Online Multivariable Calculus - General Course Syllabus

This is the general outline of the syllabus for my online section of MA 242; detailed descriptions of many course features have been omitted for simplicity. Therefore, if you are a student in the class, please see the full syllabus posted in Moodle–it is much more detailed and pertains to your semester. You gain access to the Moodle approximately one week before the first day of class.

For Transfer Coordinators at other universities

The examinations in this course are rigorously proctored in-person examinations. NC State has been administering this type of exam through our Digital Education and Learning Technologies Applications (DELTA) division since well before the Covid-19 pandemic: see https://testing-services.delta.ncsu.edu/. DELTA is certified with the National College Testing Association (NCTA) (2015, 2021).

  • Examinations are never take-home exams.
  • Students do not self-proctor at home.
  • Exams feature randomized questions with randomized values. To protect the integrity of the questions bank, exams are not returned. Sharing answers is close to impossible.

For the specific content of this course, it may be easiest to share the course video playlist with the appropriate person in your Mathematics department: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBEl4BT8wUgOqJCBijQxClMIuumgtMinc

Table Of Contents

Basic Information

Instructor Information

  • Instructor: Dr. Bevin Maultsby
  • Email: My NC State email is bmaults@ncsu.edu, but I prefer that you use the Email Me forum in Moodle.
  • Office Location and Hours: All office hours are open to all students. Times may change each week (please consult the Office Hours calendar).
  • Course Meetings: This course is an asynchronous Distance Education course.
  • Course Site: Find our Moodle site on WolfWare.

Catalog Description

(4 credit hours) Third of three semesters in a calculus sequence for science and engineering majors. Topics include:

  • Vectors, vector algebra, and vector functions
  • Functions of several variables, partial derivatives, gradients, directional derivatives, maxima and minima
  • Multiple integration
  • Line and surface integrals, Green’s Theorem, Divergence Theorem, Stokes’ Theorem, and applications
  • Use of computational tools

Prerequisite: MA 241 with a grade of C- or better, AP Calculus credit, or Higher Level IB credit.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Apply differential and integral calculus to multivariable functions, including curves, scalar-valued functions, vector-valued functions, and vector fields.
  • Find volumes and surface areas, solve multivariable optimization problems, and calculate physical quantities such as velocity, work, flux, and potential.
  • Describe and analyze geometric figures in three dimensions using calculus.
  • Understand generalizations of the fundamental theorem of calculus to multivariable settings.

See Moodle for each unit’s specific Learning Objectives.

Time Commitment

MA 242 is an intensive, fast-paced course. On-campus sections meet five days a week for 250 minutes total (three lectures and two recitations). This online, asynchronous section has been designed for flexibility while maintaining a similar lecture experience.

Each college credit hour typically equates to three hours of work per week over a full semester. This means that for this four-credit hour course, you should expect to devote roughly 12 hours per week to course-related activities. Here is a sample weekly breakdown:

  • Lectures and Instructional Content: ~4 hours per week (50 total hours for the semester)
  • Assignments and Assessments: ~4 hours per week
  • Self-Study and Review: ~4 hours per week

These estimates may vary based on your individual pace of learning. If you find yourself struggling with time management, please reach out during Office Hours.

Lecture Materials

This Distance Education section includes pre-recorded lectures hosted on YouTube for accessibility. These lectures are interactive, featuring:

  • Pop-up questions along the timeline
  • Summary statements at the end of each lecture

Your Lecture Activity Score determines the extent of test curving. See the Test Curving Section for details.

YouTube Disclaimer

The course videos are hosted on YouTube, However, as is often the case with YouTube, this means that there may be short ads placed before and after the content. YouTube ads do not reflect my personal views nor NC State University, and are not chosen by me.

Textbook and WebAssign

  • Textbook: Calculus for Engineers and Scientists by John Franke, John Griggs, and Larry Norris (available in PDF format on WebAssign).
  • WebAssign Access: Required for homework and textbook access. Approximate cost: $82.95. Do not buy this without first checking if you have opted into the Course Ready program; see https://go.ncsu.edu/course-ready.
WebAssign Homework (20% of your course grade)
  • Assignments are completed and graded online via WebAssign.
  • Tips: Work ahead, write out problems on paper before submitting, and organize your work in a notebook.
  • Moodle will automatically drop your lowest three homework scores.
Extensions and Dropped Grades
  • You may request a 7-day extension in WebAssign with an 80% credit cap (20% penalty).
  • Extensions run for seven consecutive days and cannot be paused during breaks.
  • Instructor-granted extensions are rare and must be documented through NC State Absence Verification.

Communication and Getting Help

Yellowdig (5% of your course grade)

Yellowdig is our course discussion platform. Participation is required, and points earned contribute to 5% of your final grade.

  • Weekly participation is expected.
  • Earn up to 1350 points per week, with a minimum of 1000 points required.
  • Use Yellowdig for math questions instead of email.
Email Me

Use the Email Me forum in Moodle for confidential or private discussions (e.g., grades, office hours). Expect a response within 24–72 hours.

Tutoring Centers

Mathematica (5% of your course grade)

Most weeks, you will complete Mathematica exercises in Moodle. These lessons focus on performing multivariable computations and are designed to help with WebAssign homework.

Mathematica Guidelines:
  • You can use provided templates or create your own notebooks.
  • Lessons are designed to be completed progressively; Moodle will save your progress.
  • One free extension per semester is available upon request.
  • Late submissions receive half credit until the last day of the semester.

Discussions about Mathematica are encouraged on Yellowdig, but please avoid posting full solutions.

Tests Information

Students in the class should ready through this section in the full syllabus on Moodle very carefully.

Here is a summary: this section of MA 242 uses an alternative approach to testing based on demonstrated mastery. There are three mid-semester tests and one final exam. Their dates are posted on our Course Calendar.

Time slots fill up quickly, so schedule your testing appointments as soon as possible (on/after the first day of class). Click here for more information. Failing to take an exam due to not signing up in time is your responsibility.

Test Format

Each exam is computer-based and administered on Moodle. The format includes:

  • Fill in the blank
  • True/False
  • Multiple choice
  • Short answer
  • "Essay" questions (where you write out work as best as you can)

Details about each test’s layout, as well as practice problems and tests (with fully worked-out solutions), are posted in the Tests Section and Final Exam Section on Moodle.

If you use a remote proctor, they must administer the exam on a secure facility computer. You may not bring your own laptop to a proctoring center. Violations of this policy will be reported to Student Conduct with a recommendation of no credit for the course.

Additional Information

  • Since you may have multiple attempts on certain questions, tests are never returned to protect exam integrity.
  • However, you will receive feedback:
    • Tests allow you to check answers as you complete them.
    • Visit office hours to discuss performance.
      • Online office hours: general discussion of performance.
      • In-person office hours (SAS Hall): you may review your test but cannot take notes, copy questions, or take photos.

Test Proctoring

All exams will be proctored through DELTA. Depending on your location, you will either take your exams on-campus at DELTA testing centers or remotely through an approved proctor.

On-Campus Students (within 50 miles of Raleigh, NC)

If you live less than 50 miles from Raleigh, you must take your exams at an NC State testing center. Be aware of the closing hours and allow enough time to complete your exam.

More information: DELTA On-Campus Testing.

Remote Students (more than 50 miles from Raleigh, NC)

Students living more than 50 miles from Raleigh must use an approved proctor. Proctor approval is handled through DELTA, not the instructor. This process takes up to one week, so arrange it early.

More information: DELTA Remote Testing.

Examity

Examity is not allowed for on-campus students or students near a DELTA-approved proctoring center. It is only permissible in exceptional cases with instructor approval, which may require documentation and a Zoom meeting to confirm details in MyPack.

Test Subscores (70% of Your Course Grade)

This course does not use overall test scores. Instead, each exam generates unit-based subscores with different weights:

Test Subscore Weight # of Chances # of Scores Kept
Unit 1 14% 4 2
Unit 2 8% 4 1
Unit 3 12% 3 2
Unit 4 10% 3 1
Unit 5 10% 2 1
Unit 6 8% 2 1
Unit 7 8% 1 (Final only) 1

You must attempt Units 1 and 3 twice (best two scores count). For all other units, only your best score is kept.

Curving

Your test subscores are curved based on your Lecture Activity Score for that unit.

  • A Lecture Activity Score of 80%+ grants the full curve.
  • Lower scores receive a proportionally smaller curve.
  • Scores retroactively adjust if you improve your Lecture Activity Score before grades are finalized.

Calculator Policy

You may bring a basic (four-function) or scientific calculator. Graphing calculators (e.g., TI-84) are not allowed. A built-in calculator is provided in the exam interface.

If you need a calculator, you may rent one from the library: NCSU Library Calculator Rentals.

Proctor Mishaps

Occasionally, issues arise at testing centers, such as a power outage or a frozen computer. If this happens, the incident must be documented by the testing center proctors, and they must contact me within 72 hours with details about what happened and how long the student was affected.

Questions that have already been attempted will not be re-administered. However, based on the timing and impact of the incident, there are two possible ways to make up the exam:

  • If the issue occurred in the last 20 minutes of the exam or affected less than 20 minutes (e.g., a computer froze for 5 minutes), the lost time will be added to the Final Exam.
  • If the disruption happened earlier or lasted more than 20 minutes, any unattempted questions may be re-administered in a proctored make-up session. The make-up session may have a shorter time duration than the original, depending on when the interruption occurred.

 

Classroom Expectations

Your Responsibilities

  • Course Structure: This is an online class, so you are responsible for your own learning and pacing within our guidelines.
    • Watch the scheduled video lectures each week. I encourage you to follow the Course Calendar.
    • Complete the WebAssign homework.
    • Participate in the Yellowdig Forum.
    • Optional: Attend Zoom problem sessions.
  • Check your email, Yellowdig, and Moodle regularly. All announcements made via email will be saved under Announcements on Moodle.
  • Be respectful and professional. Treat everyone in class (students and instructor) with respect and courtesy.
  • Be accountable for your own education. Resolve any confusion about assignments, due dates, exam policies, and accommodations in advance.
  • Do not submit work that is not yours. Your name on any assignment indicates your adherence to the NC State Honor Pledge:
    “I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment.”
  • No graphing calculators, cell phones, or internet-connected devices are allowed during exams. Use only a basic scientific calculator. Any unauthorized device use is an honor code violation.

Success and Well-being

Student well-being is a priority at NC State. Our classroom should be a space where all students feel respected and heard. I welcome any suggestions for making our class more welcoming.

Grading

Grade Weighting and Numerical Conversion

Grades are tracked in real-time in the Moodle Gradebook. Your grade is determined by the following breakdown:

  • Yellowdig Participation: 5%
  • Mathematica Lessons: 5%
  • WebAssign Homework: 20%
  • Test Scores: 70% total
    • Unit 1: 14%
    • Unit 2: 8%
    • Unit 3: 12%
    • Unit 4: 10%
    • Unit 5: 10%
    • Unit 6: 8%
    • Unit 7: 8%

Letter Grade Conversion

Letter Grade Range
A+ 97 - 100
A 93 - 96.99
A- 90 - 92.99
B+ 87 - 89.99
B 83 - 86.99
B- 80 - 82.99
C+ 77 - 79.99
C 73 - 76.99
C- 70 - 72.99
D+ 67 - 69.99
D 63 - 66.99
D- 60 - 62.99
F 0 - 59.99

Do not expect additional rounding, extra credit, or grade curves.

Additional Grading Information

Credit-Only (S/U) Grading

To receive a grade of S, students must complete all coursework and earn at least a C-. Refer to the NC State policy on Credit-Only Courses.

Auditing (AU) the Course

Auditing information can be found at NC State's Policy on Audits.

Policies on Incomplete Grades

NC State allows instructors to assign an Incomplete (IN) grade only in cases where a student has completed most of the coursework but was unable to finish due to serious, documented circumstances. The university policy states that an IN grade should not be used as a substitute for a failing grade.

See the Moodle syllabus for my policy on incomplete grades.

Course Schedule

Please follow the Course Calendar on Moodle for the most up-to-date schedule. I recommend subscribing to it and enabling due date alerts. Occasionally, due dates may be postponed, but they will never be moved earlier within two weeks of the original deadline.

Course Calendars

Future course calendars are tentative. I update the calendars immediately to reflect any changes.

Moodle may create its own calendar for you which appears on your Moodle Dashboard. However, this calendar may be incorrect. The master calendar for each semester is the one that appears above.

NC State’s official calendars can be found here:

Other Information

Academic Integrity

Students must adhere to the NC State Code of Student Conduct. Your submission of any assignment indicates:

“I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment.”

Testing Policy: Proctored tests are closed-book. You may not consult internet resources or receive help from others.

Homework Policy: Collaboration is encouraged, but students may not post problems on external sites like Chegg.

Digital Course Components

Because of the structure of this course, students need reliable internet connectivity to access materials and complete assignments. NC State’s Online and Distance Education provides technology requirements and recommendations for computer hardware.

Digitally hosted course components will include but are not limited to Moodle, Zoom, Yellowdig, and WebAssign.

Software
Accessibility and Privacy Considerations

Students must review the accessibility and privacy policies of these platforms during the course drop/add period.

The instructor is not responsible for ensuring privacy or accessibility of supplemental resources that are not required course components. However, all efforts will be made to ensure that any additional links provided are relevant and accessible.

Electronically Hosted Components

This course may be recorded for educational purposes. By participating, you consent to being recorded. If you prefer not to have your likeness included in a recorded session, please contact me for editing arrangements.

Required Statement

Students may be required to disclose personally identifiable information to other students in the course, via digital tools, such as email or web-postings, where relevant to the course. Examples include online discussions of class topics, and posting of student coursework. All students are expected to respect the privacy of each other by not sharing or using such information outside the course.

Disability Resources

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with the Disability Resource Office at Holmes Hall, Suite 304, 2751 Cates Avenue, Campus Box 7509, 919-515-7653. For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (NCSU REG 02.20.01).

Student Support

Everyone is encouraged to take care of themselves and their peers. If you need additional support, there are many resources on campus to help you:

  1. Counseling Center 
  2. Health Center
  3. Share a Concern
  4. Pack Essentials.

 

Disclaimer

This syllabus is the general syllabus for my section of online Multivariable Calculus, and it should suffice for course selection and transfer credits. Current students should always consult the actual semester syllabus posted in Moodle. If there are any discrepancies between this syllabus and the Moodle syllabus, the latter is the correct version.