Instructor: Blair Seidler
Email: blair dot seidler at rutgers dot edu
In this course, we will discuss analytic geometry and vectors in three dimensional Euclidean space, partial derivatives, optimization techniques and modeling with multivariate functions, multiple integrals, and several major theorems pertaining to multiple integrals.
The course will be delivered in a synchronous online format. The word "synchronous" in this context means that students are expected to attend every lecture at the time it is presented. The lectures will be recorded so that students can replay all or part of a lecture in order to review key concepts or as part of their preparation for an exam. Yes, this also means that you can view a lecture later if you have a compelling reason to miss one. But doing so will not allow you to take part in the interactive parts of each day's activities which will include student polls, group work, and the opportunity to ask questions during the lecture and recitation portions of the class. In addition, group work will be done in breakout rooms which will not be recorded. If you do need to miss class, please inform me by email (in advance if possible), and make sure to do the required readings, homework, and view the lecture as soon as possible after it becomes available on Canvas. Participation in class is a component of your final grade and will impact how much you get out of this course, so please do not make a habit of missing classes.
In order to make maximum use of our class time, students will need to read the relevant sections of the textbook before class. The "Readings" tab at left contains a reading guide for each day's lecture. The reading guide includes the definitions and formulas which you will need for the lecture, and some indication as to which textbook examples I would like you to think about before class. You are not expected to learn everything on your own from the textbook, but familiarizing yourself with the concepts in advance will allow us to use our class time effectively. If I spend less time writing definitions on the virtual blackboard, we can spend more time talking about what everything means and how to use it. We will have more time to work through examples in detail. These things are much more valuable to you than having me write down something which is already in the text. At the beginning of each class, we will briefly discuss those items which you were expected to read and I will ask a few poll questions which will allow you to demonstrate that you have done the required reading and thinking.
A general word of warning: This course can be very challenging, at least in part because of the sheer volume (pardon the pun?) of material we need to cover. Falling behind in this course is a recipe for disaster. There will be reading and homework to do every day. There will be quizzes almost every day. There will be an exam every two weeks. And the new material will keep coming as though you are drinking from a fire hose. Please keep up with this course, and ask me for help immediately if you are struggling. I will do everything in my power to help you get back on track.