Whatever the mathematical concepts covered in the course, the course aims to enable the student to:
- Produce, follow, expand upon and critique a mathematical line of reasoning involving various previously defined concepts. These skills should be applicable in other courses within the programme.
- Rigorously define a concept covered in the course; provide a geometric interpretation of it; and explain the areas of application in which it is encountered.
- Confidently apply the appropriate techniques to solve problems relating to the subjects taught.
This course approaches mathematics as a discipline serving the geological and geographical sciences.
The mathematics covered will have several objectives:
To provide support for courses in the geology/geography section (primarily the cartography course), both by introducing concepts and by practising calculation techniques;
To acquire computational techniques (matrix calculations, solving differential equations, complex numbers, etc.);
To gradually guide students towards applying their mathematical knowledge in a geometric or modelling context. The aim is therefore to provide a general grounding in mathematics that enables students to tackle certain problems.
In addition to what is offered in the Mathematics course SMATB111, this course extends and addresses various mathematical topics. The course will cover: the sum symbol; some elements of linear algebra (including matrix calculus and linear applications, solving systems of linear equations and modelling situations that lead to them); complex numbers; an introduction to linear differential equations of the first and second order.
In addition, an application of integral calculus and optimisation will be used to justify results from the mapping course.
Note: The order of the chapters may be subject to change.
1. Mathematical concepts for cartography
2. The sum symbol
3. Matrices
4. Complex numbers
5. Introduction to differential equations
Exercises are provided for each topic covered and are delivered in alternation with the theory lessons.
The course is given for 2 hours per week. It alternates between theory and exercises.
Formula: Written examination offered in June and August.
Method: The written examination consists of exercises similar to those covered in tutorials, in the course, or in the course notes. It may also include short reflection exercises, as well as problems that require modelling before the solution techniques are used. In addition, students should be able to evaluate (and correct if necessary) a proposed mathematical reasoning. In the assessment, the student will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the mathematical mechanisms used to solve the exercises.
The use of a calculator, or any other electronic device, is not permitted.
If the examination is held online (remotely), the proposed method may be updated.
• course syllabus • S. Fleurant, C. Fleurant, 2015. Bases de mathématiques pour la géologie et la géographie, Ed. Dunod, Paris. • J.-P. Bertrandias, Fr. Bertrandias, 1997. Mathematics for Life, Nature and Health Sciences, Presses Universitaires de Grenoble.
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Geography : General | 1 | 3 | Yes |
| Bachelor in Geology | 1 | 3 | Yes |