Comments:
You are here to learn about multivariable calculus. I am here
to help you do that.
USE ME! Let me know what works and what doesn't. If you are
making an honest attempt to learn stuff, I'll do what I
can to help you.
By the way, my definition of ``learning'' includes more than just memorizing facts. It includes understanding concepts from several points of view (descriptive, numerical, symbolic, and graphical), making connections between ideas (old and new), and communicating your understanding (verbally and in writing).
How this class works:
Usually, I will start each class with a short introduction to the
new ideas of the section. The purpose of these mini-lectures is to
highlight the most important concepts and to connect them to ideas
you have seen before.
After this introduction, you students will
work through some detailed examples which are designed to
make you think about the new concepts and the technical details
involved in their application. During this time, you can get
immediate feedback (from me or your fellow students) to straighten
out basic misconceptions and ambiguities before you attempt to
do the homework problems.
You will get the most out of class time if you keep up with the reading and homework assignments between classes.
I expect you to READ the text, working through the examples as you go (you can't read without pen(cil) and paper!). Many students find they benefit most from reading each section before we cover it in class, but it is also O.K. to read each section after class on the day we discuss it, before starting the homework problems. Obviously, since my lectures will only highlight the main ideas, you will need to fill in the gaps using the textbook (and your brain).
When you do your homework, THINK through each problem and decide on a reasonable method of attack. Resist the urge to scan the examples for a ``template problem'' (i.e., a problem where you just change the symbols without understanding what you are doing and why). There is usually a reason why I assign each problem (to emphasize a big idea or verify your understanding of a concept or procedure) ...can you identify it?
If you are having trouble with your homework, make use of my office hours or make an appointment with me before the date the homework is due. Because different students have different approaches to any given homework problem, I prefer to discuss problems on the homework individually or in small groups (in my office, before or after class meetings, or during the activity portion of class time).
Worksheets:
Frequently, I will have you work on problems or worksheets during class.
I consider these
to be an integral part of the class/lecture, and I expect you to
participate in them and study them as you would the lecture or
the homework.
Usually, worksheets begun in class should be completed before
the next class period. If you don't get enough feedback during
class, you can always check your work by comparing with the
answers which will be posted on my office door.
Unless otherwise stated, worksheets will not be collected/graded.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned and collected regularly.
Generally, we will cover one section of the text each day and
the homework from that section should be complete before the next
class meeting. Get started on the homework on
the day it is assigned, so that you will have a chance to ask
questions before it is due.
There will occasionally be short quizzes on the homework, so be sure you stay caught up and understand what you're doing.
Labs:
I expect you to use Mathematica
to help you learn the Calculus material.
Students generally find Mathematica
particularly useful for viewing 3-D graphs and contour plots,
performing symbolic differentiation,
evaluating integrals (symbolically and numerically),
and investigating parametric equations.
The labs will be run independently from the course; you are required to go to your lab each week. If you have not received information (via email) about the lab, then you have not been properly registered for this course. You should continue to receive emails about the lab throughout the term, and the lab instructor will give you further details in lab.
Participation:
I expect you to participate in every class meeting.
This class will meet every Monday-Wednesday-Friday of the term,
including the day before and the day after any break
(so make your travel plans accordingly).
I also expect you to be prepared for class every day.
Before coming to class you should (at a minimum)
+ complete any unfinished worksheets or in-class problems,
+ read the relevant section in the textbook, and
+ do the homework exercises/problems.
Missed classes:
If you cannot attend class for some reason, please
let me know beforehand if possible (via email or phone).
If you have an excused absence, get in touch with the dean of
students office and they will notify me and all your instructors.
If you must miss class,
you are responsible
for making up what you have missed:
get notes from two other students (including announcements)
and complete the worksheet (check your answers)
before you start the reading and homework.
If you miss one class, expect to
spend an extra three hours studying.
Tentative test schedule:
Tests:
There will be three one-hour in-class tests.
(Changes to the following schedule will be announced in class.)
| Date | Sections | ||
| Fri 2/20 | Ch's 12,14,15 | ||
| Mon 3/30 | Ch's 16,17 | ||
| M 4/20 | 18.1-18.4, 19.1, 20.1-20.4 |
Grades:
| Tests | = | 3 x 16% |
| Lab* | = | 10% |
| Homework/quizzes | = | 17% |
| Final Exam | = | 25% |
*NOTE:
If you earn a ``CD'' or less on your non-lab work for this course,
your lab grade will not improve your grade.
Final Exam:
There will be a comprehensive final exam.
The questions on the final will be divided into four categories. Three of these will contain problems drawn from the material covered on tests 1, 2, and 3 during the semester. Your lowest test score (only) on these tests will be compared to your score on the corresponding questions on the final, and if the score from the final is higher, then it will replace your test score. If it is lower, the original score will stand.
Missed Tests:
If you must miss a test due to illness or personal loss, please contact
me BEFORE the test (if I am not available, please leave a message
with the math office secretary or with the dean of students office).
Usually NO MAKE-UP TESTS will be given; the missing test will be
recorded as a zero and taken as your lowest score.
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