TITLE: Elementary Linear Algebra
CLASS TIME: MWF 12:30-1:20pm; Room MSC 224
TEXT: Linear Algebra and its Applications with CD-ROM, Update, 3rd ed. David C. Lay, 2006 (2003 version is acceptable.).
PROFESSOR: Dr. Warren Wm. McGovern
OFFICE & PHONE: 420 MSC & (419) 372-7471
E-mail: warrenb@bgsu.edu & http://www-math.bgsu.edu/~warrenb/
OFFICE HOURS: TBA
PREREQUISITES: C or better in MATH 2320.
CONTENT: This course is an introduction to linear algebra. The topics include systems of linear equations, vectors, matrices, determinants, linear transformations, vector spaces and applications. We will focus on techniques of solving vector equations as well as attempting to develop the students' proof writing skills.
Conceivably we should cover the first 4 chapters of the text as well as the first few section of the 5th.
CLASS STRUCTURE: The class will be run in a lecture style format though the instructor encourages discussions and questions concerning the material. Homework will be assigned every class meeting. A detailed list will be kept on my webpage. Though the homework will only occassionally be collected and graded, the student is expected to do all the problems as this will aid in the student's understanding of the material.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Regular attendance is expected. If a student misses a class meeting it is his/her responsibility to obtain the class notes either through another student or through the instructor during regularly scheduled office hours. All exams will be taken as scheduled, unless prior arrangements are made, with at least 48 hours of advance notice. I and only I have the right to agree to giving a makeup exam.
GRADING: There will be three tests and a final examination. The three tests and final exam will take place during the regurlarly scheduled class time on the following dates:
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| February 10th | Wednesday | Test 1 |
| March 3rd | Wednesday | Test 2 |
| April 7th | Wednesday | Test 3 |
| May 3rd | Monday | Final Exam 1:15pm-3:15mp |
EVALUATION: At the end of the semester if the student's (net) point total is greater than or equal to
90% of the total possible number of points then the student will have earned an A. The rest of the grades are
as follows 80%-90% B, 70%-80% C, 60%-70% D, below 60% F.
There will be several ways a student can earn points throughout the semester.
These include but are not limited to the following: homework assignments, projects, pop-quizzes,
extra-credit problems, three tests, and a final exam. There are also several ways that a student
can lose points, and once again are not limited to the following: not turning in homework assignments or projects,
being absent on days of pop or regularlay scheduled quizzes, a poor attendance record,
missed tests or exams, and disrupting class (e.g., whining in class).
I will use blackboard to post test and quiz scores, but
Blackboard is not the official gradebook for the course. The three tests will be weighted the same number of
points.
DISCLAIMER: The instructor reserves the right to change/alter/add/delete any statement from this syllabus in hopes of creating a more enjoyable/equitable course.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan 18 | Martin Luther King Day, no classes |
| Jan 24 | Last Day to Drop, Add, or change grade option without permission |
| Mar 8-14 | Spring Break |
| Mar 19 | Last day to withdraw passing |
| April 30 | Spring classes end |
| May 3-7 | Final Exams |