This course, an HONORS version of Math 2057, is intended to serve the interests of students in engineering, the sciences, mathematics, and other fields as well. Its objectives include the same knowledge, computational skills, and problem-solving abilities as 2057, plus additional attention to rigor, precision, physical applications, and especially interesting problems. The mastery of the material in this course, and the habit of achievement that comes with it, should make your subsequent studies easier and more rewarding. The prerequisite is either Math 1552 or 1553 at LSU, or equivalent study elsewhere, preferably with a grade of A.

The required text is the same as for 2057: Calculus Early Transcendentals, fourth edition, by James Stewart, published by Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. We will cover selected material from Chapters 14, 15, and 16, and some material not in the text. I will emphasize the vector calculus and its applications. I hope to include some discussion of electricity and magnetism, with formulations of Maxwell's Equations.

Requirements: There will be three one-hour tests, a two-hour final exam, and exercises to write up.

I will frequently suggest exercises for you to do on your own, as a guide for study and an indication of what you are responsible for learning. In addition, I will assign selected exercises which may be written up and turned in. You will have a certain amount of choice as to which ones to do. The grade on an assigned exercise will follow a numerical scale, thus: 8.5-10.0, A; 6.5-8.4, B; 4.5-6.4, C; 2.5-4.4, D. You should feel free to make attempts on difficult exercises, because if you receive a rating of less than 7.00 on an exercise, I will not count it at all--but then, of course, you will need to do another one.

Your written solutions to problems should be easy to read, neat, organized, clear, and well-written - as well as correct. You should write at a level such that your solutions will be easy for your fellow students to understand. Your work on the problems must be your own, with the following exceptions: You may consult the text and other books. You may consult me for help. To a limited and reasonable extent, you may consult other persons or work with others in the class, but if you give or receive such assistance, you must acknowledge all instances of so doing on your paper.

I may sometimes make copies of your solutions to problems and test questions and distribute them to the class, with attribution.

I expect you to complete 15 of the assigned exercises during the semester, with a rating of 7.00 or better on each. You may do up to 30 in all. Let N be the number of exercises that you complete with a rating of 7.00 or better. Your overall grade P on exercises will be the sum of your scores divided by the greater of N and 15.

Grading Formula: Let T denote your average grade on the hour tests; P , your overall grade on exercises; and E , your grade on the final exam. Let X be the higher of T and E , except that X may be raised if you have done more than 15 exercises. Your overall grade in the course will be no lower than
 

Let me explain more precisely how X will be computed. Assuming that N is at least 15 but no more than 30, then
 

I expect you to attend class faithfully and to keep up with assigned work. When you are absent, or if you are late to class, or if you leave class early, I will assume that you have good reason; but please let me know why. If you have difficulties of any kind that affect your work, I will be glad for you to tell me about them. Whenever there is some way you think I can help, please ask. It will be best for you not to miss scheduled tests; but if you find that you are unable to take a test (or even the final exam) at the appointed time due to illness or other difficulty, please discuss it with me as soon as possible; there will be deadlines for taking make-ups. Once you have taken the final, or any other test, a re-take is not allowed. When a test or problem set is graded and handed back to you, you should look it over carefully, and if you have any question or complaint about the grading, you should discuss it with me. It never hurts to ask.

Your background will have an important effect on how well you do in the course. You have reached the stage when it is important to have good notes from your previous calculus courses, and/or to be comfortable with the earlier chapters in the text. It is normal, during a mathematics course, to review, re-learn, or learn background material. It is OK to ask for help with it. But it is your responsibility.

Read the book: Do not expect to read a math book fast. Read the book actively. Try to be convinced that you understand each line before going on to the next. An assignment to "read Section x" includes not just a thorough reading but also doing a few of the exercises at the end.

Personal advice: Have due respect for what you're up against in your academic program. Take care of your health and of your general well-being. You need to be in good physical condition to succeed. Get the physical exercise that you need, and eat properly. Do what you need to do to assure that you have helpful conditions in the places where you live, work, and sleep. If you have emotional problems, get help, or at least find a friend to talk to; don't go it alone, and don't despair.