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UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

MTH1030 Techniques for modelling

Faculty of Science

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MTH1030 Techniques for modelling is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 25 units, leading on to 151 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 1, Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 4 other tasks

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before MTH1030

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After MTH1030

25 units list MTH1030 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

Show 17 more

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISITE: You must have passed MTH1020 or VCE Specialist Mathematics units 3 and 4 with a raw study score of at least 30.

PROHIBITION: ENG1005, ENG1091, MTH1035

Equivalent units

The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.

Overview

This unit develops a comprehensive understanding of basic linear algebra and advanced calculus, equipping you with versatile techniques and skills applicable within the natural sciences, engineering, computer science, economics and many other disciplines. 

The first half of the unit is dedicated to linear algebra. Topics covered include: solution of systems of linear equations, Gauss-Jordan algorithm, reduced row echelon form, matrix operations, inverses and determinants, linear independence, subspaces, linear transformations, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, diagonalization of matrices, Cayley-Hamilton theorem and various applications of linear algebra.

The second half of the unit is dedicated to calculus. Topics covered include: limits and continuity, L’Hôpital’s rule, infinite sequences and series, Taylor and general power series, solution of various types of differential equations such as separable and linear first and second order differential equations.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Portfolio
    20%
  • Project 1Project
    15%
  • Project 2Project
    15%
  • Mid-semester testQuiz / Test
    10%
  • Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination
    40%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding of fundamental linear algebra and calculus;

  2. 2

    Solve basic and complex mathematical problems involving linear algebra and calculus techniques;

  3. 3

    Model practical scenarios using linear algebra and calculus, identify relevant solution strategies and communicate solutions effectively through written presentations;

  4. 4

    Collaborate and communicate effectively in small groups to analyse, discuss, and solve mathematical problems;

  5. 5

    Utilise proficiently the advanced computer algebra Mathematica to perform complex mathematical computations, symbolic algebraic manipulations, and visualisation tasks.

Workload and teaching

  • Seminars36 hours
  • Applied sessions22 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Three 1-hour seminars;
  • One 2-hour applied class (in weeks 2-12) and
  • 7.5 hours of independent study per week.

Active learning will occur in seminars and applied classes.

Where it fits

MTH1030 is part of 19 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Kaustav Das
Unit Coordinators
Kaustav Das

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MTH1030?

MTH1030 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after MTH1030?

MTH1030 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 25 units, including ASP2011, ASP2062, EAE2122, EAE3111, EAE3121 and ECE2191. Those lead on to 151 units in all.

When is MTH1030 offered?

In 2026, MTH1030 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton.

Does MTH1030 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include MTH1030?

MTH1030 is part of Applied mathematics; Astrophysics; Computational science; Financial and insurance mathematics; and Mathematical statistics, and 3 other areas of study.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Mathematics
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 1
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
20202021202220232024202520262027