===== Preface to the Paradigms 4, 5, and 6: Matrices and Operators =====

The winter Preface is a week-long math primer in matrix methods needed for the
Spins, Waves, and Central Forces paradigms. Students are assumed to have
already had an introduction to linear algebra, but student who have not can
still be successful. This course serves to review matrix algebra and frames
the discussion of matrices in the context of vectors spaces and linear
transformations. The course contains a sequence of two small group activities
that emphasize rotation matrices, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, and the link
between the type of transformation and the value of the determinant.

**Textbook:**
The course content for this book is covered in any linear algebra text (except
for bra-ket notation) and/or any mathematical methods text.

**Sample Syllabus:**
[[http://www.physics.oregonstate.edu/~corinne/COURSES/preface/08/08Files|Winter 2008]]

===== Course Contents =====

{{page>..:order:prorder}}


==== Activities Included ====

  * [[activities:courses:prindex|All activities]] for Preface
  * [[swbq:courses:prindex|All small whiteboard questions]] for Preface\\\\ //(What are [[strategy:smallwhiteboard:|SWBQs]]?)//