Math 221
Several Variable Calculus
Spring 2013

Course description
This four-credit course covers vector algebra and solid analytic geometry; calculus of functions of several variables; Lagrange multipliers; multiple integration (theory, methods, and applications); line and surface integrals; Green’s and Stokes’s theorems; and Jacobians. This material is contained in Chapters 11–14 of the textbook.
This course covers much the same material as both Math 251 and Math 253 but aims to treat the subject at a deeper level.
Course objectives
By the end of the course, you should be able to
  • compute using the techniques of multivariable calculus;
  • explain how and why the computational methods work; and
  • apply your knowledge to solve problems in geometry and in physics.
Textbook
The required textbook is Calculus: Early Vectors by James Stewart (the same book that you used if you took Math 172). Please bring the book to class each day.
Prerequisite
The prerequisite for this course is Math 172 (the second semester of the calculus sequence).
Meeting time and place
The course meets in room 160 of the Blocker building on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The meeting time on Tuesday and Thursday is 11:10–12:25, and the meeting time on Wednesday is 9:10–10:00.
The last class meeting will be on Thursday, April 25, because the final class day of the semester (Tuesday, April 30) is redefined to use a Friday schedule.
Exams and grades
There will be examinations in class on February 14 (Thursday) and March 28 (Thursday). The comprehensive final examination takes place 15:00–17:00 on Friday, May 3. Each of these three examinations counts for 25% of the course grade. The remaining 25% of the course grade is based on quizzes, in-class work, and homework. Course letter grades are based on the standard scale (60% is passing, 70% or higher earns a C, 80% or higher earns a B, 90% or higher earns an A).
Course schedule
A schedule for the semester is available.
Course website
http://www.math.tamu.edu/~boas/courses/221-2013a/
Office hours
During the Spring 2013 semester, my office hour in Milner 202 is 14:00–15:00 on Monday and Wednesday; I am available also by appointment. The best way to contact me is via email to boas@tamu.edu. Telephone messages can be left at the Milner office of the Department of Mathematics, 979-845-7554.
Help
There are several ways to get live help with this course.
  • Come to my office hours.
  • Visit the help sessions sponsored by the Department of Mathematics.
  • Attend the Math 251 Week in Review session run by Dr. Oksana Shatalov. (Math 251 covers much the same material as Math 221.)
Additionally, there are various forms of assistance available online.