Natural Science 0245 - Calculus II in Context

This course introduces students to fundamental calculus concepts via rich applied contexts. The course prioritizes mathematical thinking, experimentation, and clear communication while de-emphasizing symbolic manipulation and rote exercises. We will apply the mathematical ideas such as integration, Taylor series, dynamical systems, functions of several variables, and periodic functions in a variety of contexts including epidemiology, ecology, and numerical approximation. Students will use Python programs routinely to carry out calculations, experiment with parameter choices, and create informative graphs. Coding experience is not assumed, but some comfort with coding will be a plus. While there are no formal mathematical prerequisites, students should be comfortable with the material from Calculus I and college level algebra. Keywords:mathematics, calculus, modeling

Students should expect to spend 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time