Teaching directory
Course 2024-2025

Mathematical tools for chemistry 2 [SMATB106]

  • 3 credits
  • 22.5h+22.5h
  • 2nd quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

Learning outcomes

This course aims to provide the student with the mathematical tools necessary for the study of chemical sciences. The skills that the student will have to develop are centred on the understanding of the main notions of infinitesimal analysis (functions of several variables, vector analysis) and matrix calculus, as well as on their use.

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the student with mathematical tools that he/she can then use independently.

Content

The course starts with linear algebra and matrix calculus. This is followed by analysis in the case of functions of several variables (representation, partial derivatives, tangent plane, directional derivative, optimization) and vector analysis. The course ends with curvilinear integrals and multiple integrals.


Teaching methods

Each new concept is introduced as much as possible in a concrete context. Applications are proposed during the course in order to allow the student to develop a critical and analytical mind when faced with a scientific problem to be treated mathematically. During the tutorial sessions, the student is required to interact, to state his or her solution and to compare it with that of another student or the teacher.

Evaluations

The examination is written. It consists of: (1) theory questions focusing on the understanding of theoretical concepts and short computational exercises (e.g. derivation, integration,...); (2) exercises/problems similar (or even identical) to those solved in the tutorial sessions. Calculation of the score: 50% part (1) + 50% part (2). A basic calculator (non-graphic) is allowed to perform basic calculation operations. A test on part of the subject will be organised during the term in the same way as the examination. A student who obtains a mark of 10/20 or more in this test will be exempted from the examination in the subject assessed in the test. In this case, the final mark will be the arithmetic average of the test mark and the examination mark. A student who has not taken the dispensatory test or who has obtained a mark of less than 10/20 will be assessed in the examination for the whole subject. In this case, the final mark will be the mark obtained in the examination. The exemption test and the examination are two separate learning activities. If an evaluation is not possible in person, it will remain written and will be organised via WebCampus and with interaction via Teams.

Recommended readings

• STEWART, Analysis, Concepts and Contexts, Volumes 1 and 2, De Boeck, 2006 • DUPONT, Exercices de Mathématiques pour le premier cycle, Volumes 1 and 2, De Boeck, 2003 • The chemistry maths book. E. Steiner. Oxford Science Publications, 1996. • Cours Préparatoires - Mathematics revision. A. Hardy, J.-M. Mernier, S. Thiry, J. Winkin, 2008 • Real functions of one real variable - A. Hardy, 2008 • Analysis: multivariate functions. G. Salmon • Matrices and complex numbers. Provisional notes. G. Salmon, 2002

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree