VECTOR CALCULUS - 2023/4

Module Overview

The main focus of this module is on multivariable calculus in 2 and 3 dimensions, and vector calculus. This extends knowledge developed in A-levels and in the Year 1 module Calculus on the differentiation and integration of functions of a single variable, and provides the necessary ground work for Years 2 and 3 modules, such as Curves and Surfaces, Linear PDEs, Fluid Mechanics and Functions of a Complex Variable.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

PRINSLOO Andrea (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

MAT1030 Calculus

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Vectors, and the Geometry of Curves and Surfaces in 2 and 3 dimensions:

• 
  A review of the algebra and geometry of vectors, scalar and vector products, triple products, and rotations of vectors in 2 and 3 dimensions;
  


• 
  Vector and cartesian equations of straight lines and planes in 2 and 3 dimensions;
  


• 
  Equations of conic sections and quadric surfaces.
  

• 
  Continuity of functions of 2 and 3 variables;
  


• 
  Partial derivatives, and the differentiability of functions of 2 and 3 variables; the tangent plane at a point to a surface with height a function of 2 variables;
  


• 
  Taylor expansions of functions of 2 and 3 variables, and the classification of stationary points;
  


• 
  Chain rule for functions of 2 and 3 variables;
  


• 
  Method of Lagrange multipliers for functions of 2 and 3 variables.
  

• 
  Double and triple integrals in cartesian coordinates;
  


• 
  Double integrals under coordinate transformations, including to polar coordinates;
  


• 
  Triple integrals under coordinate transformations, including cylindrical coordinates and spherical polar coordinates.
  

• 
  Scalar and vector fields in 2 and 3 dimensions;
  


• 
  Differential operators, including div, grad and curl, and their properties;
  


• 
  Line and surface integrals;
  


• 
  Green’s theorem, Stoke’s theorem and the Divergence Theorem.
  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding through the solution of unseen and similar to seen problems in the test and exam, which relate to:

• 
  Geometric problems with vectors in 2 and 3 dimensions.
  


• 
  Problems in multivariable differential calculus in 2 and 3 dimensions.
  


• 
  Double and triple integrals.
  


• 
  Scalar and vector fields, and differential operators.
  


• 
  Line and surface integrals.
  


• 
  Green’s theorem, Stoke’s theorem and the Divergence Theorem.
  

• 
  One two hour examination at the end of the semester – worth 75% of the module mark.
  


• 
  One in-semester test – worth 25% module mark.
  

Module aims

• Revisit the geometry of vectors, and curves and surfaces in 2 and 3 dimensions.
• Introduce students to multivariable calculus in 2 and 3 dimensions, including:
  1) Differential calculus of functions of 2 and 3 variables;
  2) Double and triple integrals.
• Introduce students to vector calculus in 3 dimensions, including:
  1) Differential operators, such as div, grad and curl;
  2) Line and surface integrals;
  3) Green’s theorem, Stoke’s theorem and the Divergence Theorem.
• Enable students to solve problems related to each of these topics.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• 
  Extend students’ knowledge of vectors, and geometry in 2 and 3 dimensions.
  


• 
  Provide students with a detailed introduction to multivariable calculus in 2 and 3 dimensions, and vector calculus in 3 dimensions.
  


• 
  Experience (through demonstration) of the methods used to interpret, understand and solve problems in multivariable calculus and vector calculus.
  

• 
  4 x 1 hour lectures per week x 11 weeks – material and examples supplementing the module notes will be presented on blackboards/whiteboards, with Q & A opportunities for students.
  


• 
  1 x 1 hour seminar in alternate weeks x 5 weeks – a guided discussion of solutions to problem sheets, provided to and worked on by students in advance.
  

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAT1005

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.