Linear Algebra

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours

A study score of at least 27 in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4, or equivalent, or one of

None

None

Students may only gain credit for one of

• MAST10013 UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students

Bachelor of Science students are permitted to complete a maximum of three level-1 Mathematics and Statistics subjects. They are not permitted to complete all four of MAST10005, MAST10006, MAST10007 and MAST10010.

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 gives a solid grounding in key areas of modern mathematics needed in science and technology. It develops the concepts of vectors, matrices and the methods of linear algebra. Students should develop the ability to use the methods of linear algebra and gain an appreciation 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.

Systems of linear equations, matrices and determinants; vectors in real n-space, cross product, scalar triple product, lines and planes; vector spaces, linear independence, basis, dimension; linear transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors; inner products, least squares estimation, symmetric and orthogonal matrices.

Students completing this subject should:

• be able to use matrix techniques to represent and solve a system of simultaneous linear equations;
• understand the use of vectors in describing lines and planes in solid geometry;
• understand the extension of vector concepts to abstract vector spaces of arbitrary finite dimension;
• understand linear transformations, their matrix representations and applications;
• become familiar with the use of a computer package for symbolic and numeric calculation.

Summer semester: Five assignments, either written or online, due at weekly intervals during semester amounting to a total of up to 25 pages (10%), one 45-minute written computer laboratory test held at the end of semester (10%), and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

Semester 1 and 2: Ten assignments, either written or online, due at weekly intervals during semester amounting to a total of up to 25 pages (10%), one 45-minute written computer laboratory test held at the end of semester (10%), and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

None.

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.

Students with a score of 40 or more in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 are strongly encouraged to enrol in both

• MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
• MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2

instead of both

• MAST10006 Calculus 2
• MAST10007 Linear Algebra

Students with a study score of 29 in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 or equivalent, are eligible to enrol in MAST10005 Calculus 1, MAST10006 Calculus 2 or MAST10007 Linear Algebra. Such students should seek course advice before completing their enrolment.

Students require access to a computer with the software package MATLAB installed. This package is currently available in every open-access campus laboratory.
Students will be expected to use the software package MATLAB but no programming knowledge is expected.