Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - MACM 204 D100

Computing with Calculus (2)

Class Number: 4420

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of CMPT 102, 120, 126, 128 or 130 and one of MATH 152, 155, or 158.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Using a mathematical software package for doing computations from calculus. Development of computer models that analyze and illustrate applications of calculus. All calculations and experiments will be done in the Maple software package. Topics include: graphing functions and data, preparing visual aids for illustrating mathematical concepts, integration, Taylor series, numerical approximation methods, 3D visualization of curves and surfaces, multi-dimensional optimization, differential equations and disease spread models.

COURSE DETAILS:

Maple is available on the desktops in the library and assignment labs.  You may wish to purchase Maple for your desktop or laptop.  Instructions for purchasing Maple will be given on the first day of class.

Course Outline:

Maple and single variable calculus
  • graphing functions and derivatives
  • graphing curves in the plane 
  • solving equations exactly and numerically
  • factoring polynomials
  • calculating integrals exactly and numerically
  • application to measuring river flow

Programming and Maple library packages
  • loops and procedures
  • lists, sets and arrays
  • graphics programming tools
  • the LinearAlgebra package
  • the GraphTheory package

Multivariate calculus
  • graphing curves and surfaces in 3D
  • partial derivatives and critical points
  • solving systems of equations
  • Taylor series, tangent planes and visualization

Differential equations and modeling
  • initial value problems
  • algebraic and numerical methods
  • Newton's law of cooling
  • logistic growth with harvesting
  • compartment models
  • the SIR disease spread model
  • visualization tools

Grading

  • Assignments 50%
  • Final Exam 50%

NOTES:

The following is the default policy in the Department of Mathematics. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policy applies.
 
To receive a grade of C- or higher the student must receive a passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course. What constitutes a passing grade is up to the discretion of the instructor, though the default is a grade of 50% or higher.

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.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no textbook required.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.