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EC133: Linear Algebra

  • Nicholas Jackson

    Module Leader
15 CATS - Department of Economics
Summer Module
Spring Module

Principal Aims

This module allows students to develop a fluency with the algebra of matrices and vectors, and an understanding of topics related to linear transformations, in particular eigenvalues and eigenvectors, coordinate transformations, and matrix diagonalisation and its applications. This provides students with a deeper understanding of techniques used in mathematical economics and econometrics.

Principal Learning Outcomes

Subject knowledge and understanding: … demonstrate an understanding of symbolic logic, basic properties of number systems, vectors and matrices in R2, R3 and Rn, vector spaces, linear maps, quadratic forms and their applications to certain sorts of problems (solving systems of simultaneous equations, long-term behaviour of coupled recurrence relations, etc). The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, tutorials, problem sheets and independent study. The assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Problem sheets, online quizzes and unseen examination.

Key skills: …understand formal mathematical definitions and theorems, and apply them to solve problems in linear algebra. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, tutorials, problem sheets, online quizzes and independent study. The assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Problem sheets, online quizzes and unseen examination.

Syllabus

The module will typically cover the following topics: Vector and matrix algebra; Vector spaces and coordinate systems; Linear transformations; Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; Simultaneous equations; Matrix diagonalisation; Inner products; Symmetric matrices; Quadratic forms.

Context

Optional Module
LM1D (LLD2) - Year 1, V7ML - Year 1, L1L8 - Year 1, LA99 - Year 1, R9L1 - Year 1, R3L4 - Year 1, R4L1 - Year 1, R2L4 - Year 1, R1L4 - Year 1, R2L5 - Year 1, R4LA - Year 1, R1L5 - Year 1, L1CA - Year 1
Pre or Co-requisites
A-level in Mathematics

Assessment

Assessment Method
Coursework (30%) + In-person Examination (70%)
Coursework Details
In-person Examination (70%) , Problem Set 1 (5%) , Problem Set 2 (5%) , Problem Set 3 (5%) , Problem Set 4 (5%) , Test 1 (2%) , Test 2 (2%) , Test 3 (2%) , Test 4 (2%) , Test 5 (2%)
Exam Timing
Summer

Exam Rubric

Time Allowed: 2 Hours

Read all instructions carefully - and read through the entire paper at least once before you start entering your answer.

There is ONE Section in this paper. Answer THREE questions (25 marks each).

Answer each whole question in a separate booklet.

Approved scientific (non-graphical) pocket calculators are allowed.

A formula sheet is provided at the end of the exam paper.

You should not submit answers to more than the required number of questions. If you do, we will mark the questions in the order that they appear, up to the required number of questions in each section.

Previous exam papers can be found in the University’s past papers archive. Please note that previous exam papers may not have operated under the same exam rubric or assessment weightings as those for the current academic year. The content of past papers may also be different.

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