Elementary Linear Algebra
Sections: 19880H, 41106 Days: MWF Time: 9:00-9:50 am Room: MA-106
Instructor: Anne Dudley Office: MA-196 Office Hours: MTWRF 10:00-10:50 am
Phone: 623-845-3389 (Thursdays in The Math Solution)
Course Description: Introduction to matrices, systems of linear equations, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations and eigenvalues. Emphasizes the development of computational skills. Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT212 or MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent.
Course Objectives: To assist students to learn and demonstrate mastery of the content of Elementary Linear Algebra which can be found at http://www.maricopa.edu/curriculum/M-Z/966mat225.html.
Text: Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction, by David Poole, 2nd Edition – Thompson Publishers, required.
Attendance: You are expected to attend each class meeting on time. Attendance will be checked each day and three unexcused absences may result in your being withdrawn from the class. If (at any time) you wish to withdraw, see me during my office hours, or before or after class, and I’ll sign the form. If you just disappear, you may receive a failing grade.
Homework: After a section is discussed in class you should work the recommended exercises. These will be collected every Monday. Each homework set will be worth 6 points. Sometimes I will grade a problem chosen at random from the set for the 6 points, other times I will just scan for completeness. If you have difficulty doing the homework you should get some help, either from your study group, the math tutors or me. You should expect to spend a minimum of two hours outside class preparing for each hour of class.
Technology: We will be using a graphing calculator. Check to see that yours does matrices, rref, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. As we encounter new topics in Linear Algebra, be sure to explore how to use the graphing calculator to your advantage. I will be using a TI-84. The Math Department has a few graphing calculators to rent for the semester.
Tests: There are five exams worth 100 points each. If you know that you will not be able to be here during a scheduled exam time, please contact me prior to the exam and we will work something out. If you contact me after the exam, there will be no make-up exams. Instead of a cumulative final, the last exam will be over the last material and be given during final exam week. It will be given in class on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 from 9:00-10:50 am, plan to be here.
Projects: There will be four projects to complete, each worth 50 points. These will be professional presentations of solutions to specific problems. Some will be group projects. Details to follow.
Grading: Scale:
5 Tests 500 points (62.5%) A = 90%+ = 720+ points
4 Projects 200 points (25%) B = 80%+ = 640–719 points
Homework 100 points (12.5%) C = 70%+ = 560–639 points
800 points D = 60%+ = 480–559 points
Honors Students: Those students enrolled in the honors section will be expected to work an extra problem (10 points) on each test as part of their grade. This question may be done by students in the regular section for extra credit. Honors students will be able to earn extra credit throughout the semester by doing the honors homework and turning it in on test days. The honors total points will be 850, with 765 needed for an A, 680 for a B, and 595 for a C. If you are an honors student and wish to switch into the regular section, we can do that until Friday, May 1. Please see me to do this.
Help: The best source of help is for you to form a study group and meet with them regularly. I'm available during my office hours and some afternoons. Also, I have placed our Linear Algebra textbook on reserve at The Math Solution.
You may tape the lectures. You are responsible for the information in this syllabus. The information herein is subject to change. I will announce changes in class. You are expected to abide by all college policies as found in the college catalog and student handbook. If you have any issues or concerns or special needs, please make me aware of them as soon as possible. You may want to contact GCC Disability Services @ 623.845.3080, if you have special needs.