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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2015 - 2016

Module Title Calculus of Several Variables
Module Code MS221
School School of Mathematical Sciences

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Michael ClancyOffice NumberX138B
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module aims to ensure that students will have an understanding of the theory of the Calculus of Several Variables suitable for their studies in Physics. Where appropriate, theorems will be explained using arguments based on Physics rather than on formal mathematical proofs. Furthermore, it aims to develop students abilities to perform the calculations that arise in applications, especially in applications to Physics. Students will attend lectures on the course material and will work, independently, to solve problems on topics related to the course material. The students will have an opportunity to review their solutions, with guidance, at weekly tutorials.

Learning Outcomes

1. reformulate concepts from physics in the language of vector calculus
2. perform the calculations that arise when the calculus of several variables is used to solve problems
3. demonstrate an understanding of concepts by use of examples or counterexamples
4. state selected definitions and theorems



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36Students will attend lectures where new material will be presented and explained. Also attention will be drawn to various supporting material and tutorials as the course progresses.
Tutorial12Students will show their solutions to homework questions and will receive help with and feed-back on these solutions.
Independent Study77Corresponding to each lecture students will devote approximately one additional hour of independent study to the material discussed in that lecture or to work on support material when attention is drawn to such in lectures. Before each tutorial students will devote approximately three and a half hours to solving homework problems which are to be discussed in that tutorial.
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

VECTORS IN 3-SPACE
Vectors as directed line segments, their addition and scalar multiplication. Frames of reference and coordinates. The inner product, cross product and their applications.

FUNCTIONS OF ONE OR MORE VARIABLES
Parametrized curves. Level sets and their parametrizations.

DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS
Limits, continuity, partial differentiation. The chain rule. The gradient, divergence, curl and their physical interpretations. Max/Min problems and Lagrange multipliers. Taylor's formula.

INTEGRAL CALCULUS
Line integrals, multiple integrals, surface integrals. The integral theorems. Change of variable formula for multiple integrals.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment20% Examination Weight80%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Finney, R. and Thomas, G.: 0, Calculus, Addison Wesley,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
APBSc in Applied Physics
BSSAStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
PBMBSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences
PEMBSc in Physical Education with Maths.
PHABSc in Physics with Astronomy
SAMPMProfessional Development Modules Maths
SEBSc Science Education
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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