Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
Wim Ruitenburg's Fall 2026 MATH 2450-101. Syllabus
Last updated: 2 September 2026
Comments and suggestions: Email wim.ruitenburg@marquette.edu
OBJECTIVES: Develop spatial thinking skills in order to better analyze
functions of more than one real variable.
Reinforce and deepen the knowledge acquired in MATH 1450 and MATH 1451,
particularly techniques and applications of differentiation and integration.
Extend knowledge acquired in MATH 1450 and MATH 1451 to the multivariable
domain.
Increase the ability to handle abstraction.
Encounter three or more variables within a single problem.
Provide techniques to visualise objects and trajectories in two and three
dimensional space.
Provide techniques, knowledge, and mathematical tools to understand, analyze,
and discuss in a quantitative manner multidimensional physical, biological,
financial, or similar processes
CLASS PLACE AND TIME: CU 401, MWF 9:20 - 10:30 (minus a little)
INSTRUCTOR: Wim Ruitenburg
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment (people can stop me in the halls too, and
see whether I have time to answer a question). Office CU 384
PREREQUISITES: MATH 1451 or equivalent.
BOOK: Hughes-Hallett et al, Calculus, Single and Multivariable, 8th
Edition (or: the three-part edition of the same)
CALCULATOR: In-class demonstrations may use the TI-Nspire CX CAS.
Students are recommended to have a calculator with CAS ability.
SOFTWARE ACCESS: Wiley Plus (you only have to purchase this ONCE during
the whole calculus sequence).
The link towards student access appears to start
here.
GRADES will be determined by performance on exams and on homework
problems.
There will be three exams: EX1, EX2, and EX3.
Each exam is worth 10 points.
Final score: We add the top two scores, plus half of the lowest score.
Example: Someone has scored 9, 5, 7. Then the final score from the three exams
is 9 + 2.5 + 7 = 18.5.
In case of inclement weather during finals week, the final EX3 will be canceled
and grades calculated on the basis of the coursework the student has completed
up to the cancellation.
Participation in Wiley Plus earns 4 further points.
In what way will be determined by how well this internet package works with the
course.
Points to grade conversion.
The following are minimum guarantees:
Points
Grade
26-29
A
24-25
A-
22-23
B+
20-21
B
18-19
B-
16-17
C+
14-15
C
12-13
C-
10-11
D+
8-9
D
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
You are expected to attend all classes for their full periods.
MAKEUP OF MISSED WORK:
Makeup of missed work that contributes to your final grade for reasons of
absence not automatically recognized by Marquette University:
My policy is NO, but then again I tend to give everybody a chance to make up
work once.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: See the undergraduate bulletin.