Overview
MATH1131 is a Level I Mathematics course.
Assumed knowledge: A combined mark of at least 100 in HSC Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1.
Equivalent Course: DPST1013
Exclusions: DPST1013, MATH1011, MATH1031, MATH1141, MATH1151, ECON1202
Cycle of offering: Terms 1, 2 & 3
Graduate attributes: The course will enhance your research, inquiry and analytical thinking abilities.
More information:
These recent outlines contain information about course objectives, assessment, course materials and the syllabus.
The Online Handbook entry, opens in a new window contains up-to-date timetabling information.
The sequel to MATH1131 is MATH1231 Mathematics 1B, opens in a new window. MATH1131 and MATH1231 (alternatively their higher versions MATH1141, opens in a new window and MATH1241, opens in a new window) are recommended courses for Mathematics and Statistics majors and are prerequisites for many Level II and III courses.
If you are currently enrolled in MATH1131, you can log into UNSW Moodle for this course.
For general advice, see advice on choosing first-year courses.
Course description
MATH1131 is divided into two broad areas: Algebra and Calculus.
In Algebra you will study the interplay between algebra and geometry. After a discussion of complex numbers, vector geometry is used to motivate the study of systems of linear equations. Algebraic techniques involving matrices and determinants are then developed to study these problems further.
In Calculus, you will study continuous and differentiable functions. The emphasis here is on a logical development of the theory of differentiation and integration. The highlight of the course is one of the great discoveries of Science: the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus which links calculation of areas (integration) and rates of change (differentiation).
A wide variety of disciplines, including the physical sciences, engineering and commerce and economics, make use of the techniques discussed in this course.