MATH 213 - COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor: Adrian Rice
Office: Copley 233
Phone: 752-7230
e-mail: arice4@rmc.edu
Web Site: http://faculty.rmc.edu/adrice/public_html/math213.html
Office Hours: Tu Th 1:00 - 2:00 and W 10:30 - 11:30 and by appointment

Textbooks:
 
Linear Algebra, by John B. Fraleigh and Raymond A. Beauregard.
Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley, 1995.

Linear Algebra Problem Book, by Paul R. Halmos.
Washington, D.C.: Mathematical Association of America, 1995.

Linear Algebra: An Introduction to Abstract Mathematics, by Robert J. Valenza.
New York: Springer, 1993.

Linear Algebra Done Right, by Sheldon J. Axler.
New York: Springer, 1996.

Objectives:
This course is an introduction to the algebra and geometry of three-dimensional Euclidean space and its extension to Euclidean n-space. Starting with the elementary concept of a matrix, we move on to define a new kind of algebra involving these matrices, in which objects in two- and three-dimensional space can be represented. This leads to the study of vectors and vector spaces (which can be generalized to encompass dimensions of higher degree, i.e. n-dimensional space) as well as linear transformations between vector spaces. In addition to attaining a good understanding of the central mathematical ideas in the course, students will be expected to develop their ability to construct mathematical proofs, and, in addition to regular problem-solving, should be able to prove a number of simple results and convey mathematical arguments effectively on the written page.

Homework:
Problem sets will be regularly assigned. Homework solutions will not be collected. However, at least 75% of the problems on each exam will be drawn directly from the assigned homework exercises.

In-Class Activities:
Time during a typical class meeting will be spent on a lecture covering the main points, and working on in-class problems and examples.

Attendance:
You are expected to attend class, as it will contribute to your final grade.
LATE ARRIVAL TO CLASS WILL BE COUNTED AS AN ABSENCE.

Quizzes:
There will be a number of quizzes throughout the course. The purpose of these quizzes is to ensure that you are keeping up with the homework and lecture notes.
NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN.

Topics to be covered in the course will include:

  • matrices and matrix operations
  • Gauss-Jordan elimination
  • determinants
  • vectors
  • norm, dot and cross product
  • vector spaces
  • basis and dimension
  • row space, column space, and nullspace
  • linear transformations
  • eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • diagonalization
  • symmetric matrices

    • Exams:
    There will be two midterm tests, and the course will conclude with a comprehensive final examination. The dates of the exams can be found in the Examination Schedule.
    AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM AN EXAM WILL RESULT IN A SCORE OF ZERO.

    Course Grade:
    Your course grade will be based on scores received on the quizzes, midterm tests, and the final exam. Attendance will also be taken into consideration. The course grade scale is given below:

    Grade Scale
    Exam 1                 25%
    Exam 2                 25%
    Quizzes                 15%
    Attendance                   5%
    Final exam                 30%

    Technology Policy:
    The only form of technology that is permitted in my classroom is a calculator. Cell phones, iPods, and ALL OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Anyone listening to music, sending texts, reading messages, making phone calls, or whose cell phone rings in class will have HALF A LETTER GRADE deducted from their final grade on every occasion this policy is violated.

    Disabilities:
    If you have a physical or psychological disability that requires an accommodation, you must first register with the Office for Disability Support Services. Please arrange a meeting with the course instructor to discuss your needs and how to register for support services.