Calculus is the advanced study of algebra and geometry. The goal of studying Calculus is to understand how things change, and the approximate values of that change. Calculus is divided into two types: Integral Calculus and Differential Calculus. Integral Calculus focuses on the values of areas and the formulas to be exchanged between other branches of Calculus. Integral Calculus is mainly used in biomedical sciences. Differential Calculus is slightly less difficult and explores the value of slopes. Differential Calculus is used mainly in statistics.
By taking a course in Calculus, a student learns core concepts used in medicine and statistics. Core concepts include understanding speed and acceleration, curves and mathematical functions lying on the x-y plane, limits, derivatives, differentials, integrals, and curve fittings. Most introductory Calculus courses will focus on both single-variable equations and multi-variable equations. Single-variable Calculus are computations with one variable, while multi-variable Calculus are computations with more than one variable.
Calculus A is the first course in a three-course sequence in Calculus. Calculus B and C are courses that sequentially follow Calculus A and build on its concepts. Calculus A is beneficial for engineering and physics students. It covers the basic understanding of language notation and point of view. This course concentrates on the ability to read, write, speak and think in math. The goal of the course is for students to model and solve basic Calculus problems in their daily professions.
By taking a course in Calculus A, a student learns practical applications of basic Calculus. Key concepts include advanced algebra, fundamental theories, the use of the Maple computer algebra system, applications of the derivitive and basic concepts of the definite integral. By completing a course in Calculus A, students should be able to solve rate problems, organizational problems, and optimization problems with graph functions.