Approved by the College Curriculum Committee 27 May 1999

Submitted for Approval to the CoE Faculty 24 August 1999

The College of Engineering Mathematics Subcommittee has been meeting and working with the Department of Mathematical Sciences to achieve a mutual understanding of the College of Engineering’s expectations with regard to instruction of Engineering undergraduates in Calculus I-IV. These discussions have led to the following points of agreement:

1. The College of Engineering would like to see as much uniformity across sections as possible in the delivery of the calculus sequence. It is particularly desirable to have faithful adherence to a core syllabus, with reasonably similar emphasis on individual topics, and as much commonality in grading standards as can be achieved.
2. In all Calculus I & II sections, one half of the final examination will consist of a common test, based on the core syllabus, on which calculators of any kind will not be allowed. Such a uniform measure of students’ knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills will be useful to the College of Engineering in providing the outcomes-based assessment required for accreditation. The College of Engineering would like to see similar common exams instituted in Calculus III & IV.
3. The College of Engineering is committed to the use of technology as an instructional aid and finds its use in fostering understanding of mathematical concepts to be both appropriate and desirable. Nevertheless, the College of Engineering expects its students to be proficient at the basic fundamental skills intrinsic to the calculus and students’ performance on the common portion of the final examination will serve as a useful measure of how well those fundamentals have been mastered.
4. The Calculus book by Stewart is quite appropriate. A list of recommended problems from that text was supplied by the College of Engineering Mathematics Subcommittee and will be used as an indication of the level of proficiency deemed appropriate for Engineering students.
5. The College of Engineering Mathematics Subcommittee will continue to work with the Department of Mathematical Sciences to ensure appropriate mathematics training for Engineering College Students.