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Unit of study_
MATH2922: Linear and Abstract Algebra (Advanced)
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 is an advanced version of MATH2022, with more emphasis on the underlying concepts and on mathematical rigour. This unit investigates and explores properties of vector spaces, matrices and linear transformations, 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 groups theory. The unit culminates in studying inner spaces, quadratic forms and normal forms of matrices together with their applications to problems both in mathematics and in the sciences and engineering.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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MATH1961 or MATH1971 or MATH1902 or (a mark of 65 or above in MATH1002 or MATH1061) or MATH1964 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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MATH2022 or MATH2968 or (MATH2061 and MATH2021) or (MATH2061 and MATH2921) or (MATH2961 and MATH2021) or (MATH2961 and MATH2921) |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. appreciate the basic concepts and problems of linear algebra and be able to apply linear algebra to solve problems in mathematics, science and engineering
- LO2. understand the definitions of fields and vector spaces and be able to perform calculations in real and complex vector spaces, both algebraically and geometrically
- LO3. determine if a system of equations is consistent and find its general solution
- LO4. compute the rank of a matrix and understand how the rank of a matrix relates to the solution set of a corresponding system of linear equations
- LO5. compute the eigenvalues, eigenvectors, minimal polynomials and normal forms for linear transformations
- LO6. use the definition and properties of linear transformations and matrices of linear transformations and change of basis, including kernel, range and isomorphism
- LO7. compute inner products and determine orthogonality on vector spaces, including Gram-Schmidt orthogonalisation
- LO8. identify self-adjoint transformations and apply the spectral theorem and orthogonal decomposition of inner product spaces, and the Jordan canonical form, to solving systems of ordinary differential equations
- LO9. calculate the exponential of a matrix and use it to solve a linear system of ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients
- LO10. identify special properties of a matrix, such as symmetric of Hermitian, positive definite, etc., and use this information to facilitate the calculation of matrix characteristics
- LO11. demonstrate accurate and efficient use of advanced algebraic techniques and the capacity for mathematical reasoning through analysing, proving and explaining concepts from advanced algebra
- LO12. apply problem-solving using advanced algebraic techniques applied to diverse situations in physics, engineering and other mathematical contexts
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 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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