Does Vector Calculus = Multivariable Calculus?

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

Hello all. Recently, I inquired at my school’s mathematics department as to the absence of a listed multivariable calculus class. Oddly enough, they confirmed that “no, we don’t have a class titled multivariable calculus”.

Now, using assist.org, it seems that a two-part vector calculus series offered at my school (quarter system) is considered equivalent to a multivariable class offered at a nearby CC (semester system).

To all who are in the know: are the two classes actually similar. Did my school just decide on a different name?

2

Yes. Multivariate calculus, multivariable calculus, vector calculus, and calc 3 (on a semester system) are all the same course. This is because much of MVC relies on vectors and properties of vectors.

3

I would say to look at the topics covered and see if they are the same. That information may be provided on a syllabus online somewhere. My university has a vector calculus course as well as a multivariable calculus course and they are not the same thing. Some schools have weird naming conventions.