This Hypertext Handout is not required reading for Physics 200. It is provided as a supplementary aid for those who want to learn a little more about a powerful and elegant mathematical tool that is particularly useful for describing electricity and magnetism (E&M).
You will not need to use vector calculus in Physics 200; understanding it will not give you any obvious practical advantage on homework or exams in this course, except insofar as every part of physics and mathematics helps to illuminate every other part. This is just for fun!