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Learning activities
Learning outcomes
Be familiar with a number of new ideas and techniques from calculus and linear algebra, including calculus of several variables, Fourier analysis and Laplace transforms.
Be able to present coherent written reports – both on their solutions to routine and practical problems, and when asked, to give an explanation or justification for certain mathematical claims.
Be able to cope with a higher level of abstraction so that more complicated applied problems can be solved, and similarities can be drawn between different problems.
Be able to understand and recognise some of the important mathematical concepts that appear in sophisticated models of the real world.
Have increased knowledge of fundamental mathematics so that they are able to extend theirr capabilities at some point in the future if necessary.
Appreciate the role that computers play in problem solving (including their weaknesses), and acquire skills in the use of numerical tools (such as MATLAB) or symbolic computer algebra tools in the context of the topics of this unit.
Assessments
Additional information
The calculus invented by Newton and Leibniz has had spectacular success in solving problems in mechanics, as pioneered by Newton, leading to a period of great activity in which it was applied to a wide variety of subjects within the physical sciences and engineering. Similarly, linear algebra is an area that has widespread application in fields as diverse as engineering, economics, environmental science, biology and psychology. Methods and applications from these two areas are the focus of this unit. Historically much of this mathematics was developed to meet the needs of the physical sciences, but now it has found applications to a much wider range of disciplines, as the life and social sciences (and even some of the humanities) become more quantitatively oriented. The aim of the unit is to familiarise students with mathematical techniques for solving a variety of problems, involving linear algebra, Fourier analysis, Laplace transforms, and the calculus of several variables, so that students can apply them in other areas of engineering, science or mathematics as the need arises.