Information for Math 226 Students
Prof. Jill Dietz
Fall '99
About Multivariable Calculus
In Multivariable Calculus, we take many of the ideas you learned in
Calculus I and II and apply them to a three dimensional world. In
Calculus I and II you learned mostly about derivatives and integrals
of functions of a single variable (e.g. f(x)=sin(x)). Such
functions can be graphed in two dimensions. In Multivariable Calculus
we study derivatives and integrals of multivariable functions
(e.g. f(x,y)=y*sin(x)). Such functions need three dimensions
in order to be graphed.
The language we will use in this class will be familiar:
differentiation, integration, vectors. But the applications will be
bigger and better than you could ever imagine.
We will use Maple a lot in order to "see" what our functions look like.
Requirements
Homework will be assigned in nearly every class. An assignment
will be due two class periods after it was assigned, thus giving you about
4 days to complete an assignment.
I will answer homework questions in class, but only on work that is
due the next class meeting. I will not go over homework due the same
day. You need to schedule your time
wisely.
Homework must be given to me by the beginning of class
on the due date.
Since a few homework assignments will be
dropped at the end of the semester,
late homework will not be accepted.
Quizzes
Announced and/or unannounced quizzes may be given periodically throughout the semester.
Projects
There will be one or two projects which
will require you to communicate mathematics in a
well-written paper. Details will be provided later.
- Term Exams: It is likely that there will be three
exams given during the term. Dates for these exams are tentatively
scheduled for:
| Exam 1 | Wednesday, October 6 |
| Exam 2 | - In class part, Friday, October 29
- AMCL part, Fri 10/29 -- Mon 11/1
|
| Exam 3 | Monday, November 22 |
- Final Exam. The final will be
either a two hour comprehensive exam
scheduled for 9-11am on Friday, December 17, or a take-home
comprehensive exam due by 11am on Friday, December 17 .
Your final grade will likely be determined by:
| Homework & Quizzes | 20%
|
| Projects & Labs | 10%
|
| 3 Term Exams | 45%
|
| Final Exam | 25%
|
Since we only had one short lab, the 10% that was supposed to go to
projects and labs will be distributed equally among the 4 exams.
Grading Scale
The scale by which I decide final grades will not be determined until
the last possible moment. However, history has shown that for the
most part my multivariable calculus grades follow the scale given below. Use the
scale for guidance only, it is not a guarantee that you will receive a
particular grade.
| 97--100% | A+
|
| 93--96% | A
|
| 90--92% | A-
|
| 87--89% | B+
|
| 83--86% | B
|
| 80--82% | B-
|
| 77--79% | C+
|
| 73--76% | C
|
| 70--72% | C-
|
| 67--69% | D+
|
| 63--66% | D
|
| 60--62% | D-
|
| <60% | F
|
Miscellaneous Items
Group work is certainly encouraged in my class. I much prefer it if
you chat with your friends about the fascinating aspects of a calculus
problem rather than sit quietly. However, you are welcome to work
alone if that is what you prefer.
You may do the writing projects with a group of three or fewer. All
of you should fully participate in the mathematics as well as in the
write-up. Each group member will receive the same
grade.
You may work with a partner on your homework.
Again, each partner should fully participate in the
mathematics as well as in the write-up. Each partner
will receive the same grade.
If at any time I feel that group work is detrimental to students'
learning, I will cancel this policy for a particular group or for all
groups.
There are two ways of getting extra-credit in this class.
Extra-credit points will be added to your homework score.
- You may submit a
solution to the
"Problem of the Week," published weekly in the Math Mess. You may find the math department newsletter across from my office in Old Music Hall. Each legitimate submission is worth one third of a homework assignment.
- You may attend a mathematics colloquium and write a short report on it. Colloquia are given nearly every Thursday and are announced in the Math Mess. The report need not be a description of the talk, rather I would like you to discuss your reaction to the talk, the subject, and to the speaker.
Papers are due within one week of the talk. Each such paper will be
worth one third of a homework assignment.
You can come to my office hours, or drop by just about any
reasonable time of the day.
In extreme circumstances, we can discuss whether or not you need
a private tutor.
Honor Code
There is an honor system by which all St. Olaf students must abide. I
expect you to follow the system in conjunction with my particular
course, homework and exam guidelines written throughout this document
and discussed in class.
Make-up Policy
If you are absent because of an extra-curricular activity, homework
and exams should be submitted early rather than late. If you
are sick or have some other sort of emergency,
you must notify me immediately. In such a (legitimate) case,
homework will be due two days after you return to class and
exams must be made-up within one week. Note that a make-up exam will
potentially be harder than the original exam.
E-Mail and the Web
I expect all of you to read your e-mail on a regular basis. I will
feel free to send you notes regarding homework, exams, etc. via
e-mail, and I will post assignments on this web page.
Calculators and Computers
Your calculator will certainly come in handy at times, but you'll find
the mathematical software Maple or Mathematica most useful. Both of
these programs can be accessed through the computers in the AMCL.
Disclaimer