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Basic Insights in Vector Calculus provides an introduction to three
famous theorems of vector calculus, Green's theorem, Stokes'
theorem and the divergence theorem (also known as Gauss's theorem).
Material is presented so that results emerge in a natural way. As
in classical physics, we begin with descriptions of flows.The book
will be helpful for undergraduates in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics, in programs that require vector
calculus. At the same time, it also provides some of the
mathematical background essential for more advanced contexts which
include, for instance, the physics and engineering of continuous
media and fields, axiomatically rigorous vector analysis, and the
mathematical theory of differential forms.There is a Supplement on
mathematical understanding. The approach invites one to advert to
one's own experience in mathematics and, that way, identify
elements of understanding that emerge in all levels of learning and
teaching.Prerequisites are competence in single-variable calculus.
Some familiarity with partial derivatives and the multi-variable
chain rule would be helpful. But for the convenience of the reader
we review essentials of single- and multi-variable calculus needed
for the three main theorems of vector calculus.Carefully developed
Problems and Exercises are included, for many of which guidance or
hints are provided.
In modern physics, various fundamental problems have become topics
of ongoing debate. There was the 20th century climb to a Standard
Model, still accurate at the highest energy levels obtainable so
far. But, since the 1970's, a different approach to physics
advocates for theories such as string theory, known for their
mathematical elegance, even though they either cannot be verified
in data or contradict presently known experimental results. In
philosophy of physics, there is a gradually emerging consensus that
philosophy of physics and physics somehow contribute to a common
enterprise. But, there is little sign of progress toward consensus
about the nature of that unity. All the while, it is generally
recognized that physics is interdisciplinary. There are, of course,
differences in focus. But, implicitly at least, there are no 'sharp
dividing lines' between physics and philosophy of physics; pure and
applied physics; physical chemistry; biophysics; medical physics;
history and philosophy of physics; physics and society; physics
education; and so on. What, then, is progress in physics? The
question here is not about ideal structures, but asks about what is
going on in physics. Beginnings in discerning the presence of eight
main tasks help reveal the (pre-) emergence of a normative
omni-disciplinary basis for collaboration that, once adverted to,
promises to be constitutive of a new and increasingly effective
control of meaning. Originally discovered by Bernard Lonergan in
1965, progress in the new collaboration will not seek to eliminate
specialized expertise. It will, though, divide tasks within an
eightfold functional division of labor. This book invites attention
to data for each of the eight main tasks evident and self-evident
in existing scholarship in the community. The book also makes
preliminary efforts toward envisioning something of what functional
collaboration will look like - in physics, the Academy and Society.
Bernard Lonergan identified the need and possibility of what he
called 'generalized empirical method' in science and philosophy.
Implementation will be a future community achievement. The book
enters into details of a selection of examples in the sciences and
philosophy of science. These are provided not to engage in, or
blend the present aim with traditional philosophical debate, but as
points of entry to help reveal the possibility and need of balanced
empirical method. Taking words of Lonergan: '(Q)uestions of method
are practical. So my purpose in these (chapters) is not to
demonstrate what is necessary. It is not to forecast what is
probable. It is ... to invite you to share in the exploration of a
proposal' (Bernard Lonergan, A Third Collection (1985), 114). The
main examples are drawn from biochemistry and biology, although
heuristics envisioned will include all sciences.
This book serves as an advanced text on fisheries and fishery population dynamics and as a reference for fisheries scientists. It provides a thorough treatment of contemporary topics in quantitative fisheries science and emphasizes the link between biology and theory by explaining the assumptions inherent in the quantitative methods. The analytical methods are accessible to a wide range of biologists, and the book includes numerous examples. The book is unique in covering such advanced topics as optimal harvesting, migratory stocks, age-structured models, and size models.
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