Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Linear algebra: vectors and matrices, Matrix algebra with applications to flow problems and Markov chains; matrix inversion methods. Probability and combinatorics: elementary probability theory, random variables, probability distributions, expected value; counting arguments in combinatorics; statistics for Experimental Design. Calculus: Partial differentiation, finding maximum and minimum of functions of several variables and constructing Taylor series expansions.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will:

• have knowledge of linear algebra, elementary probability theory, experimental design, and elementary calculus;
• have an understanding of the basics of linear algebra, the principles of probability and experimental design, counting principles in combinatorics, and the fundamentals of calculus;
• have skills to manipulate matrices, design simple quantitative experiments, differentiate functions of several variables, find the maximum and minimum of functions of several variables, and construct Taylor series for functions.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 70%; In-semester assessment: 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Tom Hall

Contact hours

3 hrs lectures/wk, 1 hr tutorial/wk

Prohibitions

GAS1601, GAS1613, GAS1614, GAS1631, GAS1641

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/mat1841