Course code:

ES3088

Level:

M - Intermediate

Meets the following requirements:

  • QR - Quantitative Reasoning
  • ES - Environmental Science

Typically offered:

Once every three years

The first half of this class will consist of a rapid tour of the key elements of linear algebra. We will cover vector and matrix algebra, linear vector spaces and subspaces, basis and dimension, the determinant, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors. We will then consider first-order linear differential equations—first scalar equations and then systems of equations. We will see that linear algebra is an indispensable tool for solving systems of linear differential equations and understanding the geometric structure of their solutions. In addition to covering basic theory, we will consider a handful of case studies that illustrate the power of the mathematical techniques we are learning. These case studies will be drawn from across the sciences. The particular case studies we examine will depend on student interests.

Students who successfully complete this course will gain a solid introduction to the calculational techniques and key constructions and ideas of linear algebra. Students will also learn techniques for solving and understanding systems of linear differential equations. Additionally, this course serves as an introduction to formal mathematics; students will gain experience working at a level of generality and abstraction a bit above that encountered in a typical introductory calculus sequence. Evaluation will be based on weekly problem sets.

Prerequisites:

Calculus I and II, or the equivalent.  

Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.