Spring

2025
Course Outline

MATH 161: Engineering Calculus

INSTRUCTOR DETAILS FACULTY INTERN DETAILS

Instructor: Patrick Dwomfuor FI: Joseph Okyere

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: MT: 11:20 to 1:00 pm Office Hours: TBD
Office Location: Eng Lab Below Office Location: Fab 103
Research Studio Discussion times: 9:45 – 11:15 am
Lecture days & times: 8:00 am – 9:30 (Wed – Cohort A)
am for Cohort A (Monday – Norton 12:15 – 1:45 pm (Wed – Cohort B)
Motulsky 207A) Venue: Science Lab
9:45 am – 11:15 am for Cohort B
(Tuesday – EE lab)
FI: Noah Adasi
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: TBD
Office Location: Fab 103
Discussion times: 8:00 – 9:30 am
(Wed – Cohort A)
12:15 – 1:45 pm (Wed – Cohort B)
Venue: Science Lab

Overview
This course equips students with knowledge of differential and Integral Calculus which is
fundamental to the field of Engineering. The focus is three-dimensional: Concepts, Methods, and
Applications. Technology such as graphing utility and Geogebra will be used to aid concept
building and solution process.

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Learning Outcomes
• Conceptual understanding of variable rates of change, limits, and derivatives.
• Mastery of the various techniques of differential calculus.
• Understanding of the concepts of indefinite and definite integrals.
• Ability to know when and how to use the various techniques of integration.
• Ability to apply the concepts and techniques learnt in this course to real-world problems
in business, economics, natural sciences, and engineering.

Mode of Delivery
This will take the form of lectures and interactive discussions.

Topics to cover
A. Exploring functions and their properties using Geogebra
We will explore the various types of functions and their properties. This includes,
polynomial functions, transcendental functions (trigonometric functions, logarithmic
functions, exponential functions etc) power functions and rational functions.

B. Introduction to limits and continuity of functions

We will introduce the concept of limits of functions from the graphical, tabular, and
algebraic (analytical) perspective and develop Geogebra applets to demonstrate the
existence of limits and the various forms of discontinuity.

C. Computation of limits and locating points of discontinuity

We will approach this from a graphical, tabular, and algebraic point of view. We will deal
with the following:
• One-sided limit
• Existence of Limit
• Algebraic properties of limits
• Limit at infinity
• Infinite limit
• Asymptotes

D. Derivatives
Rates of change are common phenomena in real-life problems. In this regard, we
will focus on how to identify real-world problems involving rates of change, how

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to obtain the rate of change using different rules, and how to interpret rates in the
context of given problems.
The methods to be discussed include;
• Power Rule for polynomials and power functions
• Product Rule for functions expressed as a product of two functions
• Quotient Rule for rational functions
• Chain Rule for a composition of functions
• Higher-Order Derivatives of various functions and their significance
• Implicit Differentiation is when functions are expressed in an implicit
form
• Derivatives of Trigonometric, Inverse Trigonometric, Logarithmic
functions, and Exponential functions

E. Applications of Derivatives
• Related Rates: procedures for Related rate problems and solution
• Extreme Values of Functions: Critical points and their classification, finding
relative maximum and minimum values, increasing and decreasing functions,
absolute extreme values, extreme values for functions not defined on a closed
finite interval,
• Concavity and inflection points: second derivative test
• Curve sketching: procedures and techniques
• General optimization problems and Marginal analysis,
• Differential Equations: formulation of differential equations

F. Integration
• Definition of Anti-derivative and the Indefinite integral
• Riemann Sums and the definition of the Definite integral
• Evaluating definite integrals using Riemann Sums
• Fundamental theorem of calculus
• Evaluating definite integrals

A. Integration techniques
• Integration of Algebraic functions
• Integration by Substitution
• Integration by parts
• Integration involving powers of Trigonometry Functions
• Integration by Trigonometry Substitution
• Integration using partial fractions
• Improper integrals

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B. Applications of integrals
• Area of a plane
• Volume of solids
• The average value of a function
• Probability
• Engineering Related Problems
• Differential Equations

C. Additional Topics
• Series and Convergence
• Taylor’s and Maclaurin’s Expansion
• Fourier Series
• Polar Coordinates
• Introduction to Multivariable Calculus

Recommended Texts
1. Mathematical Applications by Harshbarger, Ronald J, et al.
2. Calculus- Concepts and Connections by Robert T. Smith and Roland B. Minton.
3. The calculus 7, Louis Leithold.
4. Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 6th Edition; James Stewart
5. Applied Calculus for Business, Economics, and the Social and Life Sciences; Laurence
D. Hoffman, Gerald L. Bradley, and Kenneth H. Rosen

Ashesi Learning Goals

The course will incorporate the following learning goals:

Critical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning: Critical thinking and quantitative reasoning form
the root of the course. Most of the in-class group exercises will aid students in analysing
problems differently and designing appropriate solutions.

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Communication: It is essential to communicate what the essence of graphs and mathematical
results relating to an issue represents to stakeholders. Throughout the course, students will be
required to interpret the results of their computations and graphs in simple and clear language.

Leadership and Teamwork: Students will use google docs to meet and work effectively in groups
on a specific in-class problem set.

Curiosity and Skill: Students will be encouraged to keep an open mind, probe deeply, show
confidence, and demonstrate awareness of global dynamics.

Technology: The graphing calculator and Geogebra will help students focus on graphing most of
the functions to enable students to observe the behaviour of these functions graphically and
present their work in a standard form.

Grading
The final course grade will be assigned based on the following weights of course components:
Components Weight

Assignments, In-Class Exercise & Pop 10%

Quizzes

Quizzes (Minor & Major) 15%

Mid-Sem Exam 20%

Attendance/Participation 5%

Final Exam 40%

Project 10%
Total 100

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Assessment Details
Assignment:
This will be given weekly, and the submission date will be announced in class. Assignments
submitted late will not be accepted.

Quiz:
Quizzes will be randomly conducted at lectures. These quizzes will be of two categories.
Minor Quiz (Test of understanding): Short quizzes will be conducted at the end of every
lesson to test the understanding and attentiveness of students in class.
Major Quiz (Test of concepts, ideas, and critical thinking skills): The major quiz is a
summary quiz of all topics covered in a month.

Quizzes: Students will be informed in the class of the kind of quiz (minor or major) they will be
writing for the week.

Mid-Semester Exams: Mid-semester exams will be conducted on a date communicated later in

class.

Final Exams: The final exams will cover the entire syllabus.

Class Participation & Attendance: This will be assessed by the extent to which students are
active in class, i.e. through answering and asking questions, introducing topics at the beginning
of a lecture, adding or contributing to what the lecturer presents, helping your colleagues
understand materials taught in class and other means possible. Attendance is required for all
lecture/lab sessions. Six or more unexcused absences will result in a fail in the class. Three tardy
entries will count as one unexcused absence. Students are responsible for all materials and
announcements presented in class. If you miss a class, please see another student and the course
website for the material missed. Students are expected to complete and turn in the in-class
exercises.

Project: Students will be required to submit a project on one of the applications which they will
be taught during the semester. The date and the field of application will be communicated to
students in class.

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Class Conduct
Students are expected to comport themselves and not engage in any activities that can hamper
the smooth running of a class session.

Academic Integrity
Students must observe the university’s policy on academic integrity. Academic dishonesty
includes plagiarism, unauthorized exchange of information or use of material during a quiz,
examinations, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, and other unethical behaviour.

Math Resource Centre

Students will be assigned personal math coaches to assist them with any difficulties throughout
the course.

How to Do Well in Engineering Calculus (Math 161)

• Maintain a positive mindset.
• Attend lectures regularly.
• Read before coming to class: the syllabus and lecture schedule tell you where we are
and where we are going.
• Ask questions anytime you do not understand what is being taught in class.
• Make use of office hours and the Math Resource Centre.
• Do the homework and ensure you do it yourself even if you get some help. The
bottom line is to understand what you are doing.
• Practice, practice, and practice.

Pre-requisite

This course is a pre-requisite for Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations,
and Numerical Methods. You must pass with a final grade of C or better (equivalent to a final
score of 60% or better).

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Weekly Tentative Schedule for the Semester

Below is the tentative weekly schedule for this course for the semester. Note that the schedule is
subject to change.

Week Topic Homework Sections

Assignments,
Quizzes &
Project
1 • Exploring functions and 1.1 - 1.5
their properties.
13th Jan. to 17th Jan. • Intro to Geogebra and
the graphing calculator. Exercise 1
Limits
• Intro to Limits:
graphical approach,
tabular approach &
algebraic approach
• Computation of Limits:
one-sided limits, the
existence of limits,
algebraic properties of
limits, limits at infinity,
and infinite limits.
• Asymptotes and
Continuity.

Differentiation 2.2 - 2.6

2 • Differentiation from
first principles.
20th Jan. to 24th Jan. • Differentiation using
the Power rule, Product Assignment 1
rule, Quotient Rule, and
Chain rule.
• Differentiation of
Trigonometric
Functions.

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Differentiation Cont. 2.6 - 2.7

3 • Derivatives of Inverse
trigonometric functions, Quiz 1
th st
27 Jan. to 31 Jan. Logarithmic functions
& Exponential
functions.
• Implicit differentiation.
• Higher-order
derivatives and their
significance.
4 Applications of Derivatives 3.2 - 3.7
Critical points and their
3rd Jan. to 7th Feb. classifications.
• Extrema of functions,
increasing and Assignment 2
decreasing functions &
concavity, and
inflection points.
• Curve sketching,
related rates, and
optimization.
Applications of Derivatives 3.8
5 Cont.
• Marginal analysis and
10th Feb. to 14th Feb. differential equations.
• Parametric equations Quiz 2
and their derivatives.
• Introduction to partial
differentiation.
6 Intro to Integration 4.1 - 4.5
• Definition of Anti-
17th Feb. to 21st Feb. derivative and the
Indefinite integral.
• Riemann Sums and the Assignment 3
definition of the
Definite integral.
• Evaluating definite

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integrals using
Riemann Sums.
• Fundamental theorem
of calculus.
• Evaluating definite
integrals.

24th Feb. to 28th Feb. Mid-semester

Mid-semester Exam Exam

8
3rd Mar. to 7th Mar. Mid-semester break Mid-semester
break

9 Techniques of Integration 4.6, 7.1 - 7.3

• Integration of Algebraic
10th Mar. to 14th Mar. functions
• Integration by
Substitution
• Integration by Parts. Quiz 3
• Integration involving
powers of
Trigonometry
Functions.

10 Techniques of Integration 6.1, 7.3 - 7.7

Cont.
17th Mar. to 21st Mar. • Integration by
Trigonometry
Substitution Assignment 3
• Integration using partial
fractions.
• Improper integrals.

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11 Applications of Integration 5.2, 7.8

• Area of a plane and
Volume of solids.
• The average value of a
function and Quiz 4
Probability.
• Engineering related
problems
24th Mar. to 28th Mar. Differential Equations
Additional Topics Final Project Due
• Sequences, Series, and
Convergence of Series.
• Taylor’s and
Maclaurin’s Expansion.
• Fourier series.
• The use of series in
integration.

• Polar Coordinates
Introduction to Multivariable
Calculus

12 • Problem Solving and

31st Mar. to 4th Apr. Revision

15
11th Apr. to 18th April. Final Examination

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