ROCHESTER COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
COMMON COURSE OUTLINE: Math 2237 - Multivariable Calculus

A. Catalog Description

1. Math 2237
2. Multivariable Calculus
3. 5 credits
4. 5 hours of instruction per week
5. Offered Fall Semester
6. Prerequisites:
a. Math 1128
b. College reading level

7. MNTC:
a. Critical Thinking (CT)
b. Mathematics/Symbolic Systems (MA)

8. First in a sequence which is a continuation of the first year of calculus. Topics are selected from the following: coordinate and vector geometry, vector valued functions, velocity, acceleration and curvature, cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems, partial differentiation and applications, double and triple integrals, Green’s – Stokes Divergence Theorems, Frenet Formulas.

B. Revised 6/6/2000

C. Recommended entry skills/knowledge - Above average first year calculus skills in differentiation and integration, understanding basic proofs, and be able to work with transcendental functions, trigonometric and hyperbolic functions involving derivatives, integrals and applications, L’Hopital’s Rule, Improper Integrals, Infinite Series, Taylor Polynomials and Series, Conic Sections, Polar Coordinate Systems and Parametric Equations.

D. Major Content Areas:
Infinite Sequences and Series, Taylor and Maclaurin Series
Representation of Functions as Power Series, Binomial Series
Vectors and the Geometry of Space, Dot and Cross Product
Equations of Lines, Planes, Surfaces, Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinates
Vector Functions and Space Curves, Derivatives and Integrals of Vector Functions
Arc Length and Curvature, Motion in Space, and Parametric Surfaces
Partial Derivatives, Tangent Planes, Linear Approximations
Directional Derivative and Gradient Vector, Maximums and Minimums
Lagrange Multipliers
Multiple Integrals, Iterated Integrals
Double Integrals over Rectangles, General Regions and in Polar Coordinates
Applications of Double Integrals, Surface Area
Applications of Triple Integrals in Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinates
Change of Variables in Multiple Integrals
Vector Calculus, Vector fields, Line Integrals, Green’s Theorem
Curl and Divergence, Surface Integrals, Stoke’s Theorem, The Divergence Theorem

OPTIONAL TOPICS:
Additional applications in any of the Major Content Areas in Part D
Introduction to the beginning topics of Differential Equations

E. Learning Outcomes

1. Mathematical/Logical Reasoning from MN Transfer Curriculum (MTC)

a. Illustrate historical and contemporary applications of mathematical/logical reasoning.
b. Clearly express mathematical/logical ideas in writing.
c. Explain what constitutes a valid mathematical/logical argument (proof).
d. Recognize higher order problem-solving and/or modeling strategies.

2. Critical Thinking from MN transfer curriculum

a. Gather factual information and apply it to a given problem in a manner that is relevant, clear, comprehensive, and conscious of possible bias in the information selected.
b. Imagine and seek out a variety of possible goals, assumptions, interpretations, or perspectives which can give alternative meanings or solutions to given situations or problems.
c. Analyze the logical connections among the facts, goals, and implicit assumptions relevant to a problem or claim; generate and evaluate implications that follow from them.
d. Recognize and articulate the value assumptions, which underlie and affect decisions, interpretations, analyses, and evaluations, made by ourselves and others.
Other Competencies:

Need to have skilled use of the graphics calculator.
Must acquire some skills in a computer software application, e.g. Mathematica.
Must have college reading level for reading the text and interpreting the problems.
Should have above average skills in first year calculus integration, differentiation.
Be able to learn and use precise thinking and writing methods for structuring
problems.

a. Mastery of Major Content Areas in Part D.

b. Introduction of Applications of these concepts to the degree that time allows.

 

F. Methods used for Evaluation
1. Test over the covered topics for each chapter
2. Quizzes and Extra Credit Opportunities
3. Homework
4. Group Assignments
5. Final Exam - comprehensive over untested material, using skills and methods mastered in this class.

 

G. Graphing Calculators needed and used in this class.