Course Outline

MTH201 Calculus II and Linear Algebra

Course Coordinator:Samuel Stephen (sstephen3@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2026Trimester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course is designed to build upon and further the concepts learned in the first-year introductory courses. The Calculus component extends the mathematics from single-variable to multi-variable, which will not only provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for the extensibility of mathematics, but will prepare the students for solving real-world problems that involve multi-directional change, such as fluid mechanics. The linear algebra component also builds on previous work in matrices and vectors, and provides a foundation for methods in numerical computation and analysis. These topics will provide a strong, relevant foundation for all students who take the course; engineers, teachers and mathematicians.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – asynchronous learning materials 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus, Face-to-face 2hrs Week 1 12 times

Course Topics

Multivariate functions: Surfaces

Partial differentiation

Differentiation on scalar fields

  • The del operator
  • Gradients and directional derivatives

Differentiation on vector fields

  • Divergence
  • Curl

Integration over scalar fields:

  • Iterated Integrals (find area of a region in the plane)
  • Integration over surfaces and volumes (double and triple integrals)

Calculus with Parametric systems.

Introduction to the Laplace Transform (time permitting)

Vector spaces and vector subspaces

Linear combinations and Span

Linear Independence and Bases

Linear maps

Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors

Inner product spaces and orthogonality

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Recall, explain and apply the theory, tools and techniques of topics related to multi-variate Calculus and Linear Algebra. Knowledgeable
2 Use Problem solving strategies and mathematical reasoning to interpret, analyse and solve familiar and unfamiliar problems in mathematics, science and engineering, using multi-variate Calculus and Linear Algebra. Creative and critical thinker
3 Calculate and record results accurately and precisely. Empowered
4 Interpret and communicate using mathematical terminology, symbols and conventions. Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

MTH104 or MTH202

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

As per prerequisite courses: Introductory Differential and Integral Calculus; Matrix and Vector operations.

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Students will have access to Task 1 from Week 1 of trimester. It is not due until the end of Week 4 to give students every opportunity to measure their progress and gauge their future success. In addition, formative feedback during on-campus tutorials will provide further calibration to support the view formed.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Artefact - Technical and Scientific Individual 20%
No more than 8 selected problems detailed in a pre-designed document up to 5 pages allowing students to complete the task in the document itself and submit.
Week 4 In Class
All 2 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 30%
90 min
Week 7 In Class
All 3 Artefact - Technical and Scientific Individual 20%
No more than 8 selected problems detailed in a pre-designed document up to 5 pages allowing students to complete the task in the document itself and submit.
Week 10 To Supervisor
All 4 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 30%
90 min
Week 12 In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Task 1 Written solutions to selected problems
Goal:
This assessment task is designed to encourage you to revisit material from the calculus component of the course and to apply it to new problems. This assignment will bring together many of the concepts and techniques in a single body of work, which will also help with preparation for the Calculus Tutorial Test.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific
Authorship Statement:
Format:
This is an individual assignment. Students submit a .pdf format copy of their work through the course website.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Your written work will be assessed against criteria including the implementation of an appropriate strategy, the completion of all calculations with sufficient precision and communicating the solution in a clear and precise way.
1 2 3 4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Task 2 Calculus Tutorial Test
Goal:
The Calculus Tutorial Test gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and skills associated with this component of the course.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format:
This is an individual assessment task. Limited time, written responses to pre-prepared problems.

To be undertaken during on-campus tutorial sessions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
recall the theoretical and practical concepts from the Calculus component of the course.
1
2
apply the theory and derive solution to selected problems.
2 3
3
decide which is the most appropriate method to solve a particular problem .
1
4
communicate the methods, reasoning and working by which solutions may be calculated.
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation
All - Assessment Task 3:Task 3 Written solutions to selected problems
Goal:
This assessment task is designed to encourage you to revisit material from the linear algebra component of the course and to apply it to new problems. This assignment will bring together many of the concepts and techniques in a single body of work, which will also help with preparation for the linear algebra examination.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific
Authorship Statement:
Format:
This is an individual assignment. Students submit a .pdf format copy of their work through the course website.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Your submission will be evaluated for appropriate selection and use of method, correct working and final result, and quality of mathematical communication. All evidence of working and methods used must be provided.
1 2 3 4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving
All - Assessment Task 4:Task 4 Linear Algebra Tutorial Test
Goal:
The Linear Algebra Tutorial Test gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and skills associated with this component of the course.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format:
This is an individual assessment task. Limited time, written responses to pre-prepared problems. To be undertaken during on-campus tutorial sessions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
recall the theoretical and practical elements of the Linear Algebra component of the course.
1
2
apply the theory and derive solutions to selected problems.
2 3
3
decide which is the most appropriate method to solve a particular problem .
1
4
communicate the methods, reasoning and working by which solutions may be calculated
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Seymour Lipschutz, Marc Lipson 2018 Schaum's Outline of Linear Algebra, Sixth Edition 6 McGraw-Hill Education

Specific requirements

Standard scientific calculator. A computer with internet access, in order to be able to use course software off-campus, but which is available on https://anywhere.usc.edu.au , may be of benefit.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: