Prospectus

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Linear Algebra for Computer Scientists 1

Course
2024-2025

Admission requirements

Not applicable.

Description

In this course we introduce matrices as a tool for representing and solving systems of linear equations. We will study the process of row reducing a matrix to the reduced echelon form, algebraic operations (matrix multiplication and the inverse of a matrix), the properties of matrices (such as the determinant). We will also study the relation of matrices to linear transformations, and applications of linear systems in network flow problems, and of the determinant in graph theory.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, a student will be able to:

  • Describe a system of linear equations using matrices.

  • Solve a system of linear equations using the row reduction algorithm.

  • Carry out matrix operations, including calculating products, inverses and determinants of matrices.

  • Explain and be able to use the concepts of linear independence and linear combinations.

  • Explain and be able to use the concept of a linear transformation.

Timetable

In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.

Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.

Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.

Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.

Mode of instruction

There will be a weekly lecture and a weekly problem session (tutorial). Homework will be assigned after each lecture. During the problem sessions, the students will have the opportunity to ask questions about the material covered so far and check their homework solutions. Homework will not be collected, but used as a tool to prepare for weekly quizzes. Quizzes will take place during the tutorial (except the first week), will be 15-20 minutes long. Quizzes will be graded, and the grade for quizzes contribute a bonus point to the final grade.

Assessment method

Written exam, in-class written quizzes administered during tutorials.

Students can earn a bonus of maximum 1 point on their exam grade by participating in in-class quizzes. There will be a total of six quizzes, one lowest grade for the quizzes will be dropped. The remaining five grades for quizzes will make equal parts of the bonus. The quizzes are not required for passing the course and do not have a resit opportunity.

The final grade is determined by adding bonus to the grade of the written exam, and then rounding off to the nearest half integer (e.g. 7.24 becomes 7 and 7.25 becomes 7.5). The final grade can never be more than a 10.

Reading list

David. C. Lay: *Linear Algebra and its Applications, Addison-Wesley. *
This book will be required for the course; weekly problem sessions will be based on it, and essential reading will be set from it. The 5th international edition is recommended, but other editions are also OK, just be aware that the page numbers for the required reading may be incorrect.

Registration

As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.

In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.

There are two enrolment periods per year:

  • Enrolment for the fall opens in July

  • Enrolment for the spring opens in December

See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.

Note:

  • It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.

  • Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.

  • Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.

Contact

Education coordinator LIACS bachelors

Remarks

Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.