Course policies for Linear Algebra 221

Text: Introductory Linear Algebra with Applications, by Kolman. (No other texts are required.)

Goals: Students are expected to:

  1. master basic operations like finding the inverse of a matrix and computing eigenvalues,
  2. prove basic facts of linear algebra such as showing the inverse is unique,
  3. apply linear algebra methods to solve practical problems,
  4. gain a general understanding of the mathematical framework of linear algebra, in particular the concept of a vector space,
  5. understand the geometric interpretations of linear algebra concepts, for example the connection between determinants and area, and
  6. gain some familiarity with computer software for linear algebra applications.
Homework: Homework will be collected each Friday, unless there is an exam or a break. See the webpage calendar for details. The homework assignments will be posted weekly on the webpage.

Programming Option: Students with programming experience can opt to turn in reduced homework sets in exchange for doing a few linear algebra programming assignments. See the webpage for details.

Tests:There will be three hour exams. Tentative dates are Friday, September 24; Wednesday, October 27; and Friday, December 3. Any test date changes will be announced in class and noted on the webpage calendar.

Final Exam: There will be a two hour comprehensive final exam. It is scheduled for Thursday, Dec 16, 10:10a.m.-12:10p.m. (It will not be a "common final".) See http://www.siu.edu/departments/oar/examfl99.htm, for the SIU Exam Schedule.

Grades: Homework will count for 20% of your grade. Each midterm will count for 20%. The final will count for 20%.

Cheating: The minimum penalty for cheating on a test is a grade of F in the course. Your Dean may wish to take further action. This is a big no no. There may be multiple versions of the tests. You may work together on the homework but the work you turn in should be your own. You are not to work with anyone on any computer assignments! The penalty for doing so is a one letter grade reduction in your course grade.