Upper Division Mathematics: Computational Differential Geometry


ENROLLMENT STARTS Spring 2026





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

Coury Gaffney★★★★★
Posted: Jan 18, 2021
Courses Completed: Linear Algebra
The program used gives an amazing insight into everything that's happening, that you wouldn't get in a traditional course. All of the lessons are clear and clean, and the professor is very helpful along the way. I learned a lot and am happy with taking this course
Email: courygaffney@gmail.com
Transferred Credits To: Virginia Tech
Colin Donahoe★★★★
Posted: May 17, 2025
Courses Completed: Calculus II
Dr. Curtis's lessons were well taught, and livemath wasn't too bad once you understood it. Some of the assignments were pretty difficult and required some more explanation, which was hard to get outside of the given lessons.
Email: colindonahoe4@gmail.com
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph's Univesity
Lauren B.★★★★★
Posted: May 5, 2025
Courses Completed: Linear Algebra, Probability Theory
You don’t just learn in this course you understand. As someone who has always struggled with math taking advanced courses was intimidating. Dr. Curtis and his TAs made math manageable and framed the questions in a way they were applicable to real world. Thanks again!
M M.★★★★★
Posted: Feb 8, 2026
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus I
The courses were excellent. Very flexible and engaging and the platform offers a lot of upper-level courses. Dr. Curtis is an outstanding professor and very responsive. I would take again.
Transferred Credits To: None yet
Tanja B.★★★★★
Posted: Jan 28, 2026
Courses Completed: Calculus I
After two failed attempts at my university, this course helped me understand Calculus. The live maths tool along with Dr. Curtis were especially helpful, allowing me to visualize concepts and expand my understanding. The explanations were clear, the examples practical, and I could learn at my own pace, which built my confidence. Thank you.
Transferred Credits To: University of Namibia
Henry F.★★★★★
Posted: Dec 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Differential Equations
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School

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.

Video Player