Course overview
This course introduces the fundamental concepts in multivariable calculus. Students will be able to recognise and formulate the equations of paths, surfaces and volumes in three dimensions, compute partial derivatives and the gradient, divergence, curl and Laplacian of given functions, and calculate integrals over paths, surfaces and volumes. They will be able to recall and apply Greens, Stokes and the divergence theorem to appropriate integrals. They will be able to interpret the results of all these calculations in the context of problems from science and engineering.
- Functions
- Derivatives
- Integrals
- Fundamental theorems
Course learning outcomes
- Recognise, and be able to formulate how curves, surfaces and volumes in three dimensions can be expressed by equations (including in parametric form and in polar coordinates).
- Recall, and be able to calculate, vector derivatives including gradient, divergence, curl and Laplacian (in both Cartesian and orthogonal curvilinear coordinates) and give physical interpretations of these quantities.
- Find, and determine the type of, critical points of multivariable functions, and use Lagrange multipliers to find maxima and minima of functions under constraints.
- Calculate integrals over paths, surfaces and volumes (including changing the order of integration, or making changes of variables)
- Recall, and be able to apply Green’s, divergence, and Stokes’ theorems when computing integrals
- Apply the mathematical concepts of CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 to problems arising in other relevant disciplines, and interpret the results.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 28135
Section FR01
Size 100
Available 100
Class number 28136
Section WS01
Size 25
Available 25
Class number 28137
Section WS02
Size 25
Available 25
Class number 28138
Section WS03
Size 25
Available 25
Class number 23565
Section WS04
Size 25
Available 25
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 57999
Section FR01
Size 75
Available 75
Class number 58000
Section WS01
Size 25
Available 25
Class number 58001
Section WS02
Size 25
Available 25
Class number 58002
Section WS03
Size 25
Available 25
Mawson Lakes
Class number 58345
Section FR01
Size 25
Available 25
Class number 58346
Section WS01
Size 25
Available 25
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.