed during class time should be asked in recitation. Any questions still unanswered may be asked in office hours. Students should also take full advantage of the tutoring services provided in the MSLC (Kidder 108).
Students are responsible for any material missed due to absence.
As preparation for this class, you should review the materials covered in MTH 251 and 252.
Special arrangements: Accommodations for students with disabilities are determined and approved by Disability Access Services (DAS). If you, as a student, believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not obtained approval please contact DAS immediately at 541-737-4098 or at http://ds.oregonstate.edu. DAS notifies students and faculty members of approved academic accommodations and coordinates implementation of those accommodations. While not required, students and faculty members are encouraged to discuss details of the implementation of individual accommodations.
Students are expected to be familiar with Oregon State University's Statement of Expectations for Student Conduct.
Course Drop/Add Information: See Office of the Registrar and Academic Calendars
Quizzes (3) 3% Recitation Participation 9% Written Homework 6% Written Homework Responses: 6% Online Homework 12% Midterm 1 20% Midterm 2 20% Final Exam 24%
Grade Scale (by percentage)
A 93 A- 90 B+ 87 B 83 B- 80 C+ 77 C 73 C- 70 D+ 67 D 63 D- 60
Homework
Written Homework
(Due Wednesdays by 11:59PM Pacific Time as a PDF on canvas)Purpose: The written homework will give you low stakes practice on problems that pertain to the material we have been reading and working on in class. Attempting to solve these problems is an important part of understanding what we are learning.
Bureaucratic Details: The written homework needs to be submitted to canvas as a PDF by the due date and time posted on canvas. The work can be hand written and scanned, or typeset. These assignments are graded for completion and may be graded for correctness. Late homework is not accepted. Turn in what you have completed by the due date. Figure out how you are going to scan your homework before the due date. It is possible to turn in the homework before the due date.
Written Homework Response
(Due Saturdays by 11:59PM Pacific Time discussion on canvas)Purpose: By looking at the provided solutions and comparing them to your own solutions you will start to find what your weaknesses and strengths are in the material covered. By responding about why you made mistakes or had misconceptions about a problem(s), you are solidifying that understanding while practicing your communication skills!
Bureaucratic Details: Immediately after the due date of the written homework a discussion board will become available and the solutions to the written homework will become available. The task for the student is to look over the posted solutions and compare to the student’s submitted assignment. Detailed instructions for this part of each assignment are in the corresponding discussion board thread on Canvas.
Online Homework
Purpose: The online homework is an opportunity to practice solving problems and applying conceptual ideas mathematically. The online homework system will tell you immediately if you have "gotten the correct answer" or not. This allows you to self-correct and learn from your mistakes as you work the problems. If you are heavily relying on the "Hints" that the online system provides, that would be an indicator that you need further practice.Pro Tip: A good way to use MyMathlab is to find the corresponding problem in the textbook and try to solve the problem on paper (as you will have to do in the exams). Then, once you have completed the problem on paper, go back and do the problem inside MyMathLab. I also recommend that you keep a written record of your MyMathLab work.
Bureaucratic Details: The online homework is accessed via canvas. You should not need a MyMathLab Course ID because the canvas site is linked to the MyMathLab course. These assignments are parallel to the exercises in the textbook. DO NOT delay signing up for MyMathLab. There is a way to gain temporary access while you wait to receive your MyMathLab access code. At least one lowest grade will be dropped.
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