MATH 237 Section 006: Introduction to Linear Algebra
Fall 2013
3 Credit Hours
Primary Instructor: Dr. Bruce Trace
Core Designation: Mathematics
Syllabus subject to change.
Fundamentals of matrices and vectors in Euclidean space. Topics include solving linear systems of equations, matrix algebra, inverses, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Also covers the basic notions of span, subspace, linear independence, basis, dimension, linear transformation, range, and null-space. Use of mathematics software is a part of the course. Theory plays a significant role in this course – both in lectures and on tests.
General 100-200 Student Learning Outcomes: In this course students will become familiar with scholarly and research methods and develop effective written communication skills.
Course Student Learning Outcomes: The course is designed to provide a foundation in both computational and theoretical linear algebra. At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to
Chapters Covered: Time permitting, the following material will be covered:
Chapter 1: Sections 1 through 5,
Chapter 2: Sections 1 through 4,
Chapter 3: Sections 1, 2 and 4,
Chapter 4: Sections 1 through 7,
Chapter 5: Sections 1 through 3,
Chapter 6: Section 1
10 % of your grade will be based on weekly quizzes, 10 % will be based on
a MATLAB project and 80 % of your grade will be based on two tests
together with a comprehensive Final Exam.
Each quiz will consist of one question and be worth 5 points. No partial credit will be given on quizzes. Quizzes will be given at the beginning of class every Tuesday - beginning August 27 and ending November 19. Typically, quizzes will last 5 minutes. A total of 13 quizzes will be given and your lowest 3 quiz scores will be dropped (for this reason quizzes cannot be made-up). Thus, quizzes will contribute 50 points towards your course grade.
The MATLAB project will also be worth 50 points. The project will consist of five problems - which will be distributed in class no later than Tuesday, October 1 and your solutions will be due on Tuesday, November 19.
There will be two 75 minute, in-class tests, each worth 100 points and a comprehensive Final Exam, worth 200 points.
Test #1: Thursday, September 26
Test #2: Thursday, November 7
MATLAB project due: Tuesday, November 19
Final Exam: Thursday, December 12, 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Your Course Grade will be the better of the following two grades:
(i) Your grade based on the 500 points possible.
(ii) Your grade based on the following formula:
1/5{(Quiz score) + (MATLAB score) + 2(Final Exam score)}
NOTE: You must take the Final Exam. It is worth at least 40 % of your grade.
A-: [90,92) A: [92,98] A+: (98,100]
B-: [80,82) B: [82,88] B+: (88,90)
C-: [70,72) C: [72,78] C+: (78,80)
D-: [60,62) D: [62,68] D+: (68,70)
F: [0,60)
The numbers above are percentages in interval notation.
Major graded work (such as tests or papers, but not quizzes) missed due to legitimate circumstances beyond the student’s control may be made up if arrangements are made with the instructor in advance, or in a timely fashion upon the student’s return to class.
"UA's primary communication tool for sending out information is through its web site at www.ua.edu <http://www.ua.edu/> . In the event of an emergency, students should consult this site for further directions."
Should a Test be postponed due to inclement weather, etc., I’ll e-mail the class ASAP concerning the Test’s rescheduling.
In the event of an emergency, check Blackboard Learning for additional course information.
Regular punctual class attendance is required.
Special Note: If you take no quizzes prior to October 8 and you do not take
Test #1 on September 26, I will view you as not attending class.
This will result in your receiving an NA for a midterm grade –
in which case, you will be removed from the class. Be aware that I
will not support your petition to re-enter class – should you wish to
do so.
All students in attendance at the University of Alabama are expected to be honorable and to observe standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. The University expects from its students a higher standard of conduct than the minimum required to avoid discipline. Academic misconduct includes all acts of dishonesty in any academically related matter and any knowing or intentional help or attempt to help, or conspiracy to help, another student.
The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event of academic misconduct.
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