How to Pass Math 251 on the First Try!

You have survived Calculus I and II. Congratulations!

Don't get cocky. This is a tough course. We cover more material than you did in Calc II yet only meet three days a week. There aren't any extra sessions and finding tutors can be hard. I cannot cover every detail and type of problem in class. You have to be self motivated.
If it has been a while since you had Calc II then it is your responsibility to review before the semester even starts! There are also review problems in the homework. Some of the methods (like the Chain Rule) in Calc I aren't used a lot in Calc II but will be needed in Calc III. So, everyone should review Calc I as well.
The first part of the course covers vectors which many of you will have seen in physics courses already. Sometimes a student will slack off and even think they can cut class. Don't fall into this trap! We will quickly move beyond what you had in physics.
The material in the last part of the course is very hard! You have to think in 3-dimensions and at a high level of abstraction.
Some of you are in project based courses where it is normal to have periods of intense work interspersed with some slack time. But in Calc III you must put in a steady level of intense work every week. You cannot slack off here because of a big project in another class and then hope to get caught up later. Cut back on TV or the video games and you really cannot afford to get wasted even on the weekends. When you graduate you will be competing with scientists and engineers from all over the planet. If you want make the big bucks later you have to pay your dues now.
So, come to every lecture! Do all the homework! Meet with me if you are confused or start to fall behind!