Linear Algebra
MATH 310
SYLLABUS

Spring 2020
TR 9:30 - 10:45
TR 2:00 -   3:15

Instructor: Dan Cranston
Office: Harris 4109
E-mail: dcranston @ vcu.edu
Office hours:
Web page: www.people.vcu.edu/~dcranston/310/
TR 10:50-11:50 and by appointment

Applications of Linear algebra

Office hours: Please feel free to stop by my office whenever you have a question, or if you just want to chat. If my posted hours are inconvenient, I will be happy to schedule an appointment. Tell me if you are having trouble. Catching up can be very difficult once you get behind, so let me know as soon as you think there is a problem.

Prerequisite: MATH 201 or MATH 300

Required Text: You may use any of the following three texts.
Elementary Linear Algebra, Fifth Edition, by Larson, Edwards and Falvo (ISBN: 0-618-33567-6)
Elementary Linear Algebra, Sixth Edition, by Larson and Falvo (ISBN: 0-618-78376-8)
Elementary Linear Algebra, Seventh Edition, by Larson (ISBN-10: 1-133-11087-8)
The 5th and 6th editions are nearly identical. The 7th edition is similar, but has more pictures (also some of the problems are different).
You can use whichever edition you like. You might find cheaper prices on Amazon.
If you haven't gotten the book yet, you may want this scan of the homework problems (6th edition) from 1.1 through 1.3.

We will most likely cover material from Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. We will have weekly homework assignments (not collected), weekly quizzes, two midterms, and a final exam. Your grade is determined by scores on quizzes, midterms, participation, and the final exam. Details follow.


Homework: Homework will be assigned after most classses. The homework will not be collected. However, problems for the quizzes and many problems for the tests will come from the homework assignments. If you have questions about any of the homework problems, please ask me about them, either before or after class or in my office hours. You can also check the answers in the back of the book.

Quizzes: There will be a short quiz most weeks:

  • Each quiz is closed-book and closed-notes.
  • Two of your lowest quiz grades will be dropped.
  • All quizzes are written under the assumption that you are studying the material at least 6 hours per week outside of class.
Participation: Participation means that you in some way demonstrate intellectual involvement in the course. It does not necessarily mean that you ask questions and volunteer answers. Active participation may include your working lots of exercises, taking advantage of office hours, and displaying preparedness, dedication, and intellectual curiosity. Things that could cause you to lose participation points include sleeping in class, excessive absence, texting in class, or rude behaviors. (Not that you would do any of these things!)

Midterms: The midterms are closed-book and closed-notes. We'll have the first midterm after we finish chapters 1, 2, and 3. This will probably be around February 15th (I'll give you an exact date closer to that time). We'll have the second midterm after we finish chapters 4, 5, and 6. This will probably be around April 5th (again, I'll give you an exact date closer to that time). Note that the second midterm will definitely be after the drop deadline.

Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive, covering material from chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. It is closed-book and closed-notes. Times and dates are set by the university. The final is scheduled for Thursday, April 30. The 9:30-10:45 class has their final 8:00-10:50am. The 2:00-3:15 class has their final 12:30-3:20pm.

 
Grading:
The 10-point grading scale is:
A: 90–100
B: 80–89
C: 70–79
D: 60–69
F: 0–59
Your final average will be computed as follows:

Tests: 40%
Quizzes: 25%
Participation: 5%
Final Exam: 30%

Grade cut-offs will be no higher than shown above.

Missed quizzes or exam: I do not give makeup quizzes. I will drop 2 of your lowest quiz grades. If you miss a quiz, then that counts as one of the dropped grades.

Attendance: I do not take attendance, but I do notice if you are not attending class. If your grades are high, I do not mind if you miss class occasionally; otherwise excessive absences may reduce your participation score. You are responsible for all material covered in class. I make no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Any kind of absence may potentially affect your grade.

As a matter of courtesy, you should arrive punctually and stay for the entire duration of each class you attend. Please inform me ahead of time if you must leave early.

Internet: All information for this course is at: http://www.people.vcu.edu/~dcranston/310

Cell Phones: Please be sure that all cell phones and other electronic devices (including laptops) are turned off and stowed away for the entire duration of each class. Leaving such devices on may lower your participation score.

Special Accommodations: Any student eligible for and needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of a disability should contact me within the first week of class.

Further information: Students should visit http://go.vcu.edu/syllabus and review all syllabus statement information. The full university syllabus statement includes information on safety, registration, the VCU Honor Code, student conduct, withdrawal and more.