Calculus, one of the classical topics in mathematics, is the study of change. It is useful both in scientific fields and in applied studies from engineering to the life sciences.   It is taught in a three-course sequence:

• Math 2200 (Calculus I) introduces derivatives (rates of change) for functions relating two real variables (one independent, the other dependent).  At the end of the course, integration is briefly introduced.  An integral may be viewed as the value of a quantity that accumulates at a variable rate.
• Math 2205 (Calculus II) develops further techniques and applications of integration, and introduces power series expansions for functions (again, real-valued functions of one variable).
• Math 2210 (Calculus III) uses vector techniques to generalize the notions of derivative and integral to functions with multiple input and/or output variables.

Throughout the sequence, the emphasis is on tools and techniques rather than the theory. Students wanting to go beyond this introduction to understand further the theory behind calculus, in particular to understand the proofs of the theorems introduced here, are encouraged to follow this sequence with Mathematical Analysis (Math 4200/4205) and Complex Analysis (Math 4230).

Often a special section of calculus is designated (in the semester class schedule posted by the Registrar) for students in a particular applied discipline.  Please contact the individual instructor for clarification of the special emphasis and policies in this case.  The following information is intended primarily for the other sections of calculus which are not so designated.

The current textbook for the calculus sequence is Stewart's Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 7th edition ISBN 978-0-495-96224-3.

WebAssign

The calculus courses use WebAssign to manage part of the class homework.  Students are required to obtain an individual license for the WebAssign software, which may be purchased with or without a hardcopy of the textbook (an eBook version of the textbook is included with the software).  Your instructor will provide you will a class key to sign into his class set up in WebAssign.

Gateway Exam

The Gateway Exam assesses several basic skills in the calculus courses.  The Gateway Exam in Math 2200 (Calculus I) tests the basic skills of technical differentiation, the Gateway Exam in Math 2205 (Calculus II) tests the various technical integration skills taught near the beginning of the course.   There is no Gateway Exam for Math 2210 (Calculus III).

The purpose of the Gateway Exam is to allow lectures to emphasize the key concepts of calculus.  The basic rules of differentiation or integration, and examples, are taught in class; but mastery of these skills is not acquired in class--it comes only by practice, on your own time.  As the name suggests, mastering these skills are the gateway to understanding lectures in the second half of the semester, in the same way that mastering basic arithmetic are assumed throughout most college level courses.  You are expected to pass the Gateway Exam as soon as possible (preferably within the first week that it is offered).

The Gateway Exam is a paper-based exam conducted without access to any aids; only a pen/pencil are permitted (scratch paper will be provided).  You will be asked to evaluate seven different derivatives (for Math 2200) or integrals (for Math 2205), using the rules taught in class. You must answer at least 6 out of 7 questions correctly, with no partial credit, in order to pass.  Because the exam is designed to assess skills of technical calculus only, no simplification of answers is required.

Multiple opportunities to pass the exam will be offered throughout the semester.  However, you are limited to one attempt per day.  If you do not pass on a given attempt, please review your work and make sure not to repeat the same mistakes.  You will pass the exam not through luck, but by first learning and practicing the basic rules of differentiation or integration.  Failure to pass the Gateway Exam within the semester will result in the loss of ten percent of the grade for the course.

For practice Gateway Exams and for the Schedule of when the Gateway lab is open, please see individual course webpages for Math 2200 or Math 2205.

Common Exams

During the Spring 2013 semester, common exams for the coordinated sections of calculus are scheduled for 5:15-7:00 pm on three Thursday evenings: February 7, March 7, and April 11.  The final exam is scheduled for 1:15-3:15pm on Wednesday, May 8.  Please arrive with as few personal effects as possible--large backpacks are especially discouraged in this examination setting.  Photo ID is required at all common exams--display your photo ID when submitting the exam to your proctor.

The locations of the exams will be announced by your instructor at least a few days before the exam and will be posted on the individual course websites (links provided above).

Further questions may be directed to your individual instructor or to the course supervisor, Dr. Nathan Clements (calculus@uwyo.edu).