MATH 215 – Linear Algebra

Section  2      MWF 12—1pm

Spring 2011

 

 

Instructor:     Lay May Yeap                       Office Hours: Monday 3-4pm matheast145; Thursday 4:30-5:30pm math308

Office:                        math308

Email:                        yeap@math.arizona.edu

Class Webpage: http://math.arizona.edu/~yeap/classes/spring11

Course Webpage: http://math.arizona.edu/~math215

 

 

Text: Linear Algebra and its Applications, 3rd edition, by David C. Lay (Pearson Addison Wesley 2006)

 

Description: Linear equations, matrices and determinants. Vector spaces and linear transformations. Inner products and eigenvalues.

 

Content: Math 215 is a concrete introduction to linear algebra and serves as an introduction to mathematics as a deductive discipline. The primary purpose of the course is to introduce students to the linear algebraic algorithms which are vital for the solution of many mathematical and scientific problems - row reduction of linear systems, least squares approximations, and eigenvalue/eigenvector analysis. A gentle introduction to mathematical reasoning and proofs is a secondary goal. Computer projects may also be assigned to introduce students to the programming environment of MATLAB and certain applications of linear algebra.

 

Attendance:  Students are expected to attend every scheduled class and to be familiar with the University Class Attendance policy as it appears in the General Catalog.  It is the studentÕs responsibility to keep informed of any announcements, syllabus adjustments or policy changes made during scheduled classes. Students are expected to behave in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity. The guiding principle of academic integrity is that a student's submitted work must be the student's own. University policies can be found at  http://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/policiesandcodes.

 

Homework (amended): Homework will be posted on class webpage after class each class day and should be attempted before the next class. A separate set of homework will be posted at the end of each week and will be due in class on the following Friday. Homework will contribute 100 points to your grade.

 

Quizzes: Short in-class quizzes will be given whenever possible, at the beginning of classes. So it is important that you arrive on time. Quizzes will contribute 50 points to your grade.

 

In-Class Exams:  There will be three in-class exams, each worth 100 points. Exams dates will be announced in class, at least a week prior to the exam.

 

Missed Exam Policy: In general, there will be no make-up exams in the course. However, in complex and unusual circumstances which are beyond control, a make-up exam may be given on a case-by-case basis. This will require providing a detailed account of the situation and any supporting documents. Approval in these cases is at the sole discretion of the instructor. If a make-up exam is granted, it must be scheduled within 24 hours of a missed exam.

 

Final Exam: A commulative final exam is scheduled on Wednesday, May 11 from 10:30 am– 12:30 pm. The UniversityÕs Exam regulations will be strictly followed (see http://www.registrar.arizona.edu/schedule111/exams/examrules.htm).

 

Grades:  The total number of points available on tests and homework is 650.  Grades will be no lower than those set forth in the following table

 

585 £ points £ 650

90% to 100%

A

520 £ points £ 584

80% to 90%

B

455 £ points £ 519

70% to 80%

C

390 £ points £ 454

60% to 70%

D

    0 £ points £ 389

0%  to 60%

E

 

MATLAB: Almost all applications of linear algebra in the real world involve MATLAB. To help you build familiarity with this important program, some homework assignments will include a MATLAB component. We have a University-wide site license, so you can download MATLAB for free to your personal computer, or you can use it on the computers in the ILC. If you've never used MATLAB before, there are lots of introductory resources on the web. Spend some time early on in the semester to familiarize yourself with this program. I will not be covering anything on MATLAB in class. Your MATLAB code and output should be printed out and attached to your written homework assignments.

 

Students with disabilities:

If you anticipate issues related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with your instructor to discuss ways to ensure your full participation in the course.  If you determine that formal, disability-related accommodations are necessary, it is very important that you be registered with Disability Resources (621-3268; drc.arizona.edu).You should notify your instructor of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations by Monday, January 24.You and your instructor can then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.

 

Students withdrawing from the course:

If you withdraw from the course by February 8, the course will be deleted from your enrollment record. If you withdraw from the course by March 8, you will receive a grade of W provided you have a passing grade at the time of withdrawal.  The University allows withdraws after March 8, but only with the DeanÕs 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.

 

 

Computing Resources: Information about using computers on campus, setting up a UA email account, and computer support can be found at http://www.oscr.arizona.edu. A list and map of open access computing facilities on campus can be found at http://www.oscr.arizona.edu/maps.