MATH10340 Linear Algebra in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Students will cover mathematical topics and concepts essential to the study of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences. Topics covered include: (1) a review of complex numbers - their fundamental arithmetic, Euler's formula and roots of unity; (2) matrices - sums, products and transposes, determinants of (n x n)-matrices, their computation for small n, and the adjugate method of finding inverses; (3) solutions of systems of linear equations by Gaussian elimination, connections between matrices and linear systems, and elementary matrices and their effects on determinants; (4) vectors in n-dimensional real and complex space, scalar products, angles between vectors, the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, orthogonal projections, vector products and lines and planes in 3-space; (5) eigenvalues and eigenvectors of (n x n)-matrices, and their computation for small n; (6) linear spaces and bases - examples of linear spaces from previous chapters, linearly independent and spanning sets, bases and dimension, eigenspaces and orthonormal bases. Examples and applications of these topics in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences will be presented throughout the module.
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REVIEWSMODULE INFO
brilliantly taught module (professor was Michael Mackey), the concepts are so interesting and well explained. go to the little tests once every 2 weeks, the small percentage adds up, plus the final exam is very similar to previous years so if you do past papers you'll be perfectly fine
The Lecturer Richard Smith is amazing. Plus everyone should challenge themselves to try the module. It can be tricky but also very interesting and rewarding at the same time.
For those considering in pursuing a degree in any of the MPG subjects I would certainly recommend it. It is certainly more challenging than the 'Linear Algebra for Science' module, but it provides a better mathematical understanding of matrices and vectors, which could enhance your degree further on.
Attend all the 1% exams, it seems like nothing but every mark you have heading into the final exam will take pressure off you.
Chris Boyd is a legendary lecturer. He's so great we named our Fantasy Premier League competition "The Chris Boyd Invitational". If you attend any table quizzes or anything that involves a team name, there will always be a Chris Boyd reference.