O. Bretscher, Linear Algebra with Applications (4th ed.)
TBA
Homework assignments are assigned
daily and due at the beginning
of the following lecture (thereafter it is considered late).
To see all homework assignments click here
This is a basic course in linear algebra for students of science, applied science, and other quantitative fields (such as economics and computer science). In the sciences and engineering, linear algebra is arguably the most widely applied mathematical theory (even more so than calculus). Its wide applicability stems, in part, from its simplicity. In this course we will cover the core of linear algebra following the presentation in chapters 1–8 of the textbook:
To make the best use of limited lecture time, students are expected to have read the assigned textbook sections before coming to lecture. Short homework assignments (problems from the textbook) are given every lecture and are due at the very beginning of the following lecture: they are the most essential learning components of the course, and are further meant to encourage active reading and understanding.
The work you turn in must be your own, and you must understand what you hand in. (After all, if someone else does all the mental heavy lifting for you, how will you get stronger?)
To help students stay current, No homework extensions will be granted. Homework turned in after the start of class is considered late — so get to class on time (or get someone else to turn in your homework on time, if you have trouble being punctual). Only in case of physical illness or another university-recognized exception (such as observance of a recognized religious holiday) may a homework extension be granted, and then only when an official letter of (medical) excuse from Academic Advising is provided. However, to mitigate this strict policy:
Homework assignments will be returned in class as soon as possible. If an error has been made in the grading of a homework assignment, it is the responsibility of the student to make this known to the grader.
There are two 20-min quizzes every week.
There will be 1 midterm, covering half of the course, and a 2-hour and a half comprehensive final exam. Students are expected to know all material covered in lecture and all material covered in the reading assignments (even when such material is not discussed explicitly in lecture). The purpose of the tests is to:
As a matter of department policy, No makeup tests will be given. If a test date falls on a day on which official university policy allows you to miss a test (e.g., observance of a recognized religious holiday), then you must make this known to the instructor at least two weeks in advance, so that there is a reasonable chance to move the test date, and in order not get an automatic zero test score.
Midterm tests will be returned in class. If an error has been made in the grading of a test problem, it is the responsibility of the student to make this known to the grader.
|
Test |
Date |
|
Midterm |
Thu, Jun. 11 |
|
Final exam |
Thu, Jun 25 |
The final score for the course is the number between 0 and 100 that is the maximum of the following two numbers, after rounding-up each one to the nearest whole number:
In other words, grades percentage is: homework 20%; quizzes 20%; midterm 20%; final 40%
The final score is translated to a
letter grade according
to the following table:
|
Final score |
Letter grade |
|
95-100 |
A+ |
|
83-94 |
A |
|
80-82 |
A- |
|
77-79 |
B+ |
|
63-76 |
B |
|
60-62 |
B- |
|
57-59 |
C+ |
|
50-56 |
C |
|
46-49 |
C- |
|
40-45 |
D |
|
<40 |
F |
The strength of the university depends on academic and personal integrity. In this course, you must be honest and truthful. Ethical violations include cheating on exams, plagiarism, reuse of assignments, improper use of the Internet and electronic devices, unauthorized collaboration, alteration of graded assignments, forgery and falsification, lying, facilitating academic dishonesty, and unfair competition.
Report any violations you witness to the instructor. You may consult the associate dean of students and/or the chairman of the Ethics Board beforehand. See the guide on "Academic Ethics for Undergraduates" and the Ethics Board web site for more information.
Students with documented disabilities or other special needs that require accommodation must register with the Office of Academic Advising. After that, remind me of your needs at least 5 days prior to each exam; we will need to have received confirmation from Academic Advising.
Last update: March 25, 2009