University of Rhode Island MTH243: Calculus in Several Variables
Spring 2016

General Information

Instructor: Tom Sharland
e-mail: tsharland "at" uri.edu
Lectures: TTH 9.30pm-10.45pm, Washburn 309
Office hours: Monday 2-3, Wednesday 2-3, Thursday 2-3 or by appointment.
Office: Lippitt 200A

Course description: MTH 243 is a multivariable calculus course, the third in the calculus program. We will focus on functions of 2 or more variables and see how the ideas covered in one variable calculus can be generalised to apply in higher dimensions. A more detailed syllabus can be found here.

Prerequisites: C- or better in MTH142.

Textbook: The course textbook is Calculus: Multivariable (6th ed.) by McCallum, Hughes-Hallet et. al. We will be using WileyPlus online homework system this semester. 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 somewhere else and it does not include WileyPlus code, you will need to purchase a WileyPlus code separately. Here is the flyer to guide you in course enrolment.
Late homework will never be accepted but an assignment may be excused if there is documented evidence as to why it was missed. Similarly, make-up exams will only be provided if documented evidence shows the exam was missed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Grade breakdown: The grading scheme will be as follows:

  • Homework: 15%
  • Midterm I: 25%
  • Midterm II: 25%
  • Final: 35%
Exam dates/Information:
  • Midterm I: March 8th, in class. Covers Chapters 12 and 13. Here are some recommended problems. No calculators!
  • Midterm II: April 21st, in class. Covers Chapter 14 and 15. Here are some recommended problems.
  • Final: May 10th at 11.30am in Washburn 309. This exam is cumulative. There is a Review Session on 05/04 at 2-3.30pm in Lippitt 204. Here are some recommended problems for Chapter 16.



Miscellany

  • Available help To complement the lectures, homework and office hours, you may also find it beneficial to make use of the Academic Enhancement Center. Follow the link to find the timetable for Math tutors.
  • Online resources There are many online resources you may find helpful. Here are a couple.
    • Paul's Notes for Calculus III
    • WolframAlpha - note that though this is a useful resource, you should not rely on it completely to solve problems, as you will need to be able to solve problems without electronic aids in the exams!
  • Mathematica We will not be relying on Mathematica in class, but you may find it useful in helping you draw pictures of graphs of functions and so on. The computer labs should have it installed.