Accelerated Mathematics 1

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours

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

None

None

Students may only gain credit for one of

• MAST10007 Linear Algebra
• MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
• MAST10013 UMEP Mathematics for High Achieving Students

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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.

Three written assignments due at regular intervals during semester amounting to a total of up to 25 pages (9%), three online assessment tasks due at regular intervals during semester (6%), a 45-minute computer laboratory test held at the end of semester (5%), and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

Elementary Linear Algebra, Applications Version (H. Anton and C. Rorres), 10th edn, Wiley, 2010.

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.

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

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.