In February 2022, mathematics professor Bryan Dawson released his calculus textbook, “Calculus Set Free: Infinitesimals to the Rescue,” which was published by Oxford University Press, the largest university press in the world.
Dawson’s textbook uses brand new unique procedures and notations he developed to improve students’ understanding of calculus.
These unique procedures deal with infinitely small numbers called infinitesimals, which were originally used in the 17th century but were not made rigorous until 1960.
When asked about his opportunity to publish with Oxford University Press, Dawson said it happened by chance.
“In January of 2020, at the joint mathematics meetings in Denver, Colorado, there was an exhibit area. They [Oxford University Press] had a booth where I spoke to the acquisition editor,” said Dawson. “I described my project and he was immediately interested.”
Dawson’s fresh approach to the subject has already changed the way that students at Union University understand and use infinitesimals. Dawson has personally seen grade improvements in his own students.
“The student reaction has been very positive,” Dawson said. “I have seen better test scores as early as the first test in my course, and many students say that the methods help them understand calculus better and fits with the way they think.”
Other Union professors, along with faculty from other colleges, have already implemented Dawson’s methods.
George Moss, a mathematics professor and the department chair, shared his excitement for his colleague’s accomplishment with Oxford University Press.
“He has been working on this for years, and it is such a good thing,” Moss said. “I am very excited to see where this takes him.”
Dawson’s textbook has been reviewed in several mathematics and university journals, including The American Mathematical Monthly, the most read mathematics journal in the world.
“To see years of hard work in a tangible form, that’s very exciting,” Dawson said. “This semester, seeing the books on the desks of the students was really satisfying.”
Dawson’s textbook can be purchased at Amazon.com and Oxford University Publishing.
Photo by Union Photo Project