| Unit name | Linear Algebra |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MATH10015 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Carey |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Mathematics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Lecturers: Rachael Carey and Charles Cox
Why is this unit important?
Linear Algebra constitutes the bedrock of higher mathematics. It is indispensable and used in one form or another throughout every mathematical discipline. This unit aims to lay down foundational concepts for studying maths at the undergraduate level and enable students to develop clear mathematical thinking.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit covers core material that is a pre-requisite for many units in later years of the programme across pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics.
An overview of content
Linear Algebra begins with the Euclidean plane, complex numbers and n-dimensional Euclidean space, which leads to the ideas of vectors and matrices, which also arise naturally from the study of systems of linear equations. These objects behave linearly, and this helps us understand their properties. Later in the course we develop the abstract notion of a vector space. This is one of the basic structures of pure mathematics; yet the methods of the course are also fundamental for applied mathematics and statistics.
This course carefully defines the objects and ideas we work with, and rigorously demonstrates their properties, as well as teaching the tools required for practical computation of examples.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
After taking this unit, students will become more familiar with abstract thinking, and develop their problem-solving skills. They will be able to apply a range of computational techniques to solve problems, as well as increasing their confidence to work with abstract mathematical structures.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, students should be able to:
The unit will be taught through a combination of:
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks '(formative):
Guided independent activities such as problem sheets and/or other
exercises, with regular feedback from tutors.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
90% timed examination; 10% coursework
When assessment does not go to plan
If you fail this unit and are required to resit, then reassessment is by a
written examination in the Resit and Supplementary exam period.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MATH10015).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
