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Course Overview Math 51 covers linear algebra and differential multivariable calculus. We study these fields both for their own sakes and towards the goal of understanding the vector geometry of three-dimensional space. Topics include vectors, matrices, systems of linear equations, linear independence, bases for vectors spaces and their subspaces, scalar and vector functions of 1 and 2 variables, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, and parameterized curves. The course syllabus and a list of homework assignments will be posted soon at the links to the left.
Contact information The best way to reach me is by email at jelicata(at)stanford(dot)edu. You're also encouraged to come to my office hours, which are Monday, 4:00 to 5:30, and Tuesday, 2:00 to 3:30. My office is on the second floor of the math department, room 383-K. If you can't make these, please email me and we can set up an appointment to meet. In addition to teaching, I also do research in topology on knots and geometric objects called three-manifolds. You can check out my homepage, which is under construction, if you'd like to see what kind of research I do. Texts The texts are Steven Levandosky's Linear Algebra, Pearson Custom Publishing, 2002, and Susan Jane Colley's Vector Calculus, third edition, Pearson Prenctice Hall, 2006. Evaluation Course grades are determined by homework (10%), midterms (25% each), and the final exam (40%). The midterms will from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on October 18 and November 15, and the final exam is December 10 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Late homework will not be accepted, but you may contact me ahead of time if you'd like to arrange an extension. Other Links This Tips pdf is from a course I taught at Yale, but most of the advice applies to Math 51 as well. I may occasionally post challenge assignments here, too. |