Calculus

Description: From models in quantitative finance and econometrics to function theory in mathematics to aviation to theories in physics to the study of epidemics and population dynamics, the role of Calculus in shaping our modern world could not be overstated.

Our “Calculus” or “How To Think: Calculus” series is a unique course that introduces the subject with its historical motivation, in a manner that is rigorous, clear and mathematically precise and points to applications of this miracle of mathematics in the modern world.

Through our unique blend of rigorous proof-based exposition and strong focus on problem-solving, we combine the best aspects of treatises on Calculus at both the school and university levels. 

Our rigorous approach will help participants really understand what underlies the logic of calculus that’s often omitted at a school level, and our problem-solving approach will help them build competitive skills that will improve their ability to solve problems they may encounter in an exam setting or higher education. 

Duration: 8 weeks (October 23 to December 25, 2025)

Format: Online 1-hour lectures, twice a week, in the style of lectures at Oxford and Cambridge. 

Lecture Breakdown: Each class will consist of 55 minutes broken down into three segments:

 

• A 25 minute introductory, theoretical lecture on the topic of the day, with examples.

• A 10 minute interlude to let the students think about 1-3 problems on a quiz.

• A 20 minute follow-up lecture to explain the examples in the quiz

 

Resources: Lecture notes and problem sets will be available in advance of the class each week. Lecture recordings will not be available at this time. For pedagogical value, we encourage students to attend all lectures on time, in the intended format, for maximum focus and retention. 

Prerequisites: A willingness to learn, work hard, self-study, and dedication are all essential to benefit from the program.

• The Calculus Part I series assumes a significant level of comfort manipulating basic algebraic expressions and trigonometric identities, and a feeling for basic geometrical calculations.

• The Calculus Part II series assumes a significant familiarity with Calculus Part I content, in particular, with differentiation and derivatives and their properties. 

The program emphasises self-study, discipline, and staying diligent throughout its duration for the maximum possible benefit. An expected amount of workload would be 5 to 10 hours per week of self-study and working on homework problems outside the classroom.

Timings:  Here are the timings of the classes in our “Calculus” series.

• Calculus: Part I runs on Mondays and Thursdays at 6 pm IST.

• Calculus: Part II runs on Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm IST.

Revision Class: Once every two weeks, after every four lectures, 1 hour of office hours to discuss solutions to all the homework problems in the previous two weeks. The presentation of homework problem solutions will be the only opportunity for clarification of questions. 

Here are the timings of the revision classes. 

• Calculus Part I: At 4 pm on Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, and Dec 12.

• Calculus Part II: At 5 pm on Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, and Dec 12. 

Style: Focus on historic motivation, mathematical rigour and real-world applications of Calculus.

Homework: Assigned every week in advance of the classes. 

Grades: Part I is best suited for students in grade 11, advanced students in grades 9 or 10, and students in grade 12 looking to revisiting the content in Part I of Calculus. Part II is best suited for students in grade 12 and advanced students in grades 10 or 11 comfortable with most of Part I content.