University of Arizona | Department of Mathematics | Misha Stepanov | MATH 313 | Syllabus

MATH 313
Introduction to Linear Algebra

Section 009, Fall 2017

Classroom:  HARV 319, MWF, 2:00–2:50pm
Instructor:  Misha Stepanov
office: ENR2 N263
e-mail: stepanov@arizona.edu
phone: ☎ (520) 621-2685
Office Hours:  Monday 3:30–4:30pm (in ENR2 N263), Wednesday 11am–12pm (in MATH 220 tutoring room); and Friday 11:30am–12:30pm (in ENR2 N263) (subject to change)
Text:  D. C. Lay, S. R. Lay, J. J. McDonald,
Linear Algebra and its Applications
5th ed. or custom version for UA (available at UA Bookstore)

Course description from UA Catalog: An algorithmic approach to solving systems of linear equations transitions into the study of vectors, vector spaces and dimension. Matrices are used to represent linear transformations and this leads to eigenvectors and eigenvalues. The precise use of definitions plays an important role. Examinations are proctored. This course is required in the math major and prepares students to take Math 323. It is a prerequisite to the majority of the higher level courses in mathematics.

Course objective: By the end of the course students should be: 1) Familiar with the concepts of vector, matrix, system of linear equations, vector space, linear independence, dimension, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. 2) Able to perform basic calculations such as solving systems of linear equations, checking linear independence, finding eigenvalues and eigenvectors, etc.

Homework: Will be assigned regularly. Selected homework will be graded, and a final score of 200 points will be assigned. Homework is an essential component of the course, whether it is assigned for grading or not. Homework could be turned in in 1) class; 2) MATH 108 room (before 4:30pm); 3)  office (slide it under the door if I'm not there); 4) e-mail message. All penalties for late homeworks are at the discretion of your instructor. They could depend on how late it is, whether solutions are discussed in class before or not, etc. It is allowed to work together on homework problems, but the work you turn in must be your own.

Grading: The total number of points available on tests and homework is 700 = 200(homeworks) + 3×100(midterms) + 200(final exam). The two in-class midterms are scheduled for Mon, Sep 25, for Mon, Oct 23, and Mon, Nov 20. The final exam is on Wed, Dec 13, 1:00–3:00pm, in the same room where the class met all semester. The University's Exam regulations for final exam week will be strictly followed, in particular those regarding students with multiple exams on a single day. Grades will be no lower than set forth in the following table:

630 ≤ points ≤ 700 90% to 100%A
560 ≤ points ≤ 629 80% to 90%B
490 ≤ points ≤ 559 70% to 80%C
420 ≤ points ≤ 489 60% to 70%D
0 ≤ points ≤ 419   0% to 60%E

Withdrawing from the course: You can drop the course without W grade by Mon, Sep 4. If you withdraw from the course by Sun, Oct 29. The University allows withdraws after Sun, Oct 29, but only with the Dean's signature. Late withdraws will be dealt with on a case by case basis, and requests for late withdraw with a W without a valid reason may or may not be honored.

Incompletes: The grade of I will be awarded if all of the following conditions are met:
  1. The student has completed all but a small portion of the required work.
  2. The student has scored at least 50% on the work completed.
  3. The student has a valid reason for not completing the course on time.
  4. The student agrees to make up the material in a short period of time.
  5. The student asks for the incomplete before grades are due, 48 hours after the final exam.

Grade Policies of the University of Arizona.

Accessibility and accommodations: It is the University's goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, please let me know immediately so that we can discuss options. You are also welcome to contact Disability Resources, ☎ (520) 621-3268, to establish reasonable accommodations.

Please be aware that the accessible table and chairs in this room should remain available for students who find that standard classroom seating is not usable.

Attendance and Protocol: You are expected to be familiar with the University Class Attendance policy. It is your responsibility to stay informed of any announcements, syllabus adjustments, or policy changes.

The UA policy regarding absences for any sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice will be accommodated where reasonable. Absences pre-approved by the UA Dean of Students (or Dean's designee) will be honored.

You are expected to behave in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination.

The information contained in this syllabus, other than the grade and absence policies, may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.