Aims

To lay the mathematical foundations for more advanced mathematics needed to describe
physical systems. Students will learn how to solve simple differential equations and how known computational tools of the calculus of functions of a single variable generalize to functions of many variables.

Outline Of Syllabus

Complex numbers, arithmetic, Argand diagram, polar form, de Moivre's theorem, powers and roots of unity.

Vectors: sums, products (scalar, dot, cross), equations of lines and planes, orthogonality, norm.

Linear algebra: row operations, solution of linear equations, Gaussian elimination, matrix operations, determinants, inverting matrices, eigenvectors, quadratic forms.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The coursework assignments allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.

In the event of on-campus examinations not being possible, an on-line alternative assessment will be used for written examination 1.