MATH 324: LINEAR ALGEBRA

Course Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites, but a strong pre-calculus background is assumed.

Course Description: An introductory course in linear algebra. Topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, linear transformations and vector spaces.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to

1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the concepts, terminology and techniques of introductory linear algebra.
2. Use these concepts and techniques in applied problem solving and mathematical modelling.
3. Perform computations involving linear systems, matrices, vector spaces and linear transformations, and appropriately use technology, in particular the mathematical software Mathematica, to aid in these computations.
4. Write clear solutions to mathematical problems, and mathematically rigorous definitions and proofs of basic linear algebra results.

Text: Linear Algebra and its Applications, third edition by David Lay.

Attendance Policy: Attendance is absolutely essential to success in this class. You are expected to attend every class; please notify the professor if you know you are going to be absent. All exams must be taken at the scheduled time, and assignments will not be accepted late.

Student Disability Policy: If you have any documented special educational needs, you are encouraged to work with the Cushing Center for Counseling and Academic Support to prepare a written request for the accommodations you need in this course. To receive accommodations in this course, the professor must receive a written request from CCAS at the beginning of the course, or as soon as the disability is diagnosed.

College Policies: Please note that all college policies pertaining to academic dishonesty, drop/add procedures, and grade appeal should be followed by students enrolled in this class. Consult the undergraduate college catalog or ask the professor if you have questions about these policies.

Teaching Methods: In order to succeed in this course, you need to be an active participant in learning - both in class and out of class. Class time will be spent on lecture as well as discussion of homework problems, group work and some computer lab work. To actively participate in class, you need to prepare by reading the textbook and doing all assigned homework before class (homework will be assigned each class period, to be discussed the following period). Out of class, you need to work on the homework (working together with others on this is encouraged) and on the weekly assignments. You are encouraged to ask questions and seek help from the professor, both in and out of class.

Grading and Testing Procedures: Your grade will be calculated from your grades on weekly assignments, three exams and a final exam, using the scheme

Weekly Assignments	40 %
Exams 1 - 3	35 %
Final	25 %.

Weekly assignments will be due at the beginning of class on Wednesdays, according to the attached schedule. Instructions for each assignment will be given in advance. These assignments will consist of a selection of problems, some from homework, and some of which will require computer work. Your grade on these assignments will be determined both by the correctness of the solution and its explanation - you must be able to not only solve the problem, but also explain your methods and solution and clearly present the solution. You may work together with others on these assignments, but your written solutions must be your own.

There will exams on September 26, October 17 and November 14. These exams will be given in class. The final exam is cumulative, and is scheduled for 9:00 AM on Wednesday, December 12.

Letter grades will be assigned using the grade cut-offs:
93 A
90 A-
87 B+
83 B
80 B-
77 C+
73 C
70 C-
67 D+
63 D
60 D-
0 F