Calculus and Matrix Algebra
Undergraduate
MUR-MAS161 2025Previously MUR-MAS130
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 23 Nov 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $1,165
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Calculus and Matrix Algebra
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- be familiar with a number of new ideas and techniques from calculus and linear algebra, and be aware of their application to solve a variety of real world problems
- appreciate the role that computers can play in problem solving (including being aware of their weaknesses), and be able to use a package such as MATLAB or Scientific Notebook to carry out routine calculations
- present coherent written reports – both on your solutions to routine and practical problems, and when asked, to give an explanation or justification for certain mathematical claims
- draw analogies between seemingly different concepts defined in different contexts
- cope with a higher level of abstraction so that more complicated applied problems can be solved, and similarities can be drawn between different problems
- Functions and differentiation revision
- Integration by parts, substitution and trigonometric substitution
- 1st-order differential equations and applications
- Complex numbers
- 2nd-order differential equations
- Infinite sequences and series
- Vectors and geometry in space
- Linear algebra for calculus
- Functions of several variables and partial derivatives
Calculus and matrix algebra form the basis of the mathematical knowledge required to model physical, environmental, biological and engineering systems and investigate their behaviour. This subject assumes an understanding of the basic topics and develops them further. Vector and matrix operations, determinants, inverses and eigenvalues will be considered along with differentiation, integration, sequences and series, differential equations, and introductory multivariable calculus. Applications will be considered, with computer algebra packages used to reduce tedious calculations and present results.
Please Note: All students studying at Murdoch University will need to complete the compulsory unit, Murdoch Academic Passport (MAP100), which only takes 2-3 hours to complete online. Find out more: http://goto.murdoch.edu.au/MurdochAcademicPassport.
Your ability to solve relevant mathematical problems will be assessed at regular intervals during the semester via assignments. This assessment is designed to allow you to demonstrate your ability in each of the content areas of the unit and to give you regular feedback on your progress, helping you to identify your areas of strength or weakness during the semester. Assignment solutions and results will be posted progressively on the LMS.
- Problem-solving tasks (40%)
- Timed Online Exam (50%)
- Mid-term quiz/test (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MUR-MAS130 (Not currently available)
Others
A final scaled score of 55% or more in ATAR Mathematics Specialist (or equivalent), or MAS182.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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