Vector Analysis with Mathematica and Java

At the University of Minnesota we have a Multivariable Calculus and Vector Analysis course which makes heavy use of technology. Students spend two hours per week working in a computer lab using Mathematica. Occasionally we get requests from other instructors who would like to use our material, so I'm trying to collect everything in one place for easy access. See below for the history of this material, as well as legal information about using it in your own courses.

Fall 2004 Update: After changing textbooks in our course, we've had to change the labs (again). This page has the older versions; if you're interested, you can see the reorganized labs at the course page.

The materials here are organized into three categories:

• Interactive Examples and Demonstrations
• Mathematica Notebooks for Lab Sessions
• History and Usage Information

Most of my java-based demonstrations and examples were created for use in class, whether in lecture or a lab session. They generally include a brief explanation of what you're looking at, but the focus is on the example. Most of Duane Nykamp's examples, on the other hand, are part of course readings that he has developed for students to read outside of class. Here are a few pictures, followed by a more comprehensive list. The list is generally out of date, so if you have any requests, please let me know; we may have already created it.

I've incorporated LiveGraphics3D into Mathematica for use in our labs. This allows students to create three-dimensional graphics which students can rotate and scale using the mouse. In order for you to use these commands, you'll have to download the math2374.nb file. Before using any of our labs, open this notebook and click on the button to define our customized commands and load various packages.

I've also written a document for our students explaining how to install LiveGraphics3D so it will work with Mathematica. You should follow these instructions if you want our custom commands to work.

The numbering scheme is based on the particular structure of our course. It is explained in the first lab, if you're interested. Occasionally the later labs refer to the earlier ones, so if you'd like to use these in a different order you'll have to sort out the cross-references.

I've included the "real" labs here -- the mathematica notebooks -- and web versions you can view without Mathematica. I wouldn't recommend using the web versions in class; these labs are meant to be interactive.