Applied Calculus Concepts

Calculus as engineers actually use it: derivatives for rates of change, integrals for accumulated charge and energy, and the math behind RC/RL transient response.

Prerequisites

MAT 121

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Functions, limits, and continuity intuitionlecture

02The derivative as a rate of changelecture

03Differentiation ruleslecture

04Derivatives of trig and exponential functionslecture

05Slope, maxima/minima, and optimizationassignment

06Related rates in circuit quantitieslecture

07Exponential growth, decay, and time constantslecture

08Midterm examassignment

09The integral as accumulated charge and energylecture

10Integration techniques and arealecture

11Average and RMS values by integrationassignment

12RC and RL transient equationslecture

13Introduction to differential equations and second-order responselecture

14Applications review and final examassignment

Syllabus

# Applied Calculus Concepts (MAT 131)

**Credits:** 3 | **Term:** 3 | **Contact hours:** 3 lecture hours per week
**Prerequisites:** MAT 121 Technical Algebra & Trigonometry
**Delivery:** Fully online. Lectures on demand, weekly live office hours, and browser-based virtual labs with simulated instruments.

## Course description
Rates of change, integrals, and transients as used in circuit behavior. This 14-week course develops practical competence in applied calculus for electronics through weekly lectures, virtual lab exercises, and graded assignments.

## Learning outcomes
On completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Explain the core principles and vocabulary of applied calculus for electronics.
2. Perform the analysis, calculations, and procedures introduced each week.
3. Use virtual instruments and software tools to build, measure, and verify results.
4. Diagnose faults and explain discrepancies between predicted and measured behavior.
5. Document work clearly in lab reports that meet industry documentation standards.

## Weekly schedule
Fourteen weekly modules are listed under Lessons, each pairing a lecture with a virtual lab or assignment and a short knowledge check.

## Grading
- Virtual lab work and reports: 35%
- Weekly assignments and quizzes: 20%
- Midterm exam or practical: 20%
- Final exam or project: 25%

Grade scale: A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F below 60. A grade of C or higher is required to advance to any course that lists this one as a prerequisite.

## Course policies
- Weekly work is due Sunday at 11:59 PM local time; late work loses 10% per day up to five days.
- All submitted work must be your own; simulation files are individually seeded and checked.
- Students needing accommodations or an extension should contact the instructor through the portal before the due date.
- Instructors reply to portal messages within one business day.