MA222 Half Unit
Further Mathematical Methods (Linear Algebra)
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr James Ward
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in Actuarial Science, BSc in Actuarial Science (with a Placement Year), BSc in Data Science, BSc in Financial Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Data Science, BSc in Mathematics with Economics and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. This course is available on the BSc in Economics, BSc in Management, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study, Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley and MSc in Economics (2 Year Programme). This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Requisites
Additional requisites:
Students should have previously taken MA100 Mathematical Methods or equivalent, entailing intermediate-level knowledge of linear algebra, linear independence, eigenvalues and diagonalisation.
Course content
This course develops ideas first presented in MA100 and covers the following topics. Vector spaces and dimension. Linear transformations, kernel and image. Real inner products. Orthogonal matrices, and the transformations they represent. Complex matrices, diagonalisation, special types of matrix and their properties. Jordan normal form, with applications to the solutions of differential and difference equations. Singular values, and the singular values decomposition. Direct sums, orthogonal projections, least square approximations, Fourier series. Right and left inverses and generalized inverses.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Winter Term.
Formative assessment
Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.
Indicative reading
The following is a useful background text:
- Martin Anthony and Michele Harvey, Linear Algebra: Concepts and Methods (Cambridge University Press 2012).
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 90 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 5
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 24
Average class size 2024/25: 12
Capped 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills