Calculus Umbrella Sections

Starting in 2007 the Department of Mathematical Sciences has introduced a focused recitation hour (or lab section) in the first and second semester calculus courses, Math 191 and Math 192. Each calculus student enrolls in a one credit hour recitation section, taught by a graduate student, along with the regular lecture section. In addition to providing course support, the lab sections introduce the students to umbrella problems that focus on applications of calculus to engineering and the physical sciences. In the lab section, which meets once a week, students work on and present solutions to specially assigned applied problems. At least two of these lab assignments are project length problems created by professors on the MESH grant; students work in groups over the course of several weeks to solve a long problem.