MTH 243 Multivariable Calculus Spring 2012
Section 2 TR 9:30 and Section 3 TR 12:30

• Text: McCallum,Hughes-Hallett, et.al., Multivariable Calculus, Fifth Edition, with WileyPLUS.
• Online Homework: We will use online homework WileyPLUS.
  See information below.
• Calculators: A graphing calculator is required.
• Instructor: Barbara Kaskosz, Lippit Hall 202J, 874.4445, bkaskosz@math.uri.edu. Office hours: T,Th 11-12, Th 2-3.
• Prerequisites: MTH 142 or equivalent.

Check here for current downloads, in particular, class notes for some of the classes.

Class notes (beginning with 13.3):

Sec 13.3, 13.4       Sec 13.4 cont'd, 14.1, 14.2

Sec 14.1, 14.2 cont'd, 14.3       Sec 14.4, 14.5       Sec 14.6, 14.7, 15.1       Sec 15.3 (read only)

Sec 16.1, 16.2, 16.3       Sec 16.4, 16.5       Sec 17.1 - 17.3       Sec 18.1 - 18.3

WileyPLUS Online Homework System

We will be using WileyPLUS online homework system in this course. To sign up for the WileyPLUS system, you will need a WileyPLUS registration code.

If you buy a copy of our textbook at the URI Bookstore, a registration code for WileyPLUS will be included with the book at no additional cost.

If you buy a copy of our textbook somewhere else and it does not include WileyPLUS code, you will need to purchase a WileyPLUS code separately.

The following flyer explains what comes with the registration code. In particular, a code gives you access to the electronic version of the textbook. The flyer also explains how to register for your section of MTH 243 once you have a code:

As the flyer directs you, you go to the WileyPLUS main site: WileyPLUS, click on Get Started, enter University of Rhode Island as your school. You will see a list of courses, MULTIVARIABLE CALC, as one of them. (Course number CRS4156). Open the menu by clicking the plus sign. You will see a list of sections, among them Section 2 (TR 9:30) and Section 3 (TR 12:30). My name 'Barbara Kaskosz' is also listed there. Choose your section and proceed to register. There will be no WileyPLUS assignments due during the first two weeks, so you have enough time to register.

Exams and Evaluation

There will be two exams during the semester: Exam 1: Thu, March 1; Exam 2: Thu, Apr 12, both in class. The final exam will be as scheduled by the Office of Enrollment Services for your section: Final Exam Schedule.

Your grade will be based upon a possible total of 650 points, as follows:

• Two exams at 150 points each -- 300 points,
• Final exam -- 200 points,
• Quizzes and WileyPLUS Homework -- 150 points.

Graphing calculators will be allowed on all quizzes and exams but not other electronic devices. Class attendance will not be taken but you should consider your presence and participation in class to be very important to your learning process and ultimately to your success in this course.

Available Help

MTH 243 is a difficult course and you may need help often. There will be much help available during the semester.

• Your instructor's office hours: Tuesday, Thursday 11-12, Thursday 2-3, Lippitt 202J.
   
• A Math Ph.D. candidate and a TA, Chris Lynd, will provide tutoring for MTH 243: Monday 1-2, Wednesday 1-2, and Friday 11-1 in Lippitt 106F or Lippitt 104.

You may also find help during the general Lippitt and the Academic Ennacement Center AEC tutoring hours:   Spring 2012 Tutoring Schedule.

Technology

You may find the following applets useful and illuminating.

• Contour Diagram Plotter and 3D Function Grapher Combined  Plot contour diagrams of functions of two variables. Draw the 3D graph of same function in and compare the two ways of visualizing functions of two variables.
• 3D Function Grapher  The user enters a formula for f(x,y) and the x and z ranges.
• Parametric Curves and Motion in 3D  The user enters parametric equations for an arbitrary curve in xyz-space. The curve can be traced while the velocity and the acceleration vectors are displayed as well as their approximate values.
• Parametric Surfaces in Rectangular Coordinates  The user enters parametric equations for rectangular coordinates, the applet draws a surface that can be rotated in real time.
• Parametric Surfaces in Cylindrical Coordinates  The user enters parametric equations for cylindrical coordinates.
• Spherical Coordinates Presented Interactively  Become familiar with spherical coordinates. Enjoy many practice problems.
• Parametric Surfaces in Spherical Coordinates  The user enters parametric equations for spherical coordinates.
• Regions Described by Double Integrals  Enter limits in double integrals in rectangular and polar coordinates to see the region described by those limits. Practice finding limits which describe a given region.

Course Description

MTH 243 is a demanding course for students in the STEM disciplines. In order to succeed in this course, you will have to work systematically and hard. In this course we will cover the central topics in the calculus of functions of two and three variables as well as elements of vector analysis. This material is of great importance in engineering, physics, chemistry and other STEM disciplines. Take a look at the syllabus for the list of specific topics: Calendar and Syllabus.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

During the course you should be able to build proficiency in working with functions of more than one variable as well as vectors and operations on vectors. You will learn about partial and directional derivatives of multivariable functions, gradients, double and triple integrals. You will learn about vector fields and line integrals.