The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Calculus for Engineers
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Calculus for Engineers

Jeffrey R. Chasnov

Instructor: Jeffrey R. Chasnov

Top Instructor

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

31 hours to complete
3 weeks at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

31 hours to complete
3 weeks at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Differentiation and integration

  • Infinite series and Taylor polynomials

  • Complex exponential function and trigonometric identities

  • Areas and volumes, minimax problems, velocity and acceleration, numerical methods, and differential equations

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Recently updated!

March 2025

Assessments

32 assignments

Taught in English
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There are 6 modules in this course

In this module, we review the foundational material necessary for understanding calculus. We revisit the set of real numbers and demonstrate how to manipulate complex numbers. We define functions and their inverses, as well as discuss the concepts of limits and continuity. Finally, we introduce the essential functions studied in calculus, including polynomial and rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, and inverse trigonometric functions.

What's included

11 videos26 readings6 assignments

In this module, we define the derivative and explore methods to differentiate various functions. We begin by learning the power rule to differentiate power functions, followed by learning the sum, product, quotient, and chain rules. We then learn how to differentiate exponential functions, natural logarithms, trigonometric functions, and finally, inverse trigonometric functions.

What's included

13 videos30 readings6 assignments

In this module, we define the integral and explore methods to integrate various functions. We begin by learning how the definite integral is used to calculate areas. We then find a connection between integration and differentiation by proving the first and second fundamental theorems of calculus. These theorems motivate us to define an indefinite integral as an anti-derivative. Throughout the module, we will examine various integration techniques, including integration by substitution, integration by parts, integration of trigonometric functions, trigonometric substitution, and integration by partial fractions.

What's included

10 videos16 readings5 assignments

In this module, we explore sequences and series. We learn how an infinite power series can converge to a function. These convergent series are known as Taylor series, and we will determine the Taylor series for the most important functions of calculus, including the exponential function, sine and cosine functions, the natural logarithm, and the arctangent. We also learn L’Hospital’s rule, a very useful tool for finding indeterminate limits.

What's included

11 videos24 readings5 assignments

In this module, we begin to apply the calculus. Using Taylor series, we define the complex exponential function and use it to prove key trigonometric identities. We employ calculus to derive the circumference and area of a circle, as well as the surface area and volume of a sphere. Finally, we show how calculus can be used in numerical methods to find the roots of equations and to integrate and differentiate functions.

What's included

11 videos18 readings5 assignments

In this module, we continue exploring applications of calculus. We learn how to use derivatives to find local extrema of functions. We prove that among rectangles with a given perimeter, the one that maximizes the area is a square. We find the shortest path between two villages after collecting water from a river. We determine the optimal position on a beach for a lifeguard to enter the sea to rescue a swimmer in distress. We discuss how calculus is used in physics to define velocity and acceleration, and how to determine the position and velocity of an object falling under gravity. Lastly, we explore differential equations related to growth, decay, and oscillation, including equations for compound interest and the oscillating pendulum.

What's included

11 videos14 readings5 assignments

Instructor

Jeffrey R. Chasnov

Top Instructor

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
17 Courses223,699 learners

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