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Unit outline_

MATH1023: Multivariable Calculus and Modelling

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Calculus is a discipline of mathematics that finds profound applications in science, engineering, and economics. This unit investigates multivariable differential calculus and modelling. Emphasis is given both to the theoretical and foundational aspects of the subject, as well as developing the valuable skill of applying the mathematical theory to solve practical problems. Topics covered in this unit of study include mathematical modelling, first order differential equations, second order differential equations, systems of linear equations, visualisation in 2 and 3 dimensions, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, the gradient vector, and optimisation for functions of more than one variable. Students are strongly recommended to complete MATH1021 or MATH1921 Calculus Of One Variable (Advanced) before commencing MATH1023 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling or MATH1923 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling (Adv).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points 3
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
MATH1013 or MATH1903 or MATH1907 or MATH1003 or MATH1923 or MATH1933
Assumed knowledge
? 

Knowledge of complex numbers and methods of differential and integral calculus including integration by partial fractions and integration by parts as for example in MATH1021 or MATH1921 or MATH1931 or HSC Mathematics Extension 2

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Tiangang Cui, tiangang.cui@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Holger Dullin, holger.dullin@sydney.edu.au
Jonathan Spreer, jonathan.spreer@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
multiple choice and written calculations
60% Formal exam period 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Small test Webwork Online Quizzes 1-2
#earlyfeedbacktask
2% Multiple weeks 20 minutes/week
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Short release assignment Assignment 1
written calculations
5% Week 04
Due date: 17 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 27 Mar 2024
1-2 pages (as a guide)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task Quiz
Multiple choice questions
15% Week 07
Due date: 10 Apr 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 10 Apr 2024
25 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Short release assignment Assignment 2
written calculations
10% Week 10
Due date: 05 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 15 May 2024
3-4 pages (as a guide)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO2
Small test Webwork Online Quizzes 3-10
online task (may require calculations)
6% Weekly 20 minutes/week
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Participation Tutorials
Participation in tutorials
2% Weekly 50 minutes/week
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

 

  • Assignments: There are two short release assignments. Each must be submitted electronically, as one single typeset or scanned PDF file only, via Canvas by the deadline. Note that your assignment will not be marked if it is illegible or if it is submitted sideways or upside down. It is your responsibility to check that your assignment has been submitted correctly and that it is complete (check that you can view each page). Late submissions will receive a penalty. A mark of zero will be awarded for all submissions more than 10 days past the original due date. Further extensions past this time will not be permitted. The maximum extension you can be awarded through Special Consideration for the assignments is 7 calendar days. If you are affected for more than 7 calendar days you will be granted a mark adjustment. This means that your final exam mark will count instead for the assignment mark. The closing date for submissions (with a late penalty) is the same for all students. It is not changed if you are granted an extension. This allows for timely release of the marks and feedback. Note that the assignments are not eligible for a Simple Extension through the Special Consideration system since they are short release assignments (released to you to complete within 10 working days).
  • Quiz: One quiz will be held online through Canvas. The quiz is 25 minutes and has to be submitted by the closing time of 23:59 on the due date. The quiz can be taken any time during the 24 hour period before the closing time. The better mark principle will be used for the quiz so do not submit an application for Special Consideration or Special Arrangements if you miss the quiz. The better mark principle means that the quiz counts if and only if it is better than or equal to your exam mark. If your quiz mark is less than your exam mark, the exam mark will be used for that portion of your assessment instead, regardless of any mark achieved for the quiz.
  • Webwork Online Quizzes: There are ten weekly online quizzes (equally weighted) and the marks for the best eight count. The first two are used for the Early Feedback TaskEach online quiz consists of a set of randomized questions. You should not apply for special consideration for the quizzes. The better mark principle will apply for the total 8% - i.e. if your overall exam mark is higher, then your 8% for the Webwork quizzes will come from your exam. The deadline for completion of each quiz is 23:59 on Sunday (starting in week 2). The precise schedule for the quizzes is found on Canvas. We recommend that you follow the due dates outlined above to gain the most benefit from these quizzes.
  • Tutorial Participation: This is a satisfactory/non-satisfactory mark assessing whether or not you participate in class activities during the tutorials. It is 0.25 marks per tutorial class up to 8 tutorials (there are 12 tutorials).
  • Final Exam: The final exam for this unit is compulsory and must be attempted. Failure to attempt the final exam will result in an AF grade for the course. Further information about the exam will be made available at a later date on Canvas. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Representing complete or close to complete mastery of the material.

Distinction

75 - 84

Representing excellence, but substantially less than complete mastery.

Credit

65 - 74

Representing a creditable performance that goes beyond routine knowledge and understanding, but less than excellence.

Pass

50 - 64

Representing at least routine knowledge and understanding over a spectrum of topics and
important ideas and concepts in the course.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to mathematical modelling and differential equations Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Separable equations and examples Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 03 Applications of separable equations Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 04 Linear differential equations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 05 Second-order linear differential equations Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 06 Inhomogeneous and linear systems of differential equations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 07 Curves and surfaces in 3D Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1
Week 08 Partial derivatives, tangent planes, differentials Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO7 LO8
Week 09 Directional derivatives and chain rule Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO9
Week 10 Implicit differentiation and gradient vectors Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO9
Week 11 Higher-order derivatives Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO7
Week 12 Optimisation of functions of two variables Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO10
Week 13 Revision/further applications Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

Attendance and class requirements

  • Lecture attendance: You are expected to attend lectures. If you do not attend lectures you should at least follow the lecture recordings available through Canvas.
  • Tutorial attendance: Tutorials (one per week) start in Week 2. You should attend the tutorial given on your personal timetable. Attendance at tutorials and participation will be recorded to determine the participation mark. Your attendance will not be recorded unless you attend the tutorial in which you are enrolled. We strongly recommend you attend tutorials regularly to keep up with the material and to engage with the tutorial questions.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

  • Course notes: Course Notes for MATH1023 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling. School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2020. Available as PDF on Canvas.
  • Reference textbook: James Stewart. Calculus. Cengage Learning. 9th Edition, Metric Version, 2020, ISBN 978-0-357-11346-2. 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. apply mathematical logic and rigor to solving problems
  • LO2. express mathematical ideas and arguments coherently in written form
  • LO3. set up differential equations which arise from mathematical models of interest to scientists and engineers
  • LO4. understand the relationship between a first-order differential equation, its direction field, and its solution curves
  • LO5. solve separable and first-order linear differential equations
  • LO6. solve second-order homogeneous linear differential equations with constant coefficients
  • LO7. calculate partial derivatives and understand their geometric significance
  • LO8. find equations of tangent planes to surfaces
  • LO9. calculate the directional derivative and gradient vector, and understand their physical significance.
  • LO10. optimise functions of two or more variables

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

MATH1023 is half of the new unit MATH1062.
  • Lectures: Lectures are face-to-face and streamed live with online access from Canvas.
  • Tutorials: Tutorials are small classes in which you are expected to work through questions from the tutorial sheet in small groups on the white board. The role of the tutor is to provide support and to some extent give feedback on your solutions written on the board.
  • Tutorial and exercise sheets: The question sheets for a given week will be available on the MATH1062/MATH1023 Canvas page. Solutions to tutorial exercises for week n will usually be posted on the web by the afternoon of the Friday of week n.
  • Ed Discussion forum: https://edstem.org

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.