Linear algebra

Lecturer	Serge RICHARD, Professor
Department	G30, 2015 Spring
Recommended for:	1st year, 1st and 2nd semesters (2・1.5 hours / session One session / week 15 weeks / semester)

Course Overview

Linearity is one of the most basic concepts for handling quantities in current natural sciences. Indispensable in quantum mechanics and relativity, its use has spread across all branches of natural sciences and beyond. Linear algebra, developed in the Nineteenth century, is the mathematical theory of linearity.

The first half of this one-year course focuses on the techniques for manipulating systems of linear equations and their application to analytic geometry (in arbitrary dimensions). The second half focuses on a deeper study of linear maps (composition, invertibility, eigenvectors and eigenvalues...). The notions of scalar product and determinant will also be studied, and the semester will end with an introduction to complex numbers.

Homework

There is no homework for this course. However, you are strongly encouraged to do all homework problems assigned to you during the linear algebra part of the Mathematics Tutorial II.

Quizzes

Quizzes will be given randomly during the classes. They will not be announced.

Advices

It is expected that you attend all lectures.
All electronic devices have to be turned off and are prohibited on the tables.
Prepare for class by
1. reviewing previously learned concepts from previous lectures
2. completing the homework problems assigned in Mathematics Tutorial II.
The instructor is here to help you. Please do not hesitate to contact me, earlier rather than later.