📐 Introduction to Calculus and Vector Analysis

Calculus and Vector Analysis for Materials Informatics

📖 Reading Time: 20-25 minutes 📊 Difficulty: Beginner 💻 Code Examples: 0 📝 Exercises: 0

Video Lecture

The whole series is available as a single video with chapter markers. Each chapter page starts this video at that chapter.


AI Terakoya Top›Fundamentals of Mathematics›Calculus Vector Analysis

🌐 EN | 🇯🇵 JP | Last sync: 2025-11-16

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🎯 Series Overview

Calculus and vector analysis are the essential mathematical foundations for all areas of materials science, process engineering, and machine learning. This series covers single-variable and multivariable differential and integral calculus, vector fields, gradients, divergence, curl, line integrals, and surface integrals, with paired theory and implementation (Python/NumPy/SymPy).

Learning Path

flowchart LR A["Chapter 1
Differentiation &
Numerical Differentiation"] B["Chapter 2
Integration &
Numerical Integration"] C["Chapter 3
Multivariable Calculus"] D["Chapter 4
Vector Fields &
Differential Operators"] E["Chapter 5
Line/Surface Integrals &
Integral Theorems"] A --> B --> C --> D --> E style A fill:#667eea,stroke:#764ba2,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff style B fill:#667eea,stroke:#764ba2,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff style C fill:#667eea,stroke:#764ba2,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff style D fill:#667eea,stroke:#764ba2,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff style E fill:#667eea,stroke:#764ba2,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff

📋 Learning Objectives

📖 Prerequisites

High school level single-variable differentiation and integration, plus basic vectors, are sufficient. Understanding basic Python usage (variables, functions, lists) is recommended.

Chapter 1

Fundamentals of Differentiation and Numerical Differentiation

Learn from the definition of differentiation to calculation rules for derivatives and higher-order derivatives, and implement numerical differentiation using NumPy (forward difference, central difference, Richardson extrapolation). Applications to temperature dependence of material properties and reaction rate analysis are also introduced.

Definition of Differentiation Derivatives Numerical Differentiation Higher-Order Derivatives NumPy Implementation

💻 7 Code Examples ⏱️ 18-22 minutes

Read Chapter 1 →

Chapter 2

Fundamentals of Integration and Numerical Integration

Learn the definition of definite integrals, calculation of indefinite integrals, and the relationship between integration and differentiation (fundamental theorem of calculus), and implement numerical integration methods such as the trapezoidal rule and Simpson's rule, together with SciPy's adaptive quadrature. Applications to heat calculation and improper/singular integrals are also covered.

Definite & Indefinite Integrals Fundamental Theorem Trapezoidal Rule Simpson's Rule SciPy Implementation

💻 7 Code Examples ⏱️ 18-22 minutes

Read Chapter 2 →

Chapter 3

Multivariable Calculus

Learn partial derivatives, the total differential and the chain rule, and the gradient, and handle extremum problems of multivariable functions (gradient descent, Lagrange multipliers). Double integrals and the change of variables to polar coordinates are also implemented.

Partial Derivatives Total Differential Chain Rule Gradient Double Integrals Extremum Problems

💻 7 Code Examples ⏱️ 18-22 minutes

Read Chapter 3 →

Chapter 4

Vector Fields and Differential Operators

Learn the concept of vector fields, definitions and physical meanings of gradient (grad), divergence (div), and curl (rot). Implementation of Laplacian, vector field visualization, and determination of conservative fields and potential functions.

Vector Fields Gradient (grad) Divergence (div) Curl (rot) Laplacian

💻 7 Code Examples ⏱️ 18-22 minutes

Read Chapter 4 →

Chapter 5

Line Integrals, Surface Integrals, and Integral Theorems

Learn calculation methods for line integrals (scalar and vector fields) and surface integrals (scalar and vector fields). Understand Green's theorem, Gauss's divergence theorem, and Stokes' theorem, and implement an application to atomic diffusion via the continuity equation.

Line Integrals Surface Integrals Green's Theorem Divergence Theorem Stokes' Theorem

💻 7 Code Examples ⏱️ 18-22 minutes

Read Chapter 5 →

📚 Recommended Learning Paths

Pattern 1: Beginner - Theory and Practice Balanced (5-7 days)

Pattern 2: Intermediate - Fast Track (3 days)

Pattern 3: Topic-Focused - Computational Skills (1 day)

🎯 Overall Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this series, you will achieve:

Knowledge Level

Practical Skills

Application Ability

🛠️ Technologies and Tools Used

Main Libraries

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