Mathematics Premaster Course

Course manual 2022/2023

Course content

This course extends the mathematics from high school / HLO such you are sufficiently equipped for your physics and chemistry courses.

We start with calculus (differentiation, integration, differential equations, complex numbers). Next we will introduce some basic linear algebra (solving systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, eigendecompositions, etc.) In the last part of the course we will deal calculus of functions of multiple variables.

The focus will be on concepts rather than advanced calculation techniques. Examples will be taken from physics, chemistry and biology.

Study materials

Literature

• Steiner, Erich; "The Chemistry Maths Book" (2008), 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978–0–19–920535–6

Syllabus

• Mathematics premaster for chemistry 

Objectives

• The student can solve equations and evaluating limits
• The student can differentiate and integrate functions of a single variable
• The student can solve a several standard differential equations
• The student can perform calculations with complex numbers
• The student can solve systems of equations, operate with matrices
• The student can compute the inverse, determinant of a matrix and also its eigenvalues and eigenvectors
• The student can perform partial differentiation and use it to solve several problems
• The student can integrate functions of several variables over simple regions
• The student can use polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Self-study
• Seminar

Learning activities

Assessment

• Final mark = 45% partial exam 1 + 45% partial exam 2 + 10%assignments (drop lowest 2)
• The single resit consists of two parts one covering the part for exam 1 and the other the part for exam 2. You can make only one part or both to improve your grade.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. K.J.H. Giesbertz