This is the first in a two-course sequence intended for students majoring in mathematics, science, or engineering. It emphasizes the understanding of concepts, and using them to solve physical problems. The course covers functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, rules of differentiation, applications of the derivative, Riemann sums, definite integrals, and indefinite integrals.

The course revisits the equations of spring-mass system, RLC circuits, and pendulum systems in order to view and interpret the phase space representations of these dynamical systems. The course begins with linear systems followed by a study of the stability analysis of nonlinear systems. Matrix techniques are introduced to study higher order systems. The Lorentz equation will be studied to introduce the concept of chaotic solutions.