Upper Division Mathematics: Computational Differential Geometry


ENROLLMENT STARTS End of Summer 2024





Course Title: Computational Differential Geometry
Catalog Number: DMAT 451
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours
Syllabus PDF: PDF Syllabus for Computational Differential Geometry
Delivery: Fully Online, Asynchronous, Self-Paced
Click Here to Enroll in DMAT 451 - Computational Differential Geometry


Roger Williams University Course Catalog Listing: DMAT 451 - Computational Differential Geometry

Course: DMAT 451

Course Title: Computational Differential Geometry

Transcript Course Title (30 Characters Max:): Comp Differential Geometry

Course Description: A first course in differential geometry from a computational and graphical standpoint. Topics include a comprehensive study of curves and surfaces with emphasis on exploring a catalog of named geometrical objects, curvature and other metrics, orientable, non-orientable, ruled, and minimal surface, culminating with an introduction to the Gauss-Bonnet Theorem. [4 Semester Credits]

Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or higher) of Multivariable Calculus or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

E-Textbook: Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces using Mathematica, 3rd Edition, by Gray et al.

Software: Mathematica

PDF Course Syllabus: Detailed Course Syllabus in PDF for DMAT 451 - Computational Differential Geometry


DMAT 451 - Computational Differential Geometry - Learning Outcomes

  • 1. To use computer graphing tools to visualize 2D and 3D curves and surfaces
  • 2. To understand and compute various metrics about parametric and non-parametric curves and surfaces
  • 3. To understand and compute the key concept of curvature, and understand its relationship to derivatives and differential equations
  • 4. To understand the role of motions in geometry
  • 5. To understand and compute the Frenet frames for curves
  • 6. To understand and compute the concept of the derivative for vector fields
  • 7. To understand and compute the local Gauss map for surfaces
  • 8. To understand and compute the concept of orientability of surfaces
  • 9. To understand and compute Gaussian and Mean curvature
  • 10. To understand and compute Ruled and Minimal Surfaces
  • 11. To be introduced to the Gauss-Bonnet theorem


DMAT 451 - Computational Differential Geometry - Syllabus of Topics

1.	Getting Started
	1.1	Email and Chat
	1.2	Learning About the Course
	1.3	Required Hardware
	1.4	Software Fundamentals

2.	Curves
	2.1	Euclidean Spaces
	2.2	2D and 3D Parametric Curves
	2.3	Arclength
	2.4	Curvature vs. Derivative
	2.5	Angles
	2.6	Catalog of Famous Curves

3.	Alternative Ways of Plotting Curves
	3.1	Implicit Curves
	3.2	Contour Plots
	3.3	Polar Coordinates
	3.4	New Curves from Old

4.	Solving Curvature Equations
	4.1	Euclidean Motions
	4.2	Intrinsic Equations
	4.3	Assigned Curvature

5.	Global Properties of Plane Curves
	5.1	Total Signed Curvature
	5.2	Turning Numbers
	5.3	Rotation Index
	5.4	Convexity
	5.5	Constant Width
	5.6	Support Functions

6.	Space Curves
	6.1	Tangent, Normal, Binormal Frames
	6.2	Curvature and Torsion
	6.3	Frenet Formulas
	6.4	Arbitrary Speed Curves
	6.5	Tubes and Tori

7.	Fundamental Theorem of Space Curves
	7.1	Assigned Curvature and Torsion
	7.2	Contact
	7.3	Curves That Lie on a Sphere
	7.4	Curves of Constant Slope

8.	Calculus of Euclidean Space
	8.1	Tangent Vectors and Directional Derivatives
	8.2	Tangential Maps
	8.3	Vector Fields
	8.4	Derivatives of Vector Fields

9.	Surfaces in Euclidean Space
	9.1	Patches
	9.2	Local Gauss Map
	9.3	Regular Surfaces
	9.4	Level Surfaces
	9.5	Catalog of Famous Surfaces	

10.	Non-Orientable Surfaces
	10.1	Orientability
	10.2	Mobius Strip and Klein Bottle
	10.3	Projective Planes

11.	Surface Metrics
	11.1	Distance
	11.2	Isometries
	11.3	Conformal Maps
	11.4	Gaussian and Mean Curvature
	11.5	Non-Parametrically-Defined Surfaces

12.	Ruled and Other Surfaces
	12.1	Examples
	12.2	Curvature
	12.3	Surfaces of Revolution
	12.4	Examples of Minimal Surfaces





Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Jenny Zuercher★★★★
Posted: May 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus II
Dr. Curtis's courses are very difficult, but they are definitely worth it! I took Calculus 2 from Dr. Curtis in my senior year of high school and went into a combined Calculus 2 and Calculus 3 course my first year of college. This course prepared me, and I found that I already knew much of the Calculus 3 coursework. The most difficult part of these courses, in my opinion, is pacing yourself. If you can keep yourself on track, then you are all good to go!
Email: jenz2.home@icloud.com
Transferred Credits To: University of Iowa
Janice Flores★★★★★
Posted: Jan 13, 2020
Courses Completed: Calculus II
I highly recommend this course! Dr. Curtis is the best teacher and is ALWAYS willing to work with you to make sure you understand the subject. It was definitely a positive experience and the credits were transferred to my University with no problems! I definitely do not regret it and I had doubts in the beginning but if I had to, I would do it all over again!
Email: jflores35@knights.ucf.edu
Transferred Credits To: University of Central Florida
Allie★★★★★
Posted: May 17, 2025
Courses Completed: Calculus I
This Calculus class saved my life! I needed to take this class to be able to secure a spot in my grad school program, and this was perfect for me - super flexible to my schedule, the teaching was great, and the material was super clear.

I felt like I really learned Calculus and also really enjoyed it!
John ★★★★★
Posted: Nov 20, 2025
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Applied Calculus
Great course. Professor Curtis and the TAs graded quickly and gave really helpful feedback that made the class feel smooth and manageable. Definitely recommend it.
Transferred Credits To: Binghamton University (School of Managment)
Trevor★★★★★
Posted: Jun 19, 2025
Courses Completed: Calculus I
POSITIVES:
One of the best math classes I have ever taken. The lessons made the failures of my previous professors very apparent. In a few short minutes, things that I used to struggle with just clicked. This professor is top notch and really wants you to understand how to use the material.
NEGATIVES:
The SOFTWARE is extremely frustrating. Even after taking the time to learn, there are countless glitches. You learn to work around them, and overall, the software makes the math convenient, but its failures are sorely felt throughout the course. Make sure you save often as it crashes regularly, especially with graphs.
The assignments are easy enough but some of them don't line up with the taught material. Be prepared to do some of your own independent research to get a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are.
Transferred Credits To: US Army
Taylor C.★★★★★
Posted: May 27, 2025
Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus
Im a visual learner and had a difficult time understanding multivariable calculus my first go around, and found this course offered by Roger Williams University, which uses real-time 3d graphing of the equations. I would see my work be manipulating the models, which gave a robust understanding of what each variable did. absolutely loved the course and class recordings.
Transferred Credits To: Califorina Baptist University

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you need to have completed Multivariable Calculus with a grade of C- or higher, and it is a very good idea if you have completed the other Sophomore-level courses as well.

Yes, we will study a truly wonderful textbook entitled Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces using Mathematica, and almost all of the coursework will be in Mathematica.

Yes, Differential Geometry is a challenging course, usually reserved for the junior or senior undergraduate university level. By using Mathematica, the visualization of the subject will be made easier, but the hard mathematics are the same difficulty.

No, Differential Geometry is a junior or senior undergraduate university level course. It is a good preparation course for Real Analysis.

You need to ask your university that question! See the instructions on the Transferring Credits page.

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