2010 Local Secondary School Programme
What you will learn
This is a course about linear algebra and calculus. There is also a short section on probability and its applications to calculus.
Roughly speaking, linear algebra is about matrices and vectors. It deals mainly with the algebraic problems associated with solving systems of linear equations. However, linear algebra also has a geometric side to it, and you will use it to solve problems about lines and planes (or even hyperplanes), and to calculate areas and volumes.
In calculus you will learn more about derivatives, integrals, differential equations and infinite series. You will also see how these ideas can be applied to problems in biology, economics, physics and engineering. Finally, you will see how derivatives can be adapted to functions of several variables.
Course Details
Assessment
Assessment consists of three projects, three tests and a final examination. You are also given credit for attending and preparing for tutorials.
The first test is held six weeks into the first term. You need to be scoring at least 60% in this test to be confident of coping with the demands of the course. The final examination is held in early November enabling you to concentrate on your year 13 exams.
Tutorials
On Thursday afternoons, you are put into small groups of about 15 students under the supervision of a tutor. Tutorials are an integral part of your course. In them you are given help with problem solving, an opportunity to discuss the lecture material and time to do some mathematics!
Projects
Projects give you a chance to explore and develop a topic in detail and to solve more realistic problems than can normally be set in tutorials and lectures. Project work involves using the computer packages MATLAB and MAPLE.
Texts for Recommended Reading
Detailed handouts are given in most parts of the course, but you will need to do some background reading. The texts below (any edition will do) are used in our other 100-level courses, but there are similar texts available.
- Anton, “Calculus”, Wiley
- Anton, “Elementary Linear Algebra”, Wiley
For further information contact the course co–ordinator/lecturer
Liz Ackerley
University of Canterbury
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
Telephone: (03) 364 2690
Fax: (03) 364 2587
Email: l.ackerley@math.canterbury.ac.nz