COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA
2014/2015 Academic Session
COURSE COMPACT FOR MAT122
College: Science and Technology
School: Natural & Applied Sciences
Department: Mathematics
Programme: Industrial Mathematics
Course Code: MAT122
Course Title: Vector Algebra
Units: 2
Course Facilitators: Dr. M.C. Agarana, Mr. O.O. Agboola & Mr. O.S. Edeki
Semester: Omega
Time: 12:00 Noon – 2:00 pm every Thursday
Location: Lecture Theatre I
A. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE
MAT122, Vector Algebra is a one-semester 2-Credit foundation level course. The main objective
of this course is to give students a good foundation in Vector Analysis, a course they might be
taking in depth later on either in mathematics or physics, or engineering.
B. COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
i.
Define and differentiate between scalar and vectors.
ii.
Represent vectors correctly.
iii.
Add vectors correctly in any form it is presented.
iv.
Apply the algebraic laws of vector to practical problems, like proofs of some
basic theorems.
v.
Calculate the Cartesian (rectangular) components of three-dimensional vectors
given two points on the line of action of the vector.
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Calculate the Cartesian (rectangular) components of a unit vector describing the
direction of three-dimensional vectors.
Calculate the Cartesian direction angles (direction cosines) of a three-dimensional
vector.
Calculate products of vectors using scalar multiplication, scalar or dot product,
vector or cross products.
Determine the angle between two vectors in either two or three dimensions using
the scalar product.
Calculate scalar (box) triple products and vector triple products, easily.
Apply the products of vectors in calculating direction cosines, area of Triangle,
area of parallelogram and volume of parallelepiped.
Calculate the moment of a force, about a point and torque, using vectors
Perform vector operations such as gradient, divergence and curl on given vector
functions.
Differentiate and integrate vector functions.
C. METHOD OF DELIVERY /TEACHING AIDS
 The course will be taught via Lectures and Tutorial Sessions, the tutorial
being designed to complement and enhance both the lectures and the students’
appreciation of the course.
 Course work assignments will be reviewed with the students.
D. COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Introduction to Vectors
1.1 3-Dimensional Cartesian coordinate systems
1.2 Definition and representation of vectors
1.3 Direction cosines
Module 2 - Elementary vector algebra
2.1 Multiplication of a vector by a scalar
2.2 Addition of vectors
2.3 Scalar and vector products of two vectors and applications
2.4 Triple product and applications, Solution of vector equations
Module 3 - Calculus of vector functions
Differentiation of vector function, Plane curves and space curves
Differential definition of gradient, divergence and curl and their simple applications
Integration of vector functions
F. STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMME/METHOD OF GRADING
1. Attendance at class meetings, In-class work / group work (periodically), quizzes
(some quizzes may be unannounced), homework, collected and graded and solutions
provided (counting for 10% of the total course marks);
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2. Two tests, 1-hour duration for each (counting for 20% total of the course marks) and
3.
One (1) End-of-semester examination, 2 hours duration counting for 70% of the total
course marks.
G. GROUND RULES & REGULATIONS
Students would be required to maintain high level of discipline (which is the soul of an army) in
the following areas:
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Regularity and punctuality at class meetings – Because regular participation enhances the
learning process, students are expected to adhere to the attendance policy set forth by the
University. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to attend all classes to better
prepare them for assignments, tests and other course-related activities;
Regardless of the cause of absences, a student who is absent six or more days in a
semester is excessively absent, and will not receive credit unless there are verified
extenuating circumstances
Students will be given assignments periodically. Students may work together to
understand these assignments, but all work submitted must be the student’s original work.
There is a distinct difference between providing guidance and instruction to a fellow
student and allowing the direct copying of another’s answers or work.
Late homework assignments will NOT be accepted.
Modest dressing; and
Good composure.
H. TOPICS FOR TERM PAPERS/ASSIGNMENTS/STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Group projects will be assigned at the discretion of the course tutor/facilitator.
I. ALLIGNMENT WITH COVENANT UNIVERSITY VISION/GOALS
Prayers are to be offered at the beginning of lectures. Presentation of the learning material will
be done in such a way that the knowledge acquired is useful and applicable. Efforts would be
made to address students on godliness, integrity and visionary leadership.
J. CONTEMPORARY ISSUES/INDUSTRY RELEVANCE
The course will lay a solid foundation for the students in applied Mathematics and
Engineering.
K. RECOMMENDED READING/TEXT
 K. T. Tang. Mathematical Methods for Scientists and Engineers, Vol. II, Springer: New
York. (2007).
 R. Wrede & M. R. Spiegel. Schaum’s Outline of Theory and Problems of Advanced
Calculus, 2nd ed., Mc-Graw-Hill: New York. (2002).
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