MAST20009 Vector Calculus
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- Final exam 80%: exam-heavy
Is MAST20009 hard?
MAST20009: Easier. Makes it easier: Reviewers say it’s manageable (10 reviews). Makes it harder: Final exam 80%.
What you learn
Calculus with several variables and vectors, including integrals over curves, surfaces and volumes.
After it you can
- Find maximums and minimums of multi-variable functions
- Calculate line, surface and volume integrals
- Apply Green's, Gauss' and Stokes' theorems
What you need first
(MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10013 or MAST10018)
- MAST10006 Calculus 2
- MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
- MAST10021 Calculus 2: Advanced
- MAST10007 Linear Algebra
- MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
- MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced
What it leads to
- ATOC30003 Tropical Weather and Climate Extremes
- ATOC30004 Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography
- BMEN30006 Circuits and Systems
- CHEN30016 Momentum, Mass and Heat Transfer
- ENGR30004 Numerical Algorithms in Engineering
- MAST20030 Differential Equations
- MAST30024 Geometry
- MAST30030 Applied Mathematical Modelling
- MCEN30018 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- MCEN30020 Systems Modelling and Analysis
- PHYC30011 Sub-atomic Physics
- PHYC30016 Electrodynamics
- PHYC30017 Statistical Physics
- PHYC30018 Quantum Physics
- PHYC30019 Astrophysics
- PHYC30023 Light, Lasers, Optics
- PHYC30024 Condensed Matter Physics 3
Can’t be taken together with
How it’s assessed
Assignments 20%, Final exam 80%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 10 students on StudentVIP (2017–2026)
- Feels like an extension of Calculus 2; enjoyable if you liked that subject.
- The exam is heavily weighted (about 80%), so a bad exam hurts a lot; secure assignment marks.
- Well organised with good materials; notation is confronting at first but manageable.
- Not very rigorous on proofs; an advanced stream exists for those who want more.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate MAST20009
Quick answers
- When is MAST20009 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking MAST20009?
- Needs (MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10013 or MAST10018).
- Does MAST20009 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 80% of the mark. Assessment: Assignments 20%, Final exam 80%.
- Is MAST20009 hard?
- From 10 student reviews on StudentVIP: Feels like an extension of Calculus 2; enjoyable if you liked that subject.
- What do students say about MAST20009?
- Feels like an extension of Calculus 2; enjoyable if you liked that subject. The exam is heavily weighted (about 80%), so a bad exam hurts a lot; secure assignment marks. Well organised with good materials; notation is confronting at first but manageable.
- Can I take MAST20009 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after MAST20009?
- 17 subjects need it first, for example ATOC30003, ATOC30004, BMEN30006, CHEN30016.
- Can I rate MAST20009?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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