M244 Linear Algebra and Matrices
Saint Joseph's College Winter Semester 2000 (992)
Course Syllabus

Instructor: Karen E. Donnelly. Office: 257 Core Building
Office Phone: 6297 Home Phone: 866-8997 email alias: karend
Office Hours:

  • Monday 1:00--3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday 1:00--3:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday 10:00--10:45 a.m.
  • Thursday 1:00--3:00 p.m.
  • Friday 10:00--10:45 a.m.
    •  If  you need to see me at a time that is not during office hours, please call or send email for an appointment.

    Donnelly’s home page URL: www.saintjoe.edu/~karend
    Linear Algebra Web Page URL: www.saintjoe.edu/~karend/244

    Text:
    Hill, Richard. Elementary Linear Algebra, 3rd Ed. Philadelphia: Saunders College Publishing. 1994

    Course Objectives:

    1. The investigation of fundamental concepts of linear algebra and matrices including:

    a) Systems of linear equations, their matrix representation, their solutions.

    b) Fundamentals of matrices and matrix operations.

    c) Vector space theory.

    d) Linear transformations.

    e) Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization

    f) Numerical computation.

     2. The application of linear algebra concepts to practical problems, using mathematical software.

    Course Outline:

    1. Systems of Linear Equations, Matrix fundamentals. (Chapter 1)

    2. Determinants. (Chapter 2)

    3. Vectors in Rn (Chapter 3)

    4. Vector Space Concepts. (Chapter 3)

    5. Linear Transformations. (Chapter 4)

    6. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, Diagonalization (Chapter 5)

    Grade Distribution:


    Grading Scale:
     
    93%-100% A
    90%-92% A- 
    87%-89% B+
    83%-86% B
    80%-82% B- 
    77%-79% C+
    73%-76% C
    70%-72% C-
    67%-69% D+
    60%-66% D 
    59% or lower F 

    Expectations and Requirements:

    Special Note: If you are a student with a disability, please meet with me immediately to discuss the accommodations you will need during class activity, examinations, and out of class assignments in order to participate fully and demonstrate your abilities.

    1. Preparation, attendance, and participation. Attend all classes and arrive to class on time. You are expected to be mentally ready to be an active participant in class. This means that you must:

    a) Keep up with reading assignments. To receive the maximum grade on attendance and participation the student must read assignments prior to class discussions on the topic and be prepared to ask questions and participate in discussions.

    b) Review notes from previous class(es) prior to the next class as well as promptly begin and continue work on assignments as they are assigned. Assignments are to be submitted by the specified due date. Late assignments will not be accepted without permission. If permission is given, the following penalties will be assigned:

    1 day late: 10% reduction
    2 days late: 20% reduction
    3 days late: 30% reduction
    Not accepted after 3 days late.         2. Getting Help. Students who do not understand a concept should do the following:

    a) Ask questions in class. (More than likely other students do not understand as well.)

    b) Seek individual help from the instructor. I am more than willing to give you the extra help you may need. Come in during office hours or make an appointment. Tutoring (free) can also be arranged.

    3. Academic Honesty: Plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty on any assignments, tests, or quizzes will not be tolerated. If the instructor finds that a student has engaged in dishonesty, the student may be referred to the Dean of Academic Affairs for appropriate action.

    4. Quizzes and Exams: Students are expected to be present for all exams. No exams or quizzes may be made up unless the student has contacted the instructor and received permission prior to the date of the original exam or quiz. This includes students participating in athletics who must arrange to take the quiz or exam on or before the scheduled date.

    5. Assignments: Assignments, unless otherwise specified by the instructor, are to be completed individually. While students are encouraged to consult each other for ideas for assignments, the solutions should be completed individually. Any help one student gives another should be instructional help only. If the instructor feels that a student has not completed an assignment individually, the instructor may question the student on that assignment. The student should be able to explain how he/she worked the problem and should be able to work similar problems.

    The above content and requirements are tentative and subject to change according to time constraints and other factors as determined by the instructor.