This subject builds on students' knowledge of mathematics from the TAFE or polytechnic diplomas. (A knowledge of introductory calculus is assumed.) It gives students an understanding of numerical methods in the engineering environment and enables students to confidently use numerical techniques in subsequent subjects and the work environment.
Topics include applications of sequences and series; linear algebra; matrices, vectors and determinants; applications of matrices and vectors; vector algebra in 2-space and 3-space; introduction to vector calculus and applications; curve fitting using least squares methods for polynomials, log-linear and log-log relationships; engineering applications of differential equations (first and second order); numerical methods in linear algebra and in the solution of differential equations; graph theory and optimisation; use of the Simplex method; introduction to combinatorial optimisation; probability and statistics including probability theory, permutations and combinations, probability distributions, binomial, Poisson and normal distributions; sampling, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.
Assessment: Assignments (20 per cent), mid-semester examination (30 per cent), final examination (50 per cent).
Autumn semester, Hong Kong
Spring semester, Hong Kong
Summer session, Hong Kong
Winter session, Hong Kong
Autumn semester, Singapore
Spring semester, Singapore
Summer session, Singapore
Winter session, Singapore