Welcome to Math 21a!
Section Leader
Jun Hou Fung
Science Center 333g
jhfung@[Link]
Course Assistant
Lily Xu
lilyxu@[Link]
Course Website
[Link]
The syllabus, calendar, homework, and more can all be found on the course website. Check frequently!
Some section-specific materials can also be found at the Canvas course site:
[Link]
Course Overview
Multivariable calculus extends single variable calculus to higher dimensions. In this class, we will learn the vocabulary
for understanding fundamental processes and phenomena and provide important background needed for further study
in many diverse fields: social sciences, life sciences, economics, physics, computer science, etc. We will build tools to
describe geometric objects and apply problem solving methods to answer a variety of questions, mathematical and
otherwise.
When taken for a letter grade, Math 21a meets the College’s General Education requirement for Empirical and
Mathematical Reasoning.
Lectures and Class Participation
Hour-long lectures are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12 nn in room SC B10. While not formally
assessed, participation is essential to make the most of the lectures. If you are confused at any point during the lecture,
please ask me a question. There will also be times in class when I expect you to discuss ideas and problems as a class,
as well as in small groups.
Homework
Homework is available on the course website and will be collected by the course assistant at the beginning of every
class. Please do not use the course mailboxes. Late homework will not be accepted, though we will drop your three
lowest scores. We strongly encourage collaboration with your fellow students. In this case, please list the names of
your collaborators if your homework was done in a group. You can also use calculators, computer algebra systems, or
online tools for your homework. Nevertheless, it is a good strategy to think about the problems first on your own and
without a computer (because you will have access to neither friends nor computers during your exams!).
Assessments
The grade breakdown is as follows:
- Homework (25%)
- Two midterms (15% each)
- Final exam (40%)
- Mathematica project (5%)
Tentatively, the first midterm will be held in SC Hall C on Wednesday, September 28 in the evening and the second will
be held Wednesday, November 2. The day of the final exam is to be determined by the registrar. All exams are closed-
book.
If you have a legitimate reason to miss the regular exam(s), we will try to accommodate your schedule by arranging out-
of-sequence exams. In this case, please contact the course head, Oliver Knill (knill@[Link], SC 432), as
soon as possible and well in advance of the exam date. Furthermore, if you require special accommodations during
exams (as directed by the Accessible Education Office), please acquire the necessary documentation and discuss this
with Oliver.
Traditionally, the class also includes a short creative project involving the computer algebra system Mathematica
(essentially a beefed-up version of Wolfram Alpha). Details about the assignment will be posted later in the semester,
though I encourage familiarizing yourself with the software early on.
Textbook
Nominally, the text for this class is Multivariable Calculus: Concepts and Contexts, 4th ed. by Stewart. A copy is available at
the Cabot library. However, virtually every multivariable calculus book covers the same material, so any other book will
work too.
Resources for Students
- Office hours
I will be holding office hours twice a week, and also by appointment, to help you with any questions you may
have. Take advantage of my office hours! The location (probably SC 229) and times will be announced in the
near future.
You are also welcome to attend other Math 21a TFs’ office hours. See the website for times.
- CA problem sessions
Course assistants will hold weekly problem sessions, the times of which are to be determined. You can attend
any one of them.
- Math Question Center (MQC)
The MQC is a place where you can work on your homework with other students in the evenings under the
guidance of course assistants. It is held in SC 309 from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm every night except Fridays and
Saturdays.
- Bureau of Study Counsel (BSC)
If you find yourself requiring academic counseling or peer tutoring, or want to learn how to study more
effectively, the BSC provides services to support your educational endeavors.
Academic Integrity
The usual rules outlined in the student handbook apply; you have all read and understood the College’s Honor Code.
As mentioned above, you are encouraged to work together on assignments but the work you turn in must be your own.
Cheating will not be tolerated on homework and exams.
