PHY1032 : Introductory Algebra: Complex Numbers, Vectors and Matrices
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Dr Phil Ansell
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
Aims
The module aims to provide students of differing mathematical backgrounds with a common algebraic foundation for more advanced mathematical study. The first part of the module is devoted to complex numbers and polynomial equations in one variable. The second part treats elementary concepts of linear algebra, in particular systems of linear equations and matrix methods for their solution and applications to geometry.
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 Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Class test |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Problem classes |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Revision lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 34 | 1:00 | 34:00 | Formal Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 9:00 | 9:00 | Revision for class test |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 19:00 | 19:00 | Revision for unseen exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:30 | 2:30 | Unseen exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Assignment laboratory |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Tutorials in the lecture room |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 12 | 0:10 | 2:00 | Office hours |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 32:30 | 32:30 | Studying, practising and gaining understanding of course material |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 5 | 3:00 | 15:00 | Review of coursework assignments and course test |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 4 | 6:00 | 24:00 | Preparation for coursework assignments |
| Total | 150:00 |
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. Problem Classes are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems. Tutorials are used to identify and resolve specific queries raised by students and to allow students to receive individual feedback on marked work. In addition, office hours (two per week) will provide an opportunity for more direct contact between individual students and the lecturer. A typical student might spend a total of one or two hours over the course of the module, either individually or as part of a group.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 150 | 1 | A | 80 | N/A |
| Written Examination | 40 | 1 | M | 10 | Class test |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAS1602 | Introductory Algebra: Complex Numbers, Vectors and Matrices | 1 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 10 | Coursework assignments |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The coursework assignments will consist of one written assignment (approximately 3%), one assignment laboratory (approximately 3%) and two computer based assessments (each approximately 2%). The coursework assignments and the (in class, therefore 40 minute) coursework test 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY1032's Timetable