syllabus

Ma 322 005 Linear Algebra

Fall 1999

Teacher:            Carl Eberhart, Professor of Mathematics
                           759 Patterson Office Tower
                           257-1258
Office Hours:    11-12 and 3-4 TR and by appointment
                           (you can also consult by email with me at carl@ms.uky.edu)

Text

Introduction to Linear Algebra, 2nd ed,. by Gilbert Strang, Wellesley-Cambridge Press (1998) Course Goals The language of vectors and matrix algebra has proven to be one of the most useful tools in mathematics. The ideas in this course have application to all other areas of mathemtics, and most other sciences. Our primary goal is help you construct a working knowledge of this valuable subject, by all means possible. This includes the use of Maple in our studies. Topics We will cover most of Chapters 1 thru 7 of the text. The topics will include the algebra and geometry of vectors, dot product, matrix multiplication, Gaussian elimination, LU factorization, determinants, vector spaces, linear independence, dimension, basis, subspaces, linear transformations, QR factorization, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization. Format Sections 1, 4, 5 and 201 will employ a web-based system called WQS for homework and formal lectures. Students prepare for class by viewing the lectures and working on the homework. Class time is spent discussing the material and working problems. The homework system provides immediate feedback and the ability for students to email the instructor questions related to individual problems. Students are encouraged to print out copies of the web-based homework problem sets, record their solutions on these printouts and organize them in a notebook. Homework is not taken up in class, instead responses are submitted to WQS. The correctness of a student's responses to the homework system has absolutely no bearing on the student's grade, however regular submission of responses and comments does count toward the 10% participation component of the grade. Grades Grades will be determined by three examinations (two mid-term and one final) by class attendance and class participation, and by a final project. The examinations count 25% each, participation counts 10%, and the project will count 15%. The exams will be taken collectively with other sections of Ma 322 outside of the scheduled class time. This is done to allow two hours for students to take the exams and thus remove unnecessary time pressure. The times for the midterm exams are 5:00-7:00 pm on Weds Oct 6 and Weds Nov 10 in CB 118. Excluding emergency situations students having conflicts with common exam times are obliged to inform their instructor of the nature of the conflict and work out alternative arrangements no less than two weeks in advance of the exam. Participation will be determined by class attendance, class participation, and evidence of systematic work with the web homework system and lectures. Students access these with an individual login and the system keeps complete activity records.
Final grades will be assigned as follows: a final average of: 90 or higher = A, 80 or higher = B, 70 or higher = C, 60 or higher = D, lower than 60 = E Calculators: Students are expected to have and know how to use a scientific calculator. Tests will be written under the assumption that students will have a calculator available when taking them. Computers A portion of the course will involve the symbolic computation language Maple. No reference to Maple will be made on the examinations, however it will be required for the projects.