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Unit of study_
MATH2921: Vector Calculus and Differential Eqs (Adv)
2025 unit information
This is the advanced version of MATH2021, with more emphasis on the underlying concepts and mathematical rigour. The vector calculus component of the course includes: parametrised curves and surfaces, vector fields, div, grad and curl, gradient fields and potential functions, Lagrange Multiplier Method, line integrals of different types (arc length, work, etc.), conservative fields, double and triple integrals, change of variable formulas, polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, areas, volumes and mass, flux integrals, and Green's Gauss' and Stokes' Theorems. The Differential Equations component of the course focuses on ordinary and partial differential equations (ODEs and PDEs) with applications with more complexity and depth. It provides a more thorough grounding in these techniques to enable students to build on the concepts in their subsequent courses. The main topics are: first and second order ODEs (including inhomogeneous equations), series solutions near a regular point, higher order ODEs and systems of first order equations, matrix equations, various methods (variation of parameters, undetermined coefficients, reduction of order), an introduction to PDEs, and first methods of solutions (including separation of variables, and Fourier Series). It could extend to the Laplace and Fourier Transform and elementary Sturm-Liouville Theory.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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{(MATH1961 or MATH1971 or a mark of 65 or above in MATH1061) or {[MATH1921 or MATH1931 or MATH1901 or MATH1906 or (a mark of 65 or above in MATH1021 or MATH1001)] and (MATH1902 or a mark of 65 or above in MATH1002)}} and {[(MATH1962 or MATH1972 or MATH1923 or MATH1933 or MATH1903 or MATH1907 or (a mark of 65 or above in MATH1062 or MATH1023 or MATH1003)]} |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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MATH2021 or MATH2065 or MATH2965 or (MATH2061 and MATH2022) or (MATH2061 and MATH2922) or (MATH2961 and MATH2022) or (MATH2961 and MATH2922) or MATH2067 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of vector-valued functions, partial derivatives, curves and integration over a region, volume and surface as well as solving basic differential equations with a background in a variet of techniques and applications of mathematical analysis.
- LO2. Understand the definitions, main theorems, propositions, lemmata and corollaries for multivariate calculus as well as their applications to science. Also understand and the main theorems and methods of solving elementary linear differential equations as well as the applications.
- LO3. Be fluent in the computation of integrals via substitution and coordinate transform methods.
- LO4. Develop an appreciation and strong working knowledge of the theory and applications of elementary vector analysis and differential equations.
- LO5. Be fluent with important examples, theorems and applications and able to implement these in some computational supporting tool.
- LO6. Present complete and mathematically rigorous solutions for problems in vector calculus and differential equations that include appropriate justification for their reasoning.
- LO7. Recognise problems in mathematics and other areas of science and engineering that are amenable to mathematical analysis, and to apply the techniques of mathematical analysis in solving them.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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