Linear Algebra
MATH 310
SYLLABUS

Spring 2012
MW 5:30–6:45 p.m.
Oliver 2084
Instructor: Dan Cranston
Office: Harris 4109
E-mail: dcranston @ vcu.edu
Office hours:
Web page: www.people.vcu.edu/~dcranston/310/
Mon. 12:00-1:00, Wed. 11:00-12:00 and by appointment

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 200 and either MATH 201 or MATH 300

Required Text: You may use either one of the following two 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)
The 5th and 6th editions are nearly identical, except that if you can find the 5th edition, it will likely be cheaper.
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.

Material from Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 is covered. There will be 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.
  • A few 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!)
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 29th (I'll give you an exact date closer to that time). We'll have the second midterm after we finish chapters 4 and 6. This will probably be around April 9th (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. It is scheduled for 4:00-6:50pm on Wednesday, May 9.

 
Grading:
The 10-point grading scale is used:
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%

Missed quizzes or exam: I do not give makeup quizzes. I will drop 2 or 3 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 result in a reduced participation score. You are responsible for all material covered in class. I do not make the distinction between an excused absence and an unexcused absence. 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: The syllabus and homework assignments for this course are posted on the Internet at http://www.people.vcu.edu/~dcranston/310

Cell Phones: Please be sure that all cell phones and other electronic devices (including iPods, BlackBerries and laptops) are turned off and stowed away for the entire duration of each class. Leaving such devices on may lower your participation score.
Any student eligible for and needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of a disability should contact me within the first week of class.

VCU Honor system: http://www.provost.vcu.edu/pdfs/Honor_system_policy.pdf
Classroom conduct: Professional conduct is expected at all times: http://www.ts.vcu.edu/policies/studentconduct.html
University Counseling Services: http://www.students.vcu.edu/counseling/