Multivariate Calculus
MA 225
Summer I, 2009
David Uminsky

Class time and location: MTWTh 1-3 in MCS B23

Text: James Stewart: Calculus: Concepts and Contexts, Third edition. 

The goal of this course is to study the calculus of functions of several variables. We will start with a modern approach to geometry in three dimension  using vectors and surfaces, as this will be crucial in visualizing  functions of several variables. The middle part of this course will involve multivariable calculus using partial derivatives and multiple integrals. We will conclude with vector analysis and Stoke's theorem, perhaps one of hte most useful tools to study of physical systems.

The course will follow Chapters 9-13 in the text, and occasionally we may review material from earlier chapters as well as Appendix H.

Course web page: http://math.bu.edu/people/duminsky/ma225/MA225.html

Homework: I will assign homework on a daily basis but this work will NOT be collected. It is very important that the student keep up with this assigned work as the bi-weekly quizzes will be very similar to problems assigned in this homework.

Quizzes: We will have two quizzes a week (Tuesday and Thursday) based upon the homework posted.  It will be clearly posted what each quiz  will cover on the homework page.  I will drop your lowest quiz grade and there will absolutely NOT be any make-ups on quizzes.

Exams and grading: There will one mid-term and one final in this course.  The final will NOT be cumulative and will take place on the last day of the course, June 25.  The mid-term is tentatively scheduled for the week of June 8-11.

Grades for the course will be assigned as follows:

Make-up exams: Absolutely NO make-up exams will be given  unless an acceptable, written excuse (not an email message) for your absence. Valid reasons  include serious illness (not a slight cold) or a family emergency. Neither poor preparation or vacation are acceptable. If possible (particularly if you want to be sure that your excuse is an acceptable one), contact me before missing an exam.

Office: MCS Room 150.

Phone number: 617-358-2377 (email preferred).

Email address: duminsky '@'  math . bu .  edu.  Email is excellent way to contact me but if you miss class, do not send me email asking for answers to questions that were covered in class. 

Office hours: Monday 3:30-4:30 and Wednesday 11-12. I will be available in my office during these hours for consultation.  I office hours are most productive for the student if sufficient preparation was done beforehand. 

Academic conduct: Your work and conduct in this course are governed by the CAS Academic Conduct Code. This code is designed to promote high standards of academic honesty and integrity as well as fairness. A copy of the code is available in CAS Room 105 if you cannot access it on the web, and it is your responsibility to know and follow the provisions of the code. In particular, all work that you submit in this course must be your original work. Any cases of suspected academic misconduct will be referred to the CAS Student Academic Conduct Committee.