Fall 2012 MATH 310-002 Linear Algebra

SYLLABUS

Professor: Marco Aldi

Office: Harris Hall 4162

Office Hours: Tu 3:30-4:30, W 11:30-12:45 and by appointment

Lectures: TuTh 2:00-3:15; Harris Hall, Room 2120

Prerequisites: MATH 201 or permission of the instructor

Textbook:

• Elementary Linear Algebra, Fifth Edition, by Larson, Edwards and Falvo (ISBN 0-618-33567-6)


• Elementary Linear Algebra, Seventh Edition, by Larson (ISBN 1-133-11087-8)

There is virtually no difference in content between the fifth and seventh edition, but there might be a significant difference in price. I encourage you to look for used copies, if you can find them.

Goals and Expectations:

• You are expected to attend class, be punctual, and complete homework on time.


• When presenting your work, I expect you to show all significant steps that are used to complete each problem. In case where work is missing, you will not be given full credit.


• I encourage you to work with others on homework problems, however, any assignment to be turned in must be written up on your own.


• Please write neatly on all assignments to be graded, exceptionally messy work may not be graded.

Tests:

• Midterm 1: September 27th, 2:00-3:15pm; Room 2120, Harris Hall


• Midterm 2: November 8th, 2:00-3:15pm; Room 2120, Harris Hall


• Final Exam: December 11th 1:00-3:50pm; Room 2120, Harris Hall

Each test contains a part in which you are asked to reproduce various definitions and statement of theorems introduced during the lectures. This is to make sure that you are familiar with the language of the course. As a consequence, all tests are closed-book and closed-notes. All electronic devices must be switched off during the exams.

Homework:

Assignment are posted on Blackboard on Thursdays. Homework is due at the end of each Thursday lecture, one week after it has been assigned. Late homework will not be accepted.

Each homework assignment consists of several problems taken from the textbook, a selection of which will be graded and returned to you.

Grading:

Your course grade will be computed according to the following weights:

• Homework: 40%


• Midterm 1: 15%


• Midterm 2: 15%


• Final: 30%

There will be no make up exams. If you miss the first midterm, the grade of your second midterm will be doubled. If you miss the second midterm, the grade of your final exam will be doubled. Missing both midterms or the final will result in a failing grade.

The two lowest homework grades will be dropped. Your total homework grade is the sum of the remaining homework points. Each missing homework after the second will count as zero.

Office Hours:

Office hours are an important part of this course. Attendance is not required but strongly encouraged. If my office door is open it means you are welcome to drop by and ask me math-related questions. If you would like to meet outside office hours please send me an email to schedule an appointment.

Course Description:

MATH 310 is a first introduction to linear algebra and its applications. The material covers: systems of linear equations, matrix operations, determinants, vector spaces, linear dependence, bases, dimensions, linear mappings, eigenvalues, diagonal form. Applications are illustrated through examples and homework assignments.

Special arrangements:

Students registered with VCU Disability Support Services (DSS) should contact me during the first week of class in order to arrange suitable academic adjustemets or accommodatinos. I may not be able to accommodate later requests.

See also www.specialservices.vcu.edu/disabilityss/ .

Military students receiving orders for short-term tranining or deployment are asked to inform and present their orders to Military Student Services and to the instructor.

Student athletes must provide the instructor with their schedule during the first week of class so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Important Dates:

• September 3rd, university closed.


• September 27th, first midterm.


• October 18-19th, reading days.


• November 2nd, last day for "W".


• November 8th, second midterm.


• November 21-25th, unversity closed.


• December 8th, last day of class.


• December 11th, final exam.

See also: http://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/

Campus Emergency information:

What to Know and Do To Be Prepared for Emergencies at VCU:

• Sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts


• Know the emergency evacuation route posted in the classroom.


• Listen and follow instructions from VCU or other designated authorities. Within the classroom, follow your professor's instructions.


• Know where to go for additional emergency information: http://www.vcu.edu/alert .


• Know the emergency phone number of the VCU Police (828-1234). Report suspicious activities and objects.

Important Websites:

• VCU email policy: http://www.ts.vcu.edu/kb/3407.html


• 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


• Student handbook: http://www.students.vcu.edu/insider.html


• University Counseling Services: http://www.students.vcu.edu/counseling/


• VCU Mobile: http://m.vcu.edu