UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

MTH2015 Multivariable calculus (advanced)

Faculty of Science

MTH2015 Multivariable calculus (advanced) is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 23 units, leading on to 64 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 1 other task

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Requisites

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISITE: A High Distinction in VCE Enhancement Mathematics or MTH1030; a Distinction in MTH1035; or by approval of the unit coordinator.

You must enrol in this unit manually via the online Enrolment Amendment form.

PROHIBITION: ENG2005, ENG2091, MTH2010

Equivalent units

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

Overview

This unit is an alternative to MTH2010 for students with a strong mathematical foundation.

Students enrolled in MTH2015 will follow the same curriculum as students in MTH2010 and will cover additional more advanced material.

Functions of several variables, partial derivatives, extreme values, Lagrange multipliers. Multiple integrals, line integrals, surface integrals. Vector differential calculus; grad, div and curl. Integral theorems of Gauss and Stokes. Use of a computer algebra package. Curves in 3-space, notions of torsion and curvature. Introductory notions of topology and geometry (stereographic projection). Basic introduction to real analysis: pointwise versus uniform convergence of functions of one variable. Introduction to complex analysis: holomorphic functions, harmonic functions, complex integration, Cauchy's integral formula, the fundamental theorem of Algebra.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Continuous assessmentDemonstration
    50%
  • Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination
    50%

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

    Apply multivariable calculus techniques to solve problems in mathematics, physics, and related disciplines;

  2. 2

    Explain the definition of the derivative of a multivariable function and its geometric interpretation as the tangent plane, as well as its relation to the gradient and directional derivative;

  3. 3

    Find and classify extrema of functions of several variables, including constrained optimisation using Lagrange multipliers;

  4. 4

    Evaluate and interpret line, surface, and volume integrals in Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates, and apply the integral theorems of Green, Gauss, and Stokes;

  5. 5

    Communicate mathematical reasoning effectively, both orally and in writing, and collaborate to analyse and solve problems using multivariable calculus techniques;

  6. 6

    Extend and deepen understanding of multivariable calculus through advanced theoretical concepts, rigorous proofs, and exposure to additional topics such as curvature and torsion, stereographic projection, uniform convergence, and analytic functions.

Workload and teaching

  • Applied sessions22 hours
  • Seminars48 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Three 1-hour seminars;
  • One 1-hour seminar;
  • One 2-hour applied class (in weeks 2-12) and
  • 6 hours of independent study per week.

Active learning will occur in lectures and applied classes.

Learning resources

Required resources

Calculus, Metric Version by James Stewart, Thomson, 8th edition, or individual chapters. The 6th or 7th edition of this book can also be used.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Dr Yann Bernard
Chief Examiners
Dr Yann Bernard

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MTH2015?

MTH2015 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after MTH2015?

MTH2015 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 23 units, including ASP2062, ASP2064, ASP3012, ASP3051, ASP3162 and CHE3162. Those lead on to 64 units in all.

When is MTH2015 offered?

In 2027, MTH2015 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

Does MTH2015 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
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