Professor David Blecher

Survey of Undergraduate Mathematics (Math 4389--Spring Semester, 2026--Section 10773) --- TuTh 10--11:30 face-to-face in CBB 106 (location may be moved).

IN PROGRESS: THIS DOCUMENT WILL CHANGE

Text: No textbook required. Notes and all other class material will be provided. These may be found on Canvas in the Notes module.

A problem-based revisit of some of the most important topics in the undergraduate mathematics curriculum. The two main goals, which are somewhat different (i.e. distinct), are 1) a somewhat honest reminder of the main contents of several undergraduate math classes, and 2) preparation for the Major Field Test in Mathematics, which you will take at the end of the semester. Attendance is mandatory This class will be taught in a `flipped classroom' format. This means that there will be almost no lecturing in class (except towards the end, on classes some students may not have taken), just the students working problems. There is not time in class to teach again the contents of so many courses. Thus you will do the reading outside of class, with class time usually devoted to students working problems in the form of tests or presentations of problem solutions by students. With regard to in-class presentations of problem solutions by students, the class will be divided into groups, and a rotating representative of the group will present, with the instructors help and advice if needed. For example you can ask the instructor any questions on the material or problem beforehand, perhaps by email. Also there will be in-class quizzes and 7 or 8 in-class tests. Your main task as a student in 4389 in-class presentations, if you are not presenting, is to follow the presentations, and either (a) be reminded of the necessary technique to the point where you are confident that you could do a similar question on the upcoming test, or (b) if you fail on (a) then study the written solution (from your notes taken in class or maybe from a photo of the presentation) after class on your own, until you do understand it and are confident that you could do a similar question on the upcoming test. You may need to consult notes or the internet, or come see me in office hours, to get to that point. It is strongly suggested that you look at and try the problems before class, otherwise steps (a) or (b) will probably be more difficult. And of course you are supposed to have studied the online notes on the module days earlier.
%NOT SO RELEVANT THIS TIME BECAUSE THE CLASS IS NOT ONLINE... Information and instructions for use of the online tools.

NOTE: Since CCS etc are new systems and may have teething problems, always keep a copy of your answers safe in case you have to redo.

Upcoming due dates: KEEP WATCHING THIS SPOT AND THE CALENDAR ON CANVAS SINCE THINGS WILL BE ADDED. Pace yourself, dont do things at the last moment.

IMPORTANT: Last date to drop with refund or not having it count towards the `allowed drops'/enrollment cap (ORD date) is February 4, 2026. April 22 is the Last date to drop with refund or not having it count towards the ‘allowed drops’/enrollment cap.

  • Here is the Calculus 2 problem sheet that you will present in class. Try to solve all of the problems before class. The problem you are responsible for presenting the solution for is connected to `your number in the class' that was emailed to you, according to the instructions on Canvas in the Calculus 2 module in the "Calculus 2 problem sheet uploads" link instructions.

The Calculus 3 problem sheet is accessible on Canvas. Try to solve all the problems before class. The problem you are responsible for presenting the solution for is connected to `your number in the class' that was emailed to you, according to the instructions on Canvas in the Calculus 2 module in the "Calculus 2 problem sheet uploads" link instructions.


The problem sheets are accessible on Canvas. Try to solve all the problems before class. The problem you are responsible for presenting the solution for is connected to `your number in the class' that was emailed to you, according to the instructions on Canvas in the module in the "problem sheet uploads" link instructions.


  • Information on the final exam/ETS Field Test.
    Field test dates are May 4-6 at the UH testing center, Location 236 CBB. There is a fee (around $40 I believe), which you pay when registering for it. Hopefully this expense is defrayed by not having to purchase a text book for the course. More details on the link in the last line.

Towards the end of the semester you will receive several mock exams as practice for the final. One of these (CASA EMCF 10) you should do under test conditions, and turn in your solution on TO BE ADDED on the CCS/CASA EMCF tab; or before you take the final if that date is earlier. This is the one that is titled MATHEMATICS TEST (RESCALED). This Mock test is really hard, much much harder than the real Field test, so will be graded with a very generous curve. There are two or three other Mock Field test with keys on Canvas in a folder called Practice tests for Field Test and Math GRE. See also the ETS website. Do at least one mock exam under test conditions.

Help/Tutoring:

Help is available at several levels. The grader and the instructor can answer questions, go over problems and help in various ways; they have office hours (listed on the Course Handout). See also the list below for tutoring/workshops, etc. You can get online help at any time http://online.math.uh.edu.

Tutoring Help : See here for very many tutoring option . Math Lab (located in CBB Room 234 and other venues such as 222 Garrison, has student tutors who, on a walk-in basis, offer help with individual problems) also known as CASA Tutoring . There is also: LAUNCH , Scholar Enrichment Program (SEP) , Knack tutoring , etc.) See links on Canvas syllabus page under Academic Support Services, and over at NSM .

Online Help and Reviews of Calculus (and other courses)

The Department of Mathematics has a Mathematics Undergraduate Study Lab ( MUSL ) is located in room 11 in the basement of Fleming. MUSL has student tutors who, on a walk-in basis, offer help with individual problems.