Faculty of Science

MATH1002 : Linear Algebra

Semester 1, 2019 | 3 Credit points | Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day | Unit type: Standard

Coordinator: A/Prof Sharon Stephen

Faculty of Science , School of Mathematics and Statistics

Unit description
MATH1002 is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study
providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a junior level requirement in the Faculty of
Engineering. This unit of study introduces vectors and vector algebra, linear algebra including solutions of linear systems, matrices,
determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

Prohibitions: MATH1012 or MATH1014 or MATH1902

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics or MATH1111. Students who have not completed HSC Mathematics (or equivalent) are
strongly advised to take the Mathematics Bridging Course (offered in February).

Unit aims
The unit introduces the concept of a vector, both as an abstract and geometric construct. It covers the basic concepts of linear algebra:
systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

Learning outcomes

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

LO1. Apply mathematical logic and rigour to solving problems.

LO2. Represent vectors both algebraically and geometrically in 𝑅2 and 𝑅3 and perform arithmetic with them.
LO3. Use vectors to solve classical geometric problems.
LO4. Determine spanning families and check linear independence.
LO5. Perform and manipulate dot and cross products.
LO6. Set up systems of linear equations.
LO7. Solve systems of linear equations using Gaussian elimination.
LO8. Perform matrix arithmetic and calculate matrix inverses and determinants.
LO9. Work with bases and the concept of dimension.
LO10. Find eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
LO11. Diagonalise a matrix.
LO12. Express mathematical ideas and arguments coherently in written form.

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. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world. For
more information go to [Link]/students/graduate-qualities

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving
GQ3 Communication (oral and written)
GQ4 Information & digital literacy
GQ5 Inventiveness
GQ6 Cultural competence
GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

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GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical and personal identity

GQ9 Influence

Study commitment

For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Teaching staff and contact details

Coordinator: A/Prof Sharon Stephen, [Link]@[Link]

Teaching staff: Dr. Zahra Afsar, [Link]@[Link]
Dr. Anna Aksamit, [Link]@[Link]
A/Prof Dzmitry Badziahin, [Link]@[Link]
Dr. Emma Carberry, [Link]@[Link]
Dr. Alexander Fish, [Link]@[Link]
Administrative and MATH1002@[Link]
professional staff:

Weekly schedule

Learning activity Learning

Week Topic
type outcomes
Week 1 Introductions, vectors in the plane, vector algebra, vectors in 𝑅3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝑛 . Lecture
𝑛
Week 2 Linear combinations in 𝑅 , vector length, dot product, projections. Lecture

Week 3 Cross products, lines in 𝑅2 , lines in 𝑅3 . Lecture

3
Week 4 Planes in 𝑅 , systems of linear equations, augmented matrices of linear systems. Lecture

Week 5 Gaussian and Gauss-Jordan elimination, introduction to matrices. Lecture

Week 6 Matrix algebra, application: the Leslie population model. Lecture

Week 7 Inverse of a matrix, solving systems of linear equations, span. Lecture

Week 8 Linear independence, subspaces, row and null spaces. Lecture

Week 9 Bases and dimension, rank-nullity theorem. Lecture

Week 10 Introduction to eigenvalues and eigenvectors, determinants Lecture

Week 11 More on eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalisation. Lecture

Week 12 Application: Markov chains. Lecture

Week 13 Revision. Lecture

Assessments

Assessment Assessment Assessment Descriptio Individual Length / Weight Due Closing Learning
title category type n of or group duration date & date outcomes
assessment time
type
Online Submitted Tutorial Individual 20% Weekly
quizzes work quiz, small Tuesday
test or 11:59pm
online task
Assignment Submitted Assignment Individual 5% Mon 25 Mon 1
1 work Mar Apr
11:59pm 11:59pm

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Assessment Assessment Assessment Descriptio Individual Length / Weight Due Closing Learning
title category type n of or group duration date & date outcomes
assessment time
type
Assignment Submitted Assignment Individual 10% Mon 13 Mon 20
2 work May May
11:59pm 11:59pm
Final Exam Exam Final exam Individual 1.5 Hrs. 65% Exam
period

Overview of assessments
Below are brief assessment details. Further information can be found in the Canvas site for this unit.

• Online quizzes: There are twelve weekly online quizzes. Each online quiz consists of a set of randomized questions. The
best 10 of your 12 quizzes will count, making each worth 2%. You cannot apply for special consideration for the quizzes.
The better mark principle will apply for the total 20% - i.e. if your overall exam mark is higher, then your 20% for quizzes will
come from your exam. The deadline for completion of each quiz is 11:59 pm Tuesday (starting in week 2). We recommend
that you follow the due dates outlined above to gain the most benefit from these quizzes.
• The better mark principle means that for the total quiz mark, the quizzes count if and only if the total quiz mark is better than or
equal to your exam mark. If your total quiz mark is less than your exam mark, the exam mark will be used for that portion of your
assessment instead. The assignment marks count for 15% regardless of whether they are better than your exam mark or not.
• Assignments: There are two written assignments which must be submitted electronically, as PDF files only via Canvas, by the
deadline. Note that your assignment will not be marked if it is illegible or if it is submitted sideways or upside down. It is your
responsibility to check that your assignment has been submitted correctly.
• Examination: Further information about the exam will be made available at a later date on Canvas.

Readings

• Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction, by David Poole, 4th edition. Available from the Co-op Bookshop: digital access
available from the publisher [Link]

Other resources
• Tutorials: Tutorials start in week 1. There are no tutorials in week 13. You should attend the tutorial given on your personal
timetable. Attendance at tutorials will be recorded. Your attendance will not be recorded unless you attend the tutorial in w hich
you are enrolled. If you are absent from a tutorial do not apply for Special Consideration or Special Arrangement, since there
is no assessment associated with the missed tutorial.
• Tutorial and exercise sheets: The question sheets for a given week will be available on the MATH1002 webpage. Solutions
to tutorial exercises for week n will usually be posted on the web by the afternoon of the Friday of week n.
• Ed Discussion forum: [Link]

Late penalties

All assignments must be submitted by the due date. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines.
Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement
form or request will incur penalties.

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to arrange a simple extension. A simple extension is an
informal arrangement between you and your unit of study coordinator. You may be able to receive an extension of up to two working
days for non-examination tasks, as outlined in clause 66A of the Coursework Policy 2014. If you need an extension for a longer period,
you may be eligible to apply for special consideration. [Link]/students/simple-extensions

Special consideration

A special consideration application can be made for short-term circumstances beyond your control, such as illness, injury or
misadventure, which affect your preparation or performance in an assessment. [Link]/students/special-consideration-and-
arrangements

Assessment grading

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).
As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good

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standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name Mark Description

range
High
85 - 100 Representing complete or close to complete mastery of the material.
distinction

Distinction 75 - 84 Representing excellence, but substantially less than complete mastery.

Representing a creditable performance that goes beyond routine knowledge and understanding, but
Credit 65 - 74 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.

For more information see: [Link]/students/guide-to-grades

Educational integrity

While the University is aware that the vast majority of students and staff act ethically and honestly, it is opposed to and will not tolerate
academic dishonesty or plagiarism and will treat all allegations of dishonesty seriously.

All written assignments submitted in this unit of study will be submitted to the similarity detecting software program known as Turnitin.
Turnitin searches for matches between text in your written assessment task and text sourced from the Internet, published works and
assignments that have previously been submitted to Turnitin. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism to your teacher, they
are required to report your work for further investigation.

Further information on academic honesty and the resources available to all students can be found on the Academic Integrity page of
the current students’ website: [Link]/students/academic-integrity

Work, health and safety requirements for this unit

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice.
Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. 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.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

• No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
• A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
• Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
• In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
• First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
• As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from
University Health Service: [Link]/

Other requirements for this unit

• There are no other requirements for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

• There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Additional costs

• There are no additional costs for this unit.

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Closing the loop

• Please check the Canvas site for this unit for any information.

Links to policies and other information for students

• Student administration: [Link]/study/student-administration

• Wellbeing and support: [Link]/students/health-wellbeing
• Study resources: [Link]/students/learning-services
• Expectations of student conduct: [Link]/students/student-responsibilities
• Learning and Teaching Policy: [Link]/policies/
• Academic appeals: [Link]/students/academic-appeals
• Libraries: [Link]/students/libraries
• Science student portal: [Link]/courses/7114
• Mathematics and Statistics student portal: [Link]/courses/7913

Other relevant information

• Please check the Canvas site for this unit for any information.

Other links

• Science student portal: [Link]/courses/7114

• Mathematics and Statistics student portal: [Link]/courses/7913.

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