Skip to main content
Unit of study_

MATH2022: Linear and Abstract Algebra

2025 unit information

Linear and abstract algebra is one of the cornerstones of mathematics and it is at the heart of many applications of mathematics and statistics in the sciences and engineering. This unit investigates and explores properties of linear functions, developing general principles relating to the solution sets of homogeneous and inhomogeneous linear equations, including differential equations. Linear independence is introduced as a way of understanding and solving linear systems of arbitrary dimension. Linear operators on real spaces are investigated, paying particular attention to the geometrical significance of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, extending ideas from first year linear algebra. To better understand symmetry, matrix and permutation groups are introduced and used to motivate the study of abstract group theory.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Science

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
MATH1061 or MATH1961 or MATH1971 or MATH1X02 or (a mark of 65 or above in MATH1014)
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
MATH2922 or MATH2968 or (MATH2061 and MATH2021) or (MATH2061 and MATH2921) or (MATH2961 and MATH2021) or (MATH2961 and MATH2921)
Assumed knowledge:
? 
None

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

  • LO1. be fluent in analysing and constructing arguments involving matrix arithmetic, permutation and abstract groups, fields and vector spaces
  • LO2. understand the definitions, main theorems and corollaries for linearly independent sets, spanning sets, basis and dimension of vector spaces
  • LO3. be fluent with linear transformations and operators, and in interpreting, analysing and applying associated abstract phenomena using matrix representations and matrix arithmetic
  • LO4. develop appreciation and strong working knowledge of the theory and applications of elementary permutation groups, their decompositions and relationship to invertible phenomena in linear algebra
  • LO5. be fluent with important examples, theorems, algorithms and applications of the theory of inner product spaces, including processes and algorithms involving orthogonality, projections and optimisation.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Remote

Find your current year census dates

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.