Accelerated Mathematics 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

A study score of at least 38 in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 or equivalent; or permission from the Director of the Mathematics and Statistics Learning Centre; or

Students may only gain credit for one of

• MAST10007 Linear Algebra
• MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
• 620-122 Mathematics B Advanced (prior to 2008)
• 620-142 Mathematics B (prior to 2009)
• MAST10013 (620-190) UMEP Mathematics for High Achieving Students
• 620-211 Mathematics 2 Advanced (prior to 2008)

This subject develops the concepts of vectors, matrices and the methods of linear algebra and introduces students to differentiation and integration of functions of two variables. Students will be exposed to methods of mathematical proof. Little of the material here has been seen at school and the level of understanding required represents an advance on previous studies. Underlying concepts developed in lectures will be reinforced in computer laboratory classes.

Topics covered include systems of linear equations, matrices and determinants, vector geometry, lines and planes, vector spaces, subspaces, linear independence, bases, dimension, inner products, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, complex eigenvalues and exponentials as well as techniques of proof, partial derivatives, chain rule for partial derivatives, directional derivatives, tangent planes, extrema for functions of several variables and double integrals.

Students completing this subject should:

• be able to use matrix techniques to represent and solve a system of simultaneous linear equations;
• understand the extension of vector concepts to abstract vector spaces of arbitrary finite dimension;
• understand linear transformations, their matrix representations and applications;
• be able to differentiate and integrate functions of two variables;

• be able to do a simple mathematical proof.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

In addition to learning specific skills that will assist students in their future careers in science, they will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them in any future career path. These include:

• problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies;

• analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;

• collaborative skills: the ability to work in a team;

• time-management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments; and

• computer skills: the ability to use mathematical computing packages.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

Previously known as 620-157 Mathematics 1 (prior to 2009)

This subject is suitable for students with a high level of achievement in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 or equivalent.

This subject, together with MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2 is equivalent in content to the three subjects

• MAST10006 Calculus 2
• MAST10007 Linear Algebra
• MAST20026 Real Analysis with Applications

Students require access to a computer with the software package MATLAB installed, currently in every open-access campus laboratory.

Students are expected to use the software package MATLAB but no programming knowledge is expected.