Math 249: Multivariable Calculus

Fall 2019


Class Meetings:

    MWF 10:20-11:20 am, Ford 204

Professor McNicholas

  • emcnicho@willamette.edu
  • Office: Ford 211
  • Phone: (503)370-6590

"The tantalizing and compelling pursuit of mathematical problems offers mental absorption, peace of mind amid endless challenges, repose in activity, battle without conflict, `refuge from the goading urgency of contingent happenings,' and the sort of beauty changeless mountains present to sense tried by the present-day kaleidoscope of events."    -Morris Kline

Office Hours: In addition to times posted on my website, I am also available by appointment.

Math Tutoring:   Available in the Math Hearth (near the big cube), Ford Hall, 2nd Floor.   Times are posted here: http://www.willamette.edu/cla/math/student-resources/tutor/index.html

Syllabus: 

http://willamette.edu/~emcnicho/courses/Syllabi/SyllabusMath249F19.pdf

WeBWorK site:  

https://secure.willamette.edu/webwork2/Math249-McNicholas/


Multivariable calculus lies in the intersection of three of the most important branches of mathematics: algebra, analysis, and geometry. It demonstrates the elegance and beauty of mathematics, as well as its sublime utility. By extending the concepts of one-variable calculus to higher dimensions, we encounter a variety of new issues and subtleties, many of which require a deep geometric understanding to resolve.

Through this course you will: learn vector calculus; strengthen your geometric visualization skills; practice translating between algebraic, analytic, and geometric perspectives; and develop your technical writing skills. In addition to being a course about the power of integrating multiple mathematical perspectives, the second half of the course will be the story of a theorem - an amazing, beautiful theorem which will unify a number of course concepts. Your grade will be based on your level of achievement in each of the following student learning outcomes

  • Your content knowledge
    • As demonstrated on in-class exams and quizzes
  • Your reasoning and visualization skills
    • As demonstrated on exams and supplemental geometry problems
  • Your technical writing ability 
    • As demonstrated on exams and and supplemental geometry problems
  • Your engagement in the mathematical endeavor
    • As demonstrated on WeBWork homework sets and Math Colloquium attendance

Tentative Schedule - Subject to Change