Linear Algebra, Summer 2026

Location: The Royal College of Music
Syllabus: click here

A faculty-led UNC study abroad program on the theory of linear structures. Specifically, we will work to understand linear equations, Euclidean space, matrices and linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and vector spaces.

The standard course material will be supplemented with lectures from Swedish mathematicians and mathematics-related excursions to the Mittag-Leffler Institute (a premier mathematics research institute) and the Nobel Museum. (Although there is famously no Nobel prize in mathematics, several mathematicians have won the prize, including John Nash and Bertrand Russell.)

Outside the classroom, students will immerse themselves in Swedish culture in lively Stockholm, a city with a rich connection to mathematics through its association with the premier mathematics journal Acta Mathematica.

Planned activities and excursions (to be scheduled/finalized):

  • Lecture on Swedish language and culture
  • Tour of Gamla Stan
  • Visit to the Royal Palace
  • Visit to the Nobel Museum
  • Visit to Institute Mittag-Leffler
  • Visit to Uppsala University
  • Dinner with Swedish family
  • Archipelago tour

Academic schedule:

Date Topic/Activity
Week 1 Tuesday 7/14 Linear equations
Wednesday 7/15 Euclidean space
Thursday 7/16 Matrices
Friday 7/17 Invertibility
Week 2 Monday 7/20 Determinants
Tuesday 7/21 Subspaces
Wednesday 7/22 More on subspaces
Thursday 7/23 Change of basis
Friday 7/24 Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Week 3 Monday 7/27 Complex numbers
Tuesday 7/28 Orthogonality
Wednesday 7/29 More on orthogonality
Thursday 7/30 Matrix decompositions
Friday 7/31 Vector spaces and differential equations
Week 4 Monday 8/3 Wrap up and review
Tuesday 8/4 Final exam