Vector Calculus

MTH 23A

Pedro Morales-Almazan MWF 10:40-11:45 Classroom Unit 2

Vector Calculus rerfers to the generalization of one dimensional calculus to higher dimension. Many descriptions of the real world become easier using the lenguage of vectors. Physical quantities like velocity, speed, and acceleration can be generalized to higher dimensions threating more variables at the same time. Likewise, derivatives and optimization can be studied in a more general setting using vectors, which are more important for real life applications.

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  • Describe physical quantities using vectors
  • Analyze functions with more than one variable
  • Compute derivatives of multi variable functions
  • Understand partial derivatives
  • Find extreme values of multi variable functions
  • Improve time management
  • Organize critical thinking
  • Develop studying skills
  • Build connections between mathematical thinking and real-life situations
  • Structure working strategies
  • Utilize team work
  • Stregthen reading and writing skills

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COMMUNICATION

canvas

Messages and announcements will be done using Canvas. When you need to contact your instructor or TA, please use Canvas as email messages will NOT be replied. This is to make communication more efficient, so we can correctly identify your section and other important information.

piazza

We will use Piazza for questions regarding HW, exams, lectures, etc. This tool is great for collaboration and to write math. It is difficult to type math in an email or in Canvas, so use Piazza for all content related questions!

office hours

If you have any questions, don't forget to go office hours.
Pedro Morales (McHenry 4120)
M 2-3pm, T 10am-12pm

email

For anything else, you can reach your instructor or TA using email, but please use this as the LAST method of communication.

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Our book is: Vector Calculus, 6th ed, Marsden and Tromba

SGT, MSI and ACE are additional resources that can help you with class. You are highly encouraged to attend to these.

We will use Canvas for lecture content and WeBWorK for doing HW.

Grade

The grade will be divided into four skills:

  • Mechanics
  • Understanding
  • Creativity
  • Responsibility

Mechanics has to do with computational skills like arithmetic and algebra. This includes Pre-Class and Post-Class .
Understanding has to do with conceptual and theoretical skills. This includes In-Class, Section and Midterms.
Creativity has to do with the ability of applying concepts to other areas, specially real-life applications. This includes the Projects.
Responsibility has to do with the effort and discipline shown for the class. This includes Lecture, Reflections, SGT, MSI, ACE, and Consistency.

Grades will be assigned using the +/- system.

Homework and Classwork (50%)

Pre-Class (8%)

These are short assignments and reflections that you will complete on Canvas.

We are dropping the lowest 5 preclass in order to account for any abscences.

In-Class (8%)

We will have group Activities during lecture time to be completed in groups. The Activities are applications of the concepts seen in class.

We are dropping the lowest 2 inclass Activities in order to account for any abscences.

Post-Class (10%)

Each week you will have an Online Homework assignment due Thursdays at midnight . It will cover the content addressed the previous week.

We are dropping the lowest 2 postclass in order to account for any abscences.

Section (10%)

Each Section day you will have different Activities to work on. These Activities will be worked in groups. The Activities will be completed on Canvas, so make sure every member of the group brings a computer or handheld device. Participation and attendance will be counted towards the Section grade.

We are dropping the lowest 2 section grades in order to account for any abscences.

Projects (14%)

This consists on three application projects. Each project can be worked in groups of at most five members. Each project can be worked with different groups.

  • Project 1 (October 23rd)
  • Project 2 (November 14th)
  • Project 3 (December 4th)

Exams (50%)

No calculators allowed at any Exams. No makeup exams under any circumstances.

Midterms (30%)

These exams cover the class material. The grade is computed by averaging the exams in the regular fashion.

Midterms will take place during lecture time.

  • Exam 1
    October 18th
    Midterm: Covers Sections 1.1-1.4

  • Exam 2
    November 15th
    Midterm: Covers Sections 2.1-3.2

Final (20%)

The final is comprehensive.

  • Final
    December 13th
    8:00-11:00am

Responsibility (+)

This measures your responsibility, consistency, and engagement with the course. It is computed with your Pre-Class, Section, Activities, Reflections, and participation in SGT sessions and ACE sessions. This can give you a boost of at most 5 pts in your final grade.

The boost is computed by the average of:

  • Assignments completed on time (proportion)
  • Assistance to ACE and/or SGT (at least once)
  • Variance of assignment grades (significance level)

Prerequisite and degree relevance

Vectors in n-dimensional Euclidean space. The inner and cross products. The derivative of functions from n-dimensional to m-dimensional Euclidean space is studied as a linear transformation having matrix representation. Paths in 3-dimensions, arc length, vector differential calculus, Taylor's theorem in several variables, extrema of real-valued functions, constrained extrema and Lagrange multipliers, the implicit function theorem, some applications. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 22.

Prerequisite(s): course 19B or 20B or AP calculus BC exam score of 4 or 5. (General Education Code(s): MF.)

Student Code of Conduct

The UC Santa Cruz community includes students, staff, faculty, and others who have a vested interest in the University. As members of an academic community, integrity, accountability and mutual respect are vital pillars of being part of this community. The Principles of Community further illustrate the values and expectations set forth for being a part of this community.

Small Group Tutoring (SGT)

Small Group Tutoring provides a small interactive setting for students to be comfortable to engage in conversations about course material with other students. Each session is led by a current UCSC undergraduate student who has taken the course and done well in it. Tutoring sessions are 1-Hour long and generally have a capacity of 6 students. When students sign up for tutoring, students make a commitment to attend tutoring weekly for the entire quarter. All students can sign up for up to 2-Hours of tutoring a week per couse they are enrolled in.

Academic Excellence (ACE)

ACE is an academic support program dedicated to increasing the diversity of UCSC students earning bachelors' degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is a community of scholars who strive for and commit to academic excellence.

DRC Accommodations

UC Santa Cruz is committed to creating an academic environment that supports its diverse student body. If you are a student with a disability who requires accommodations to achieve equal access in this course, please submit your Accommodation Authorization Letter from the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to me privately during my office hours or by appointment, preferably within the first two weeks of the quarter.  At that time, I would also like us to discuss ways we can ensure your full participation in the course.   I encourage all students who may benefit from learning more about DRC services to contact DRC by phone at 831-459-2089 or by email at drc@ucsc.edu.

Inclusivity Statement

We understand that our members represent a rich variety of backgrounds and perspectives. UCSC is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity. While working together to build this community we ask all members to:

FAQ

  • Is the book required for the class?

    No. The book is a good reference to clarify concepts and to practice more problems.

  • Was there a curve last quarter?

    No. We don't do curves in this class.

  • I am going to miss a day of class. What should I do?

    Get the notes from someone in class. You can also see what are we going to do that day by looking at the lecture schedule.

  • Can we use calculators on the Exams?

    No.

  • This Homework problem is impossible to do without a calculator. What should I do if it's on the Exam?

    If a Homework problem really is impossible to do without a calculator, it won't be on the Exam.

  • I have class all the way over on the other side of campus before your class. Can I come in a few minutes late?

    Yes, just be courteous to your classmates and be as quiet as possible when you come in.

  • What can I do to improve my grade?

    Study. Do Homework. Do not wait until the end of the semester.

  • Do you drop any grades?

    See the grade description.

  • I need a C to keep my scholarship, what can I do?

    Study. Do Homework. Do not wait until the end of the semester.

  • I added this class late and missed the first one/two/three Homeworks. Can you accept them late?

    No. We do not accept late Homework for any reason. Your two lowest Homework scores are dropped for just such eventualities.

  • Will there be a curve?

    No.

  • What do I have to make on the final to get an A/B/C in the course?

    We use the regular grading system.

  • I sent a math question to my instructor and I didn't get a response. Why?

    Because it's impossible to write math over e-mail.

  • Can we use calculators on the Homeworks?

    Yes.

  • Do we have to bring our textbooks to class everyday?

    No.

  • I have a doctor's appointment after class today. Can I leave a few minutes early?

    Yes, just be courteous to your classmates and be as quiet as possible when you leave.

  • Do you give extra credit?

    No but we have grade boosts based on your performance in class.

  • What is going to be on the exam?

    Everything we have done in class.

  • Why you don’t reply my emails?

    Messages regarding this class must be sent through Canvas or Piazza.