Linear Algebra (MAST10007)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Summer Term
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Summer Term Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject gives a solid grounding in key areas of modern mathematics needed in science and technology. It develops the concepts of vectors, matrices and the methods of linear algebra. Students should develop the ability to use the methods of linear algebra and gain an appreciation of mathematical proof. Little of the material here has been seen at school and the level of understanding required represents an advance on previous studies.
Systems of linear equations, matrices and determinants; vectors in real n-space, cross product, scalar triple product, lines and planes; vector spaces, linear independence, basis, dimension; linear transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors; inner products, least squares estimation, symmetric and orthogonal matrices.
Intended learning outcomes
Students completing this subject will be able to:
- use matrix techniques to represent and solve a system of simultaneous linear equations
- use vectors to describe lines and planes in solid geometry
- apply vector concepts to abstract vector spaces of arbitrary finite dimension
- represent linear transformations via matrices and use linear transformations to solve problems
- use a computer package for symbolic and numeric calculation
Generic skills
In addition to learning specific skills that will assist students in their future careers in science, they will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them in any future career path. These include:
- problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies;
- analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;
- collaborative skills: the ability to work in a team;
- time-management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments; and
- computer skills: the ability to use mathematical computing packages.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
A study score of at least 29 in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4, or equivalent
OR
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST10005 | Calculus 1 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST10008 | Accelerated Mathematics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST10022 | Linear Algebra: Advanced | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10013 UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students
Bachelor of Science students are permitted to complete a maximum of three level-1 Mathematics and Statistics subjects. They are not permitted to complete all four of MAST10005, MAST10006 (or MAST10021), MAST10007 (or MAST10022) and MAST10010.
MAST10018: Linear Algebra Extension Studies
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
Semester 1
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Four to six written assignments (equally weighted) due at regular intervals amounting to a total of up to 25 pages
| From Week 2 to Week 11 | 15% |
An online mid-semester test
| Mid semester | 10% |
One computer laboratory test
| Week 12 | 15% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 60% |
Semester 2
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Four to six written assignments (equally weighted) due at regular intervals amounting to a total of up to 25 pages
| From Week 2 to Week 11 | 15% |
An online mid-semester test
| Mid semester | 10% |
One computer laboratory test
| Week 12 | 15% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 60% |
Summer Term
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Two to four written assignments (equally weighted) due at regular intervals amounting to a total of up to 25 pages
| From Week 2 to Week 6 | 15% |
An online mid-semester test
| Mid semester | 10% |
One computer laboratory test
| Week 6 | 15% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 60% |
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Summer Term
Coordinator Peter Forrester Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 6 x one hour lectures per week, 2 x one hour practice classes per week, 2 x one hour computer laboratory classes per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 7 January 2025 to 21 February 2025 Last self-enrol date 16 January 2025 Census date 24 January 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 February 2025 Assessment period ends 1 March 2025 Summer Term contact information
- Semester 1
Coordinator Mario Kieburg Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x one hour practice class per week, 1 x one hour computer laboratory class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Coordinator Christine Mangelsdorf Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x one hour practice class per week, 1 x one hour computer laboratory class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Students with a score of 40 or more in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 are strongly encouraged to enrol in either the advanced stream (MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced and MAST10021 Calculus 2: Advanced) or the accelerated stream (MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1 and MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2) instead of the standard stream (MAST10007 Linear Algebra and MAST10006 Calculus 2).
Students with a study score of 29 in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 or equivalent, are eligible to enrol in MAST10005 Calculus 1, MAST10006 Calculus 2 or MAST10007 Linear Algebra. Such students should seek course advice before completing their enrolment.
Students require access to a computer with the software package MATLAB installed. This package is currently available in every open-access campus laboratory.
Students will be expected to use the software package MATLAB but no programming knowledge is expected. - Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Biomedicine Course Bachelor of Environments Major Engineering Systems Major Spatial Systems Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects Major Environmental Science Breadth Track Electrical Engineering Breadth Track Mathematics and Statistics Breadth Track Mechanical Engineering Breadth Track Mathematics for Economics - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 9 April 2025