Linear Algebra Fall 2014
4 credits
Tues, Thurs 8:30 am - 9:50 am in Sci 221
Office hours in Sci 205: Mondays 2:30-3:30, Tuesdays 4:00-5:00, Thursdays 3:30-4:30
Blurb
Next to Calculus, this is the most important math course offered. It is important for its remarkable demonstration of abstraction and idealization on the one hand, and for its applications to many branches of math and science on the other. This course will cover linear algebra in n-dimensional space. Matrices, vector spaces and transformations are studied extensively.
Text
When you click on a link in the book, you will be taken to the webwork page, where you will have to sign in. In order to avoid signing in every time you click a link, leave your browser open as you read the textbook.
Grading
Your grade for the course will be determined as follows:
- Homework (30%) will be assigned biweekly and handed in at the beginning of class on the due date. The assignments will be posted here. I do not accept late homework (no exceptions!), but I will drop your lowest homework grade. I encourage you to work together on the assignments. Be sure to write up your solutions independently.
- Quizzes(20%). Short (ten minute) quizzes will be given *daily* at the beginning of class. I do not give make-up quizzes, but will drop your two lowest quiz grades.
- Participation (10%). Participation means actively participating in class, as well as completing WebWork reading assignments. Reading assignments are posted here.
- Final Exam (40%) Date and time TBA. The exam will be closed book.
Webwork
Once you have logged in, you will see a list of homework assignments, together with their due dates.
If you need help
I have an open door policy. If you see me in my office, and I am not with another student, then feel free to come in and ask questions. If you want to be sure you'll find me there, I will set up office hours after the first week of classes.
Gage, the math tutor, will have regular hours as well (TBA). I encourage you to attend these sessions, even if you don't have questions. It's a good place to work quietly around other people.
Course etiquette
This course will be what we make of it. My promise to you is that I will work hard to present the material as clearly as I can, respond to questions as well as I can, give you feedback in a timely manner, and be available and approachable. My expectation from you is that you will show up to class on time, ask questions when you have them, actively engage and participate in class, be respectful of myself and your peers, and work hard to learn the material.
Academic Honesty
You are expected to be aware of the college's
policy on academic integrity and to abide by it. Please come and talk to me if anything is unclear.
