Key facts

UNE unit code: PMTH412

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Multivariable calculus has diverse applications across many fields, from modelling and studying dynamic systems in engineering and social science, to analysing and forecasting stock market activity.

This unit builds on your understanding of the basic concepts of single variable calculus, generalising these concepts to functions of two or more variables.

Focusing on both theoretical and technical aspects, you will explore basic geometrical topics on curves and surfaces in relation to multivariable functions. You will also examine limits and continuity, differentiability and partial derivatives, inverse and implicit mapping theorems, multivariable Taylor formula, extreme values, double and triple integrals, line integrals and the integral theorems.

Applying your knowledge to fluid dynamics and using the principles of multivariable calculus, the unit will help you to fine tune your ability to solve complex real-world mathematical problems.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
PMTH212 or PMTH212A
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Jelena Schmalz
Jelena SchmalzLecturer - School of Science and Technology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of vector functions and curves in space, including the concepts of length and curvature;
  2. demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of differentiation of multivariable functions, including the inverse mapping theorem and multivariable Taylor formula;
  3. demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of multivariable integration and the ability to apply this to complex problems showing critical thinking and independent judgement; and
  4. demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of the integral theorems and demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge to complex problems showing critical thinking and independent judgement.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 01Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 02Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 03Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 04Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 05Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 06Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 07Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 08Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 09Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 10Yes2%All offerings

Problem-based assignment.

Assessment 11 - Assurance TaskYes20%All offerings

Discussion of written, problem-based assignment work previously assigned by unit coordinator and submitted by student. Combined mark of Oral Examination and Final Examination must be at least 50% (i.e., 40% of the overall total mark) in order to pass the unit. 

Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes60%All offerings

It is mandatory to pass this examination in order to pass this unit.

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Calculus Early Transcendentals, International Adaptation

ISBN: 9781119820499

Anton, H., Bivens, I.C., Davis, S., Wiley 12th ed. 2022

Note: This is an e-book ISBN: 9781119820499. Paperback ISBN: 9781119820482

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Mathematical Analysis II

ISBN: 9783662489918

Zorich, V.A., Springer 2nd ed. 2016

Note: The 1st edition (ISBN: 9783540406334) is also acceptable.

Text refers to: All offerings

Mathematical Analysis I

ISBN: 9783540874515

Zorich, V.A., Springer 2004

Text refers to: All offerings

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