Math 32A:  Calculus of Several Variables

Syllabus

Math 32AB is a traditional multivariable calculus course sequence for mathematicians, engineers, and physical scientists.  Math 32A treats differential calculus in several variables.

Instructor: Ko Honda

  • Office: MS 7901
  • E-mail: lastname at math dot ucla dot edu  
  • Telephone: 310-825-2143
  • URL: http://www.math.ucla.edu/~honda
  • Office hours: Fridays 10-11:50 am in my office.

TA: Nicholas Miller (nmiller at math dot ucla dot edu) or Jacob Rooney (jhrooney at math dot ucla dot edu)  Since Math 32A is a large class, I ask that you email the TA first if you have a question.

Class Meetings: Every week there will be three hours of lecture as well as one hour of discussion.

  • Lectures:  MWF 2-2:50 pm @ MS 4000A
  • Discussion section:  see your schedule (Tu or Th 2-2:50 pm)

Topics

  1. Vector geometry.
  2. Vector-valued functions.
  3. Differentiation in several variables.
  4. Optimization.
Textbook: Jon Rogawski and Colin Adams, Multivariable Calculus, 3rd Edition, W. H. Freeman & Co. (ISBN-13: 978-1-4641-8689-9, ISBN-10: 1-4641-8689-8.)

Prerequisite: Math 31A with a grade of C- or better.


REQUIREMENTS:  You are responsible for carefully reading the following and being aware of all the requirements.  Please ask questions about anything you don't understand.
 

Classroom Expectations

I want you to enjoy this class, but please respect my right to teach and your classmates' rights to learn.  I would like you to refrain from disruptive behavior (such as unnecessary talking), as well as from reading newspapers and other non-class materials, using your cell phone, and surfing the web during class.  Laptop/tablet use is restricted to taking notes.  Also, please keep your cell phones turned off!!
Grading System
  • HW: 10%
  • Two midterms: 20% each
  • Final Exam: 50%
Homework: Homework will be assigned after every class (see the class schedule) and all the homework from one week will be due at the beginning of the Monday class the following week.  For example, the homework from 3/28, 3/30 and 4/1 will be due at the beginning of class on Monday 4/4.  (If Monday is a holiday, the homework will be due on the Wednesday.)

Midterms:  There will be two in-class midterm exams during the semester (Wednesday, April 20 and Monday, May 16).  No books, notes, calculators, or other aids will be allowed on the exams.  No makeup midterms will be given; thus any absence on a midterm will result in a score of 0, unless excused.  Except for emergencies, it is your responsibility to let me know in advance if you will be absent (for a legitimate reason).  In case of an excused absence, the final exam grade will replace the midterm grade that is missed.

Final Exam:  Monday, June 6, 11:30 am-2:30 pm

Collaboration

Working in groups could be a more efficient way of learning.  You are permitted (and encouraged) to meet with other students in the class to study the material of the course and/or get help for the homework.  However:
The homework you turn in must be written in your own words and you must cite your collaborators and the sources you used. Homework which is simply copied from another source (friend, another textbook, internet, etc.) will be considered plagiarized.
Academic Integrity
The instructor strongly adheres to the University policies regarding academic integrity violations, and will strictly enforce these rules. You are encouraged to review the UCLA Student Conduct Code.

Tips for Success

  • Try not to fall behind in the class; it is surprisingly difficult to catch up in a math course.
  • If you're looking to get an A in the course, try to do the HW on the day it is assigned.  You will retain the material better if you study a little bit each day.

Getting Help

The Student Math Center (SMC) is located in MS 3974. Hours: M-Th 10 am-3 pm, starting March 30, 2016.  The SMC offers free, individual and group tutoring for all lower division math courses.  This service is available on a walk-in basis; no appointment is necessary.  Students may ask any of the TAs in attendance for assistance with math problems.

Students with Disabilities 

Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is required to register with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).

WARNING:  The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may become necessary. 

Last modified:  May 28, 2016.