| Academic Aims: |
To develop the notion of vectors and operations on
vectors into a computational tool appropriate for
applications in physics. |
| Learning Outcomes: |
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
- recognise when linear algebra is an appropriate tool.
- distinguish vectors from their components in different bases.
- represent linear transformations by matrices
- execute elementary matrix algebra.
- compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors for low dimensional cases.
|
| Syllabus: |
Vectors, linear indpendence, bases, vector components,
operations on vectors, norms, lines and planes, matrices
and matrix algebra, determinants, linear
transformations, eigensystems, applications. |
| Special features: |
The course will emphasise, by example, the
fundamental role played by linearity in the description
of a large class of physical phenomena. |
| Books: |
D Towers (Macmillan) Guide to Linear algebra. |