STAT 30900/CMSC 37810. Mathematical Computation I — Matrix Computation

Department of Statistics
University of Chicago
Fall 2012

This is an introductory course on numerical linear algebra. The course will present a global overview of a number of topics, from classical to modern to state-of-the-art. The fundamental principles and techniques will be covered in depth but towards the end of the course we will also discuss some exciting recent developments.

Numerical linear algebra is quite different from linear algebra. We will be much less interested in algebraic results that follow from the axiomatic definitions of fields and vector spaces but much more interested in analytic results that hold only over the real and complex fields. The main objects of interest are real- or complex-valued matrices, which may come from differential operators, integral transforms, bilinear and quadratic forms, boundary and coboundary maps, Markov chains, graphs, metrics, correlations, hyperlink structures, cell phone signals, DNA microarray measurements, movie ratings by viewers, friendship relations in social networks, etc. Numerical linear algebra provides the mathematical and algorithmic tools for matrix problems that arise in engineering, scientific, and statistical applications.

Announcements

Lectures

Location: Room 277, Ryerson Physical Laboratory.

Times: 1:30–2:50pm on Tue/Thu.

Course staff

Instructor: Lek-Heng Lim
Office: Eckhart 122
lekheng(at)galton.uchicago.edu
Tel: (773) 702-4263
Office hours: 2:00–4:00pm, Mon

Course Assistant: Yunda Zhong
Office: Eckhart 8
ydzhong(at)galton.uchicago.edu
Office hours: 5:30–6:30pm, Fri

Syllabus

The last three topics we would only touch upon briefly (no discussion of actual algorithms); they would be treated in greater detail in a second course.

Problem Sets

Except for the take-home final, collaborations are permitted but you will need to write up your own solutions. The problem sets are designed to get progressively more difficult. You will get at least seven days for each problem set.

Bug report on the problem sets: lekheng(at)galton.uchicago.edu

Supplementary materials

Grades

Grade composition: 75% Problem Sets, 25% Final

Textbook

We will use the 4th edition of Golub-Van Loan. Copies of selected sections will be distributed in class. You are all encouraged to buy a copy when the book is published in December (you are welcomed to browse a copy of this new edition during office hours).

References