MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Science Handbook 1996

Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996


MAT1050

Mathematical methods

Coordinator: Dr Pam Norton

6 points + Four 1-hour lectures per week, one 1-hour tutorial + First/Second semester - Clayton + First/Second semester - Caulfield + Prerequisites: At levels 3 and 4, VCE Mathematical Methods + Prohibitions: MAT1010, MAT1910, MAT1420, MAT1430, MAT1711, MAT1722, MAT1801, GAS1611, GAS1613

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will improve skills in dealing with functions and learn of new functions; be able to calculate elementary limits; be acquainted with the idea of continuity; extend the range of skills required to calculate derivatives and expand the scope of applications in differential calculus; comprehend the notion of integral as area, develop skills required to calculate integrals and use integrals in applications; understand vector algebra and use vectors in three dimensional geometry, particularly of straight lines and planes; understand the algebra and geometry of complex numbers and become skilled at calculations involving complex numbers; be able to calculate Taylor series and appreciate the role of Taylor series in estimation of functions; recognise the importance of convergence of series; become acquainted with computer algebra and its use in calculus.

Synopsis Functions, limits and continuity. Derivatives and applications. Integration, applications and techniques. Vector algebra and geometry; straight lines and planes. Complex numbers. Taylor series; series convergence. An introduction to computer algebra using DERIVE.

Assessment Examinations (3 hours): 85% + Assignments (6): 15%

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