Students

MATH1010 – Calculus and Linear Algebra I

2026 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Christopher Gordon
chris.gordon@mq.edu.au
Frank Valckenborgh
frank.valckenborgh@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(HSC Mathematics Advanced Band 4 and above or Extension 1 Band E2 and above or Extension 2 Band E2 and above) or WFMS0001 or MATH1000
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This is the first mainstream university mathematics unit; it is essential for students in engineering and many areas of science. This subject provides an introduction to basic concepts and techniques in linear algebra and calculus. In algebra, topics covered include matrices, systems of linear equations and their applications, including the use of vectors in two and three-dimensional Euclidean geometry. In calculus, the concept of a function of one variable is explored, and the notions of limit and continuity are developed. The concept of the derivative as a suitable construct to describe rates of change is defined and techniques of differential and integral calculus of functions of a real variable are developed. Students are also introduced to the use of computers in mathematics, and develop modelling and problem solving skills through theoretical and practical problems.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Good Health and Well Being; Quality Education; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Determine solutions to linear systems of equations using matrix tools and techniques.
  • ULO2: Employ techniques from linear algebra to analyse structures in 2- and 3-D Euclidean space, including vectors, lines and planes.
  • ULO3: Analyze a mathematical problem using concepts of limits, continuity and differentiability.
  • ULO4: Utilise the techniques of differentiation and integration with proficiency to a wide range of functions.
  • ULO5: Evaluate problems from a wide variety of applications and utilise mathematical and computational techniques to solve them.

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass this Unit

Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments.

Skills Exercises

The skills exercise will be handwritten solutions to questions during the SGTA in week 9 based on the lecture material from week 1 to week 7 (so SGTA material from weeks 2 to 8). The questions will be similar questions that are available in the online skills exercises available on iLearn. That is, the online skills questions provide the necessary practice to successfully complete the written questions in the SGTA of week 9. 

 

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.

Special consideration in this unit applies to:

  • Skills exercise;
  • Final Exam.

Special Consideration does not apply to the competency assurance assessment.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Competency assurance 20% No Weekly (SGTA) Individual No Observed
Skills Exercise 30% No SGTA week 9 Individual No Observed
Final exam 50% No Exam Period Individual No Observed

Competency assurance

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Weekly (SGTA)
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will demonstrate ongoing progress through regular completion of exercises that build and confirm competency in the core mathematical skills required for the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Determine solutions to linear systems of equations using matrix tools and techniques.
  • Employ techniques from linear algebra to analyse structures in 2- and 3-D Euclidean space, including vectors, lines and planes.
  • Utilise the techniques of differentiation and integration with proficiency to a wide range of functions.

Skills Exercise

Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: SGTA week 9
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will undertake exercises designed to develop and assess mathematical skills, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through consistent practice to promote mastery of essential concepts.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Determine solutions to linear systems of equations using matrix tools and techniques.
  • Employ techniques from linear algebra to analyse structures in 2- and 3-D Euclidean space, including vectors, lines and planes.
  • Analyze a mathematical problem using concepts of limits, continuity and differentiability.
  • Utilise the techniques of differentiation and integration with proficiency to a wide range of functions.
  • Evaluate problems from a wide variety of applications and utilise mathematical and computational techniques to solve them.

Final exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will undertake a final examination during the formal examination period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Determine solutions to linear systems of equations using matrix tools and techniques.
  • Employ techniques from linear algebra to analyse structures in 2- and 3-D Euclidean space, including vectors, lines and planes.
  • Analyze a mathematical problem using concepts of limits, continuity and differentiability.
  • Utilise the techniques of differentiation and integration with proficiency to a wide range of functions.
  • Evaluate problems from a wide variety of applications and utilise mathematical and computational techniques to solve them.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Lectures (beginning in Week 1): There are two one-hour lectures each week.

SGTA classes (beginning in Week 2): There is one two-hour sgta each week.

Resources

Algebra

Calculus 

 

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Please read these twice a week. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to your lecturers from your university email address.

Unit Schedule

Week Lecture 01 Lecture 02
1 Sets and Vectors Dot Product and Orthogonality
2 Matrix Operations Linear Systems and Gauss-Jordan Elimination
3 Gauss-Jordan Elimination and Consistency Homogeneous Equations
4 Determinants and Vector/Scalar Product Equations of Lines
5 Equations of Planes Functions and Trigonometry
6 Composite and Inverse Functions Monotonic and Exponential Functions
7 Limits and Continuity Limits and Continuity
8 Differentiation Differentiation
9 Differentiation Differentiation
10 Integration Integration
11 Integration Integration
12 Differential Equations Differential Equations
13 Revision Revision

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/service-desk. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

The assessments are different from the 2026 session 1 offering. The final exam is still 50%, and invigilated. The skills exercises now has an assessment which is an invigilated task, completed by hand in the week 9 SGTA. And the assignment has been replaced with a weekly competency assurance where your best 10 of 12 attempts are taken to demonstrate competency with the relevant SGTA material for the week.

Unit information based on version 2026.05 of the Handbook