MATHS 253 : Algebra and Calculus 3

Science

2025 Semester One (1253) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

A sequel to MATHS 250, further developing and bringing together linear algebra and calculus. Students will learn about quadratic forms, projections, spectral decomposition, methods of multicriteria optimisation, double, triple and line integrals, Green’s theorem and applications.

Course Overview

This course  covers topics in linear algebra, multi-variable calculus and their applications. In Linear Algebra students learn about normal forms of operators, in particular, Jordan normal form,  diagonalisation of Hermitian operators, polynomial and Fourier approximations  and quadratic forms. In Calculus, students learn partial derivatives and the gradient, methods of optimisation of functions of several variables, double, triple and line integrals, conservative vector fields, and, finally, an all-important Green's theorem. The course shows unity and inseparability of Algebra and Calculus. It lays a foundation for a large number of stage 3 and graduate courses in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and also for many advanced courses in physics and various other applied sciences. It is a core mathematics course for the BSc(Hons), BAdvSci and PGDipSci.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: MATHS 250

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Capability 6: Communication
Capability 7: Collaboration
Capability 8: Ethics and Professionalism
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Science

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Display a high level of knowledge of linear algebra and calculus. (Capability 3)
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of mutual penetration and inseparability of algebra and calculus at the highest level of mathematics. (Capability 3 and 4)
  3. Solve problems that require knowledge of both algebraic and calculus ideas. (Capability 3, 4 and 5)
  4. Work in teams to critically discuss various approaches to modelling and solutions of complex applied problems. (Capability 4, 5, 6 and 7)
  5. Engage in group discussions and critical interactions about the role of mathematics in the society. (Capability 4, 6, 7 and 8)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignments 20% Individual Coursework
Tutorials 5% Group Coursework
Test 25% Individual Test
Final Exam 45% Individual Examination
Quizzes 5% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
Assignments
Tutorials
Test
Final Exam
Quizzes

Key Topics

Linear Algebra

  1. (Mostly revision) Vector spaces over R and C and their subspaces. Bases & dimension. The coordinate mapping.
  2. Change of basis matrices and their properties. Linear transformations and their matrices. 
  3. Matrices of linear operators in various bases.  Algebra of linear operators. 
  4. Linear and bilinear forms. Dual vector spaces. Congruent diagonalisation.
  5. Diagonalisation of operators. Criteria of diagonalisability.  Invariant subspaces.
  6. Algebras. Quaternions. Representation of algebras by matrices. Frobenius theorem
  7. Applications of diagonalisation. Discrete time system evolution.
  8. Fitting lemma. Caley-Hamilton theorem.
  9. Root spaces and root space decomposition of an operator.
  10. Jordan normal form of an operator.
  11. Complex inner products. Orthogonal matrices.
  12. Adjoint operator. The normal equation.
  13. Orthogonal diagonalisation of Hermitian operators on C^n.
  14. Orthogonal diagonalisation of Hermitian operators on R^n and symmetric matrices. Spectral decomposition.
  15. Quadratic forms and their matrices. Change of basis. Principal axes theorem.
  16. Conics and Quadrics.
  17. Positive definite quadratic forms. Necessity of Sylvester’s criterion.
  18. Congruent diagonalisation. Sufficiency of Sylvester’s criterion (time permitting).
Calculus

  1. Partial derivatives. Higher order partial derivatives. Symmetry of the Hessian matrix.
  2. First order approximations. Differentiability.
  3. The chain rule and applications.
  4. Gradient, tangent planes, directional derivatives.
  5. Taylor series. Best quadratic approximation.
  6. Maxima and minima. Critical points.
  7. Constrained and unconstrained optimisation.
  8. Double integrals over rectangles.
  9. Fubini’s theorem.
  10. Double integrals over general domains.
  11. Change of variables in double integrals.
  12. Triple integrals.
  13. Space curves. Arc length parametrisation.
  14. Surfaces and their areas.
  15. Vector fields. Conservative vector fields.
  16. Line integrals.
  17. Green’s and Stokes' theorems.

Special Requirements

The semester test will be on campus outside standard hours.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15-point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15-point course that they are enrolled in. For this course, you can expect a total of 36 hours of lectures, 12 hours of tutorials, 28.5 hours of reading and thinking about the content, 40 hours of work on assignments and 30 hours test/exam preparation - plus a 2-hour exam and 1.5-hour test.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

  • Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including tutorials. 
  • Lectures will be available as recordings. 
  • The course will not include live online events.
  • The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

The course book for this course is available to students through the University Bookshop or electronically from Canvas. the text books Linear Algebra, (Poole) and Calculus, (Stewart), any edition can be recommended as supplementary reading. 

Student Feedback

During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.

At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.

Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.

The course is constantly evolving  addressing  ideas and suggestions from students and faculty.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework, tests and examinations as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against electronic source material using computerised detection mechanisms. Upon reasonable request, students may be required to provide an electronic version of their work for computerised review.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Copyright

The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.

You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

The delivery mode may change depending on COVID restrictions. Any changes will be communicated through Canvas.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 14/10/2024 08:49 a.m.