JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 14, 2021 — Bryan Dawson, university professor of mathematics at Union University, released a textbook, detailing a new calculus mathematical method using infinitesimals.
Dawson’s textbook, “Calculus Set Free: Infinitesimals to the Rescue,” was published by Oxford University Press — one of the most prestigious academic presses.
Along with Jason Crawford, associate professor of English, Dawson is the second Union professor in recent years to be published by Oxford University Press. Hunter Baker, dean for the College of Arts and Sciences at Union, says he is deeply proud to call both Crawford and Dawson colleagues.
“Students may not realize how blessed they are to have such professors in the classroom at a teaching institution such as ours,” Baker said. “It is truly thrilling to see fellow [Union professors] flourish in this way.”
Nine years ago, Dawson decided to explore easier methods for college students to comprehend calculus, which led him to developing new procedures for infinitesimals — infinitely small numbers. After years of publishing academic articles and presentations, Dawson said he finally decided to obey the Lord’s calling to write a textbook.
“I began using these new infinitesimal methods I had developed in my classroom, and I saw students have a much better understanding of calculus,” Dawson said. “I thought if students are benefitting, then it shouldn't just be my students who should know [about these new methods].”
Dawson said the best encouragement he’s received during the five-year publishing process has been from students succeeding and better understanding calculus because of Dawson’s infinitesimal methods.
“Being able to tangibly see the product of thousands of hours of effort is emotional,” Dawson said. “When you start on a project like this, there's no guarantee that anyone will take notice, so it's very affirming to see all the hard work and dedication being validated.”
Dawson’s textbook will be on display at the Joint Mathematics Meeting — the largest mathematics gathering in the world — in January in Seattle, Wash. Baker said he is thrilled with Dawson’s achievement and his contribution to providing excellent, Christ-centered education at Union University.
“Union’s commitment to the Christian faith has helped us attract brilliant scholars and teachers who want to live an integrated life in which their faith and work intertwine,” Baker said. “Over the past few decades, the university has nurtured that kind of vision, which is bearing fruit.”
“Calculus Set Free: Infinitesimals to the Rescue,” is available for preorder at Amazon.com and Oxford University Publishing. Customers can enjoy 30 percent off Dawson’s textbook using the promo code, ASPROMP8, at Oxford University Publishing.