Linear Algebra: Syllabus

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the basic concepts, topics, and techniques of linear algebra. This includes the following topics at a minimum (not necessarily in this order): solving linear systems, Euclidean vector spaces, bases and dimension of vector spaces, matrices and matrix operations, linear transformations, matrix inversion, similar matrices, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, diagonalization, orthogonality.

See the full schedule of topics for information on what we covered from day-to-day.

I teach from my own notes, not following any textbook very closely. However, I will suggest readings and exercises from the following free textbooks throughout the course. Keep in mind that each of these approaches the subject from different angles, and sometimes use slightly different notations and terminology.

• Linear Algebra, 4e by Jim Hefferon
• A First Course in Linear Algebra, v3.5 by Robert Beezer
• Elementary Linear Algebra by K. Matthews
• Linear Algebra by David Cherney et al.

I encourage collaboration between students on written homework assignments and on practice problems; if you do work with another student, you MUST CITE THEM as a collaborator on each problem you compared. Collaboration on Quizzes is FORBIDDEN unless I say otherwise.

Copying another student's solutions is NEVER collaboration–that is cheating and will be treated as such.

Gradescope submissions must conform to the following standards; FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC 0 ON THE AFFECTED PROBLEMS/ASSIGNMENTS.

1. All problems must be linked to the appropriate pages.
2. All work must be legible (as judged by me).
3. All solutions must be submitted in PDF format from a scanner application (e.g. Genius Scan is free for both iOS and Android with a university email).
4. All solutions must clearly demonstrate the logic used, and may only use methods and notations discussed in my lectures or OK'd by me in advance.

The shift to remote and hybrid teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic has required that both instructors and students make changes to their normal working protocols for courses. Students are asked to practice extra care and attention in regard to academic honesty, with the understanding that all cases of plagiarism, cheating, multiple submission, and unauthorized collaboration are subject to penalty. Students must properly cite and attribute all sources used for papers and assignments. Students may not collaborate on exams or assignments, directly or through virtual consultation, unless the instructor gives specific permission to do so. Posting an exam, assignment, or answers to them on an online forum (before, during, or after the due date), in addition to consulting posted materials, constitutes a violation of the university’s Honesty policy. Likewise, unauthorized use of live assistance websites, including seeking “expert” help for specific questions during an exam, can be construed as a violation of the honesty policy. All students should be familiar with the University’s Student Academic Honesty Code.

YOU are responsible for obtaining the final grade you want in this course. If you want an A, make sure your grades are in the A range.

There is NO EXTRA CREDIT, so don't ask for it. If you need help, I can provide it as long as I know you are looking for help. When all is said and done, you get the grade you earn…

Your course grade will be decided by the following components (cf. the maths department web-page): WeBWork (5%), Quizzes (20%), Midterms (3 worth 20% each), and a Final (15%).

Grades are decided on the following APPROXIMATE distribution (subject to change):

F [0,45), D [45,50), C- [50,55), C [55,65), C+ [65,70), B- [70,75), B [75,80), B+ [80,85), A- [85,90), A [90,∞).

Here are the types of assignments you can expect in this course. All forms of collaboration are FORBIDDEN on all of these assignments, unless I expressly say otherwise and in WRITING for a particular assignment.