MAT304 – Introduction to Linear Algebra

Section A – MWF 8:00 – 8:50 SC204

University of Sioux Falls

Fall 2005

 

Instructor:                Shawn Chiappetta

Office:                       Science Center 115           Office Hours:    MWF  1:30-3:30pm

Phone:                         (605) 575-2081 (office)                             T        9:00-10:00am

                                    (605) 332-7507 (home)                              and by Appointment.

E-mail:                         shawn chiappetta (campus)

                                    shawn.chiappetta@usiouxfalls.edu (off campus)

Web Page:                  http://www.usiouxfalls.edu/~sjc

Text:                           Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 3rd ed., Lay

 

Course Description:  An introduction to vector spaces, linear transformations, and matrices with applications to each.

 

Prerequisites:  MAT204 - Calculus I or approval from instructor.

 

Course Objectives:

1.     Gaining factual knowledge including the mathematical notation and terminology used in this course.  Learn the vocabulary, symbolism and basic definitions used in linear algebra, including vectors, matrices, vector spaces, subspaces, linear independence, span, basis, dimension, linear transformation, inner product, eigenvalue and eigenvector.

 

2.    Learning fundamental principles including the laws and theorems arising from the concepts covered in this course.   Become familiar with the theorems about and the characteristics of linear spaces and linear transformations.  Determine bases, compute dimensions, evaluate linear transformations, solve systems of linear equations and find determinants.

 

3.    Learning how to apply course material along with techniques and procedures covered in this course to solve problems.  Apply properties and theorems about linear spaces to specific mathematical structures that satisfy the linear space axioms.

 

4.    Developing specific skills, competencies and thought processes sufficient to support further study or work in this or related fields.  Acquire a level of proficiency in the fundamental concepts and applications necessary for further study in academic areas requiring linear algebra as a prerequisite or for work in occupational fields requiring a background in linear algebra.

 

Course Grades:  Grades will be based on exams, homework, projects and participation.  They will be broken down into the following values:

            Exams                         3                      @12% ea                                             36%

            Homework                                                                                                      25%

            Project                                                             14%

            Final Exam                 Wednesday 12/14  @8:00 am                 25%

Grades will be determined according to the standard grading scale:  100 – 90 = A, 89 – 80 = B, 79 – 70 = C, 69 - 60 = D and 59 – 0 = F.  Distribution of pluses and minuses will be made at the end of the semester.

 

Individual exceptions to this grading policy are left solely to the discretion of the instructor and as a general rule, will not be made. 

 

Exams will be on the following days:  September 28th (W), October 28th (F), and December 5th (M).

 

Late Work:  I typically do NOT take late homework because students tend to abuse the privilege.  Understand though, I know “Life Happens” and will try to be understanding in those situations that merit.  Tests are another matter.  I do NOT give make up exams.  If a situation arises that precludes you from taking the exam on the stated day, a time PRIOR to the exam may be set up to take the exam.  These again are not given on an everyday pass, but rather for those instances that have put us in a bind.

 

 

Homework:  The following rules will be adhered to in regards to turning in homework.

  1. No assignment will be accepted on fringed paper.
  2. No assignment done in red ink will be accepted.
  3. In the upper right hand corner of the first page will have the following: (a) the student’s name, (b) course name, (c) assignment number and due date and (d) chapter and problem numbers.  Each successive page will contain: (a) the student’s name, (b) due date and (c) the page number of assignment (i.e. 2 out of 4).

 

Because you will eventually be writing proofs in this class, the right answer is not the final line, but rather the steps necessary to come to the conclusion.  You should be working on presenting your material in a clear and coherent manner.  At every step, you should be asking yourself “Why is this statement true/untrue?”   We will work on writing proofs through the semester.

 

 

Each homework problem will be graded using the following rubric.

4 pts – Problem is done correctly.  No fault in logic or method.  Explanation is

            clear and concise.

3 pts – Problem has minor flaws.  Minor errors in arithmetic.

2 pts – Correct ideas, but poor execution.  Little or no explanation.

1 pts – Some signs of direction, but lack of understanding. Also 1pt for only

            answer and no steps.

0 pts – Did not attempt problem or showed NO lack of effort.

 

Attendance Policy:  Regular attendance and participation is expected.  You may read USF’s policy at www.usiouxfalls.edu/stuserv/attendancepolicy.htm.

 

Academic Honesty Statement:  We encourage you to collaborate and assist each other.  However, that assistance should be a knowledge exchange, not the replication of the work of another.  Plagiarism (with or without the permission of the originator) defeats the learning process and jeopardizes your success in the course.  Copying homework and/or exams of another is dishonest and a violation of the ethical standards of USF (www.usiouxfalls.edu/stuserv/misconduct.htm).  Allowing your work to be copied by another is equally a violation.  All students who observe an incident of cheating have an obligation to confidentially report such to the instructor.

 

Disability Services Statement:  (Text supplied by USF)  The University of Sioux Falls is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with physical, learning, and/or other types of disabilities.  Accommodations for students with disabilities are made only in consultation with the Coordinator of Disability Services, so if you believe you have a disability requiring accommodation in this or any course, please contact Ms. Libby Larson, Coordinator of Disability Services.  Ms. Larson's office is on the lower level of the Salsbury Student Union, and her phone number is 331-6740.

 

Status of Syllabus:  This syllabus results from the instructor’s effort to represent fairly the plan for this course.  Circumstances may cause the instructor to make changes in the plan, but such changes will not be without reason and will be made in a timely fashion.  Please speak with your instructor if there is anything in the syllabus about which you are unclear.