This course covers the breadth of university calculus: differentiation, integration, infinite series, and ordinary differential equations. It focuses on concepts and interconnections. In order to cover this much material, computational techniques are de-emphasized. The approach is historically based and classical, following original texts where possible. Further techniques and applications, which would normally be covered in a first calculus sequence, will appear in following mathematics courses, such as Differential Equations and Non-Linear Dynamical Systems, Ordinary Differential Equations, and Fourier Analysis and Partial Differential Equations. This is an advanced course; Calculus AP or IB cannot be used as substitutes for it. On the other hand, this is at the same time an introductory course on calculus: the course treats the concepts in a logically independent way, so if the other prerequisites are met, no prior experience with calculus is required.
Remote students can contact the instructor to discuss whether the class can be taken remotely in a way that makes sense for them.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand foundational ideas of calculus as a whole
- Recognize when a problem is amenable to calculus methods
- Interpret models involving calculus, specifically differential equations
- Try out ideas, make conjectures, and experiment
- Persist on difficult, long-form, and open-ended problems
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites: One previous Bennington College mathematics course (MAT 2244 Quantitative Reasoning and Modeling is recommended), or permission of the instructor. Priority will be given to students who have the prerequisite, and also based on need for the student's plan. For registration, contact Andrew McIntyre by email (amcintyre@bennington.edu) once 4000-level registration is open.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
T/F 2:10PM - 4:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: Once a year
Categories: All courses , Fully In-Person , Mathematics
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