Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - MATH 252 D100

Vector Calculus (3)

Class Number: 3213

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2025
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 240 or 232, and 251, all with a minimum grade of C-. MATH 240 or 232 may be taken concurrently.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Vector calculus, divergence, gradient and curl; line, surface and volume integrals; conservative fields, theorems of Gauss, Green and Stokes; general curvilinear coordinates and tensor notation. Introduction to orthogonality of functions, orthogonal polynomials and Fourier series. Students with credit for MATH 254 may not take MATH 252 for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics covered
Vectors and vector-valued functions:

  • review of vector algebra, scalar and vector fields
  • tensor notation
  • acceleration and curvature, geometry of curves and Frenet formulas.
Line, surface and volume integrals:
  • simply connected domains
  • conservative and solenoidal fields and their potentials
  • orientable surfaces and surface integrals
  • volume integrals
Integral theorems of vector calculus:
  • Green's theorem, the divergence theorem and Stokes theorem
  • Applications and consequences of the Fundamental theorem of vector analysis.
General curvilinear coordinates:
  • Gradient, divergence, curl and Laplacian in cylindrical, spherical and generalized orthogonal curvilinear coordinates.
Introduction to orthogonality of functions, orthogonal polynomials and Fourier series.

Grading

  • Quizzes 10%
  • Homework 25%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Exam 45%

NOTES:

THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks.
Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semester.

REQUIREMENTS:

This course is delivered in person, on campus. Should public health guidelines recommend limits on in person gatherings, this course may include virtual meetings. As such, all students are recommended to have access to strong and reliable internet, the ability to scan documents (a phone app is acceptable) and access to a webcam and microphone (embedded in a computer is sufficient).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

 

REQUIRED READING:

Introduction to Vector Analysis
7/E
Harry F. Davis and Arthur David Snider
Hawkes Publishing
ISBN: 9780697160997

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.