Linear Algebra Syllabus

Linear Algebra
Syllabus

Northeastern State University
College of Math, Science and Nursing
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Tahlequah, OK
MATH 3983 - Linear Algebra - Spring 2004
MWF 11:00 - 11:50 a.m. - SC 115

INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Julie Sawyer, Assistant Professor
Office Hours: 9-10 a.m. MWF, 10:00 a.m. Th, 1:30-2:30 p.m. MW; and by appointment
Office: HH 108, Telephone: 918-456-5511 ext. 3083, E-mail: sawyerjk@nsuok.edu

COURSE MATERIALS
Required Text - Williams, Gareth. “Linear Algebra with Applications.” (4th ed.) Boston: Jones and Bartlett, 2001. A calculator is required for the course. Students should bring the book and the calculator to class.

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Real numbers, fields and mappings, vectors and vector spaces, matrices, linear dependence and simultaneous linear equations. Determinants, linear transformations.

PREREQUISITE
Math 2614 - Calculus I or Math 3023 Discrete Math

COURSE PURPOSE
This course is required of all mathematics and mathematics education majors. It is intended to provide students with an understanding of matrices and their applications in solving systems of linear equations. In addition, students will be introduced to the logic and methods of proving elementary results.

EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES
Students will be expected to achieve the following objectives:
1.   Use elementary row operations, elementary matrices and matrix algebra to solve systems of equations.
2.   Find the transpose and inverse of a matrix.
3.   Find determinants and use properties of determinants to determine if a matrix is nonsingular.
4.   Determine subspaces, spanning sets and bases of vector spaces.
5.   Demonstrate linear independence or linear dependence of a set of vectors.
6   Utilize linear transformations as mappings from one vector space to another.
7.   Use definitions and theorems to prove results in all of the above topics.

GRADING

There will be a total of 450 points in the course. Each of the two mid-term exams will be worth 100 points; the comprehensive final will be worth 150 points. Quizzes will be worth a total of 100 points. Letter grades will be assigned for the total number of points earned as follows: 405 - 450, A; 360 - 404, B; 315 - 359, C; 270 - 314, D; Less than 270, F.

I reserve the right to reduce the number of points required for a letter grade based on overall class performance.

Students are advised that the last date during the semester when they may drop a course with an automatic "W" will be Friday, April 9, 200. If you decide to drop after this date, you will receive a “W” or an “F” at the discretion of the instructor. The final drop date for the semester is April 30, 2004.

EXAMS
There will be two exams given during the semester during class time. The exam date will be announced approximately one week prior to the exam. In addition, A comprehensive exam will be given on Wednesday, May 5, 2004, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. If a mid-term exam is missed for a fully documented reason, AND APPROVAL IS OBTAINED PRIOR TO THE EXAM TIME, a make-up exam or grade substitution may be given at the discretion of the instructor. ABSOLUTELY NO MAKE-UPS OR GRADE SUBSTITUTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED FOR THE FINAL EXAM.

HOMEWORK/QUIZZES
Homework will be assigned but WILL NOT be collected and graded. Quizzes will be given every Friday except for exam weeks. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UPS FOR QUIZZES; however, the lowest quiz score will be dropped when the final grade is calculated.

ADA COMPLIANCE
If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations, please advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended.