Program Overview

Overview

This unit is an introduction to Linear Algebra. Topics covered include vectors, systems of linear equations, matrices, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Applications in life and technological sciences are emphasised.

Unit Details and Rules

• Academic unit: Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
• Credit points: 3
• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Prohibitions: MATH1002 or MATH1902
• Assumed knowledge: Coordinate geometry, basic integral and differential calculus, polynomial equations and algebraic manipulations, equivalent to HSC Mathematics
• Available to study abroad and exchange students: Yes

Teaching Staff

• Coordinator: Daniel Daners
• Lecturer(s):
  • Zsuzsanna Dancso
  • Anet Jorim Norbert Anelone
  • Yusra Fatima Naqvi

Assessment

• Type:
  • Final exam (Open book)
  • Assignment
  • Online task
  • Tutorial quiz
• Description:
  • Final exam: multiple choice and written answers
  • Assignment: written calculations
  • Online task: multiple choice or written answers
  • Tutorial quiz: multiple choice or written answers
• Weight:
  • Final exam: 65%
  • Assignment: 2.5% (Assignment 1), 7.5% (Assignment 2)
  • Online task: 12.5% (Quiz 1), 12.5% (Quiz 2)
• Due:
  • Final exam: Formal exam period
  • Assignment: Week 03 (Assignment 1), Week 07 (Assignment 2)
  • Online task: Week 05 (Quiz 1), Week 10 (Quiz 2)
• Length:
  • Final exam: 1.5 hours
  • Assignment: 10 days
  • Online task: 40 minutes

Assessment Summary

• Quizzes: Two quizzes will be held online through Canvas. The quizzes are 40 minutes and have to be submitted by the closing time of 23:59 on the due date.
• Assignments: There are two assignments. Each assignment must be submitted electronically, as one single typeset or scanned PDF file only via the Canvas by the deadline.
• Final Exam: There is one examination during the examination period at the end of Semester.

Assessment Criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

• High distinction: 85-100, representing complete or close to complete mastery of the material
• Distinction: 75-84, representing excellence, but substantially less than complete mastery
• Credit: 65-74, representing a creditable performance that goes beyond routine knowledge and understanding, but less than excellence
• Pass: 50-64, representing at least routine knowledge and understanding over a spectrum of topics and important ideas and concepts in the course
• Fail: 0-49, when you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard

Late Submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

• Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date
• After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded

Academic Integrity

The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

• Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools: You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator.

Learning Support

• Simple extensions: If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.
• Special consideration: If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Weekly Schedule

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

• LO1: represent vectors both algebraically and geometrically in R2 and R3
• LO2: perform operations on vectors (addition, scalar multiplication, dot and cross products)
• LO3: find equations of lines and planes in R3
• LO4: perform arithmetic operations in Zn
• LO5: understand how to use a check digit code vector
• LO6: solve systems of linear equations using Gaussian elimination
• LO7: set up systems of linear equations to model real-world situations
• LO8: add and multiply matrices, and be able to find inverses
• LO9: find a steady-state vector for a Markov process
• LO10: understand how Leslie matrices are used to model population growth
• LO11: calculate eigenvalues and eigenvectors of 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 matrices

Graduate Qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course.

• GQ1: Depth of disciplinary expertise
• GQ2: Critical thinking and problem solving
• GQ3: Oral and written communication
• GQ4: Information and digital literacy
• GQ5: Inventiveness
• GQ6: Cultural competence
• GQ7: Interdisciplinary effectiveness
• GQ8: Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity
• GQ9: Influence

Outcome Map

Learning outcomes are aligned with the University's graduate qualities.

Responding to Student Feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

• No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional Information

• Science student portal
• Mathematics and Statistics student portal
• Work, health and safety: The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.
• Disclaimer: The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.