Math 227 syllabus

Calculus III 

Course Description:

This course is a continuation of MA 126. Topics include vectors and the geometry of space; vector functions and functions of several variables; partial derivatives; local linearity; directional derivative and gradient; differential of a function; chain rule; higher order partial derivatives; quadratic approximation; optimization of functions of several variables; parametric curves and surfaces; multiple integrals and their applications; vector fields; line and surface integrals; vector calculus. 

Core Course 

Prerequisites:   C or better in MA 126

Textbook:   Joel Hass, Maurice D. Weir, and George B. Thomas, Jr.:

University Calculus – Early Transcendentals, Addison-Wesley, Boston, 2nd edition,

2012 (ISBN 978-0-321-71739-9).  

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course a student will be able to:

• Apply the algebra and geometry of vectors in 2- and 3-dimensional space;
• Analyze vector fields;
• Interpret the calculus of a single variable from a vector point of view;
• Apply the differential calculus of curves in 3-dimensional space and the calculus of path integrals;
• Check whether a vector field is conservative, and in the case it is, to find a potential function;
• State and use the fundamental theorem of line integrals;
• Analyze elementary functions of several variables, their graphs, and the standard quadratic surfaces;
• Compute and interpret partial and directional derivatives of multivariable functions and use these to compute local minima, local maxima, and tangent plane approximations;
• Compute double and triple integrals in various coordinate systems;
• State and use Green’s theorem;
• Compute and interpret line and surface integrals;
• State and use Stokes’ theorem and the divergence theorem.

Topics and Time Distribution:

By assuming the total of 13.5 weeks, the instructor is

given an extra week to use for tests, emphasis on certain topics, etc. 

Chapter 11 - Vectors and the Geometry of Space (2 weeks)

Chapter 12 - Vector-Valued Functions and Motion in Space (1.5 weeks)

Chapter 13 - Partial Derivatives (3.5 weeks)

Chapter 14 - Multiple Integrals (3 weeks)

Chapter 15 - Integration in Vector Fields (3.5 weeks) 

Last Updated February 4, 2014