Course Title: Vectors and Calculus

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Vectors and Calculus

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

MATH1143

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009

MATH1144

City Campus

Undergraduate

145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016,
Spring2016

MATH1144

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Michael Nyblom

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2189

Course Coordinator Email: michael.nyblom@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 15.04.18


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

To successfully complete this course, you are expected to have capabilities consistent with the completion of VCE Mathematics (Specialist or Methods) at a Year 12 level.


Course Description

This course aims to complement knowledge, skills and their application studied in MATH2469 A Calculus Toolbox for Scientists or equivalent. It provides a broad introduction to a further selection of the fundamental mathematical procedures (multi-variable differentiation and integration) and mathematical objects (vectors, vector-valued functions, matrices, series) needed by mathematicians and most applied scientists. The course builds on the foundations laid in secondary school mathematics and in turn extends those foundations to accommodate more advanced studies in mathematics undertaken in the following semester and beyond. Topic areas include vectors, matrices, infinite series, power series, vector-valued functions and functions of several variables.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s): 

BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Major) 

PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines. 

PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.

PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.

BP083P23 - Bachelor of Applied Mathematics and Statistics

PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of mathematical and statistical theories, principles, concepts and practices with multi-disciplinary collaboration.

PLO 2  Analyse and critically examine the validity of mathematical and statistical arguments and evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and computational technologies.

PLO 3 Formulate and model real world problems using principles of mathematical and statistical inquiry to inform evidence-based decision making.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide. 


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Apply core mathematical skills such as arithmetic, algebraic manipulation, elementary geometry and trigonometry to an increasing range of problems.
  2. Utilise techniques of integral and differential calculus to formulate and solve problems involving change and approximation, with particular emphasis on problems with more than one variable and problems involving motion along a curve.
  3. Recognise the properties of vectors and matrices and apply the techniques of vector and matrix analysis to problems involving three-dimensional geometry and transformations in three-dimensional space.
  4. Identify the basic properties of infinite series and apply power series to problems involving approximation of functions.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

Key concepts and their application will be explained and illustrated (with many examples) in lectures and in online notes. Supervised problem-solving within classes will build your capacity to solve problems and to think critically and analytically, and give you feedback on your understanding and academic progress. Homework will consolidate your basic skills, e.g. in algebra and trigonometry, and gaps in your basic knowledge of the topics presented in class. Exercise problems  and self-help tutorial questions will provide a focus for your private study.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Online Quizzes (4)
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4

Assessment Task 2: Written Assessment 1 (Vectors and Matrices)
Weighting 20% 
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 3

Assessment Task 3: Written Assessment 2 (Vector Valued Functions and Functions of Several Variables)
Weighting 20%
This assessment supports CLOs 1-3

Assessment Task 4: Written Assessment 3 (Infinite Series, Power Series and Vector Calculus)
Weighting 20%
This assessment supports CLOs 1-4

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.