Undergraduate Courses

MA 172, Calculus B

Description

Calculus B is the second in a three-course sequence in calculus, intended primarily for students in science and engineering. Specific topics include

• applications of the integral to length, area, volume, center of mass, and work.
• techniques of integration including simple substitutions, integration by parts, trigonometric substitution, and partial fractions
• numerical integration, including the trapezoid and Simpson's method
• improper integrals and tests for convergence
• polar coordinates
• parametric equations and curves
• infinite series and tests for convergence
• power series and the representation of functions by series
• the use of the Maple computer algebra system

Goals of the course include

• a basic understanding of the special language, notation, and point of view of calculus
• the ability to solve basic computational problems involving integrals and infinite series
• an understanding of concepts from complementary points of view (algebraic, geometric, numerical, procedural)
• the ability to model and solve basic calculus problems in science and engineering
• a basic sense of the history of calculus and its central importance in science
• an improved ability to read, write, speak, and think in mathematical terms

Alabama General Studies Curriculum

MA 172 is an AGSC approved course; the standard AGSC number is Math 126.

Prerequisites

MA 171, Calculus A with a grade of C or better

Credit

4 Semester Hours

Grading System

This course is graded A, B, C, D, F. The grade typically depends on a combination of class tests, homework, Maple assignments, quizzes, and a comprehensive final exam.