Math 207: Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications Spring Semester 2008 Bradley University

General information

Instructor: Dr. Alberto L. Delgado
Office: BR 466
Office Hours: MWF 10:00 -- 11:00, MWF 1:15-2:00, and by appointment
Office Phone: 677-2504
Email: delgado@bradley.edu
Webpage: hilltop.bradley.edu/~delgado/index.html

The course

This course is about vectors and matrices, while at the same time being about linear spaces and the linear maps between them.  It can be very computational and concrete, as when we study systems of linear equations, determinants, eigenvalues while, on the other hand, it can be quite abstract, as when we meet linear independence, dimension, and bases.  Understanding the dual character of this topic is the key to its many applications.  In order to help you see the uses for this abstraction, we'll discuss application of matrix theory to traffic flow, population growth, genetics, and search engines.  

Course Materials

A prerequisite for this course is a grade of  at least a "C" in Math 121, or a comparable transfer course or advanced placement exam.  If you don't meet this prerequisite, you will not be permitted to continue in this course.

There is no required text for the course, however, you will need to have some book where you can look things up.  I ordered Linear algebra and its applications by Gilbert Strang through the bookstore.  It is an excellent text and contains all the material we will cover.  However there are others you could use -- some more concise, some less so; some more complete, some less so -- which may be more your style.  I have posted a link to a list of appropriate texts available at the Bradley University Library.  At various times I will post additional handouts on the course webpage.  

Many students find that a good calculator that performs matrix calculations quickly and easily is very valuable for the course.  A good one, and one that most of you probably already have, is one from the TI-92 family of graphing calculator.  Many calculators, however, have the desired features.  Nevertheless, none of them is required.  See me if you have questions about buying an appropriate calculator.  

Updated information on the class is available on my homepage. This syllabus is available there as well as information on homework, readings, assignments, exam dates, and miscellaneous thoughts.

Grading

Your grade in the class will be based on your performance on two in-class examinations, a final examination, and homework. The in-class examinations will be worth 100 points each, the final and the homework will count 200 points each. Your final grade in the class will be based on these 600 points. The exams will be about six weeks apart.  I'll announce the dates of the hour-exams about ten days before the exams are given.  The final exam is scheduled for  

Friday, 9 May 2008, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

It is important that you be present for all examinations. There are no make-up examinations! If you expect to miss an hour-exam and have a reasonable excuse (for example, a documented illness or scheduled University business) notify me as soon as possible and in advance. If you are excused from an examination, your grade will be based on your other work in the class.  If you miss an examination as a result of an unexcused absence, you will receive zero points for that examination, which will likely result in your failing the class.  In the extremely unlikely case that you should be excused from more than one hour-exam or from the final exam, you will receive a grade of "Incomplete" for the course; we will then make arrangements to complete the course on an individual basis.

I will assign homework throughout the semester; you will typically have one week to complete the assignment.  I will grade it and return it to you, usually during the first class meeting after the due date. Homework is very important, if you have any trouble with it ask questions in class or come to my office. No late homework will be accepted for any reason! At the end of the semester, I will arrange for there to be a few more than 200 points available from homework, so missing one assignment, while never a good idea, will not necessarily hurt your grade.  In addition, there will be several ways to earn bonus points throughout the semester.  

The class meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 9:00 a.m.  Your attendance at all class sessions is expected.  There is a great deal of discussion in class and failure to attend regularly will almost certainly result in your failing the class.

Any student who, as a result of a specific disability, requires reasonable accommodation to complete course requirements should contact me as soon as possible to request such accommodations.  

Resources

A couple of free linear algebra textbooks have become available online.  Despite a you-get-what-you-pay-for warning, these are not bad at all.  You probably don't want to use them as your primary source, but they are worth downloading to have as a backup.  You can find them here:

A First Course in Linear Algebra, by Robert Beezer

Linear Algebra, by Jim Hefferon

As I mentioned above, the library has a very good collection of linear algebra texts.  The books listed in this link are approximately at the same level as the nominal text for the course.

A Final Word

On the course evaluation form at the end of the semester we always ask, What one piece of advice would you give to someone taking this course next semester?  Every semester the answer is overwhelmingly the same:  Do your homework, do it early, and ask questions about it when you don't understand.  If you're not going to listen to me (and I'm used to that by now!) take the advice of your fellow students.  Attend all your classes, read your book, take notes in class, ask questions when you don't understand.  And, one last thing: Do the homework.

FOR BRADLEY STUDENTS REGISTERED FOR THIS CLASS