Course summary:
MATH 300 is an introduction to linear algebra. It
is presumed to be your first course on the topic,
so it is completely self contained. Topics
covered include vector spaces, matrices
and determinants, systems of linear equations,
linear transformations, and eigenvalues and
eigenvectors. We will emphasize both the theory
and the computations of these topics. In
particular, linear algebra provides the
perfect setting to practice your proof-writing
skills as we begin to introduce some of the major
ideas in modern mathematics.
Here is my most important piece of advise about this
course: this material can be deceptive.
Linear algebra often works exactly the way you think
it should and that breeds complacency. In
order to discourage this (and to assist in your
mastery of material that is fundamental to the
sciences in general) I have outlined a strict
schedule of topics with both pre and post class
assignments, videos, and reading. We will not be
repeating topics and the material is even more
cumulative than you are used to, so my advice is DO
NOT MISS CLASS!! (If you must miss a class,
get notes from one of your classmates and read
them before the next class.) I'm also
advising you to DO YOUR HOMEWORK!! It is not
possible to actually learn this material without
doing problems. You might be able to convince
yourself you understand, but if you can't do
problems, you aren't at the level of understanding
required to pass the class.
Exams:
Midterm 1: Friday, September 21, during class time
Midterm 2: Friday, October 19, during class time
Midterm 3: Wednesday, November 14, during class
time
Final Section 1: Monday, December 10,
10:30am-12:30pm
Final Section 2: Wednesday, December 12,
10:30am-12:30pm
Homework:
We will be
doing WeBWorK
which is graded electronically (WeBWorK
instructions), Pre-Class Assignments
(assignments due before class starts, these are
on/linked from the class schedule above and
consist of videos to watch/pages to
read/problems to do) which are graded by way of
a daily quiz, and Written
Homework (which are graded by way of a
weekly quiz).
See class
schedule and syllabus for more details.
Extra Help:
Please come by my office hours or make an
appointment if you need extra help!
Topics we will cover are roughly as follows:
Chapter 1: Systems of Linear Equations
Chapter 2: Linear Independence and Dimension
Chapter 3: Linear Transformations
Chapter 4: Determinants
Chapters 5: Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors