MTH 215 Section 1 Linear Algebra Fall 2011
Department of Mathematics, University of Rhode Island
Instructor |
Orlando Merino, merino@math.uri.edu, 874-4442, Lippitt Hall 101C |
Meets |
MWF 12, Chafee 244 |
Text |
Linear Algebra and its applications, by David C. Lay, 4th edition, Pearson/Addison Wesley |
Prerequisites |
MTH 142 or MTH 131 or permission by the instructor. |
Topics |
We will study selected sections from the following chapters: Linear equations in linear algebra, matrix algebra, determinants, vector spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, orthogonality and least squares. |
Evaluation |
There will be 2 exams given during normal class time on October 12 and November 21. Your grade will be calculated according to the following weights: Final Exam (33%), Exams (33%), Homework and Mathematica Projects (33%) |
About the Course |
This is an undergraduate course in Linear Algebra for students of engineering, science and mathematics. Linear Algebra is the study of linear systems of equations, vector spaces, and linear transformations. Solving systems of linear equations is at the heart of virtually every mathematical procedure for solving problems arising in science and engineering. In this class we will concentrate on the mathematical theory and methods of linear algebra. |
Homework |
Homework will be assigned after each section from the list of problems found in Homework Problems. Your homework should show your work, short answers are not acceptable unless it is obviously what is being asked. Homework questions will be answered at the beginning of class. You may also send email your instructor with questions at merino@math.uri.edu. |
Technology |
Calculator use will be forbidden in exams since more advanced calculators do some of the computations that we expect you to learn to do with just pencil and paper. We will use Mathematica in this class, and some Mathematica projects will be assigned. Mathematica help will be available. |
Instructor's expectations |
[Based on: Zucker, S., Teaching at the University Level, AMS Notices (43), 1996, pp 863-865.] |
Special Needs |
Any student with a documented disability is welcome to contact me early in the semester so that we may work out reasonable accomodations to support your success in this course. Students should also contact Disability Services for Student, Office of Student Life, 330 Memorial Union, Kingston, 874-2098. |
Academic Honesty |
Students are expected to be honest in all academic work. A student's name on any written work shall be regarded as assurance that the work is the result of the student's own thought and study. Work should be stated in the student's own words, properly attributed to its source. Students have an obligation to know how to quote, paraphrase, summarize, or reference the work of others with integrity. The following are examples of academic dishonesty.
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Late work |
Late homework will not be accepted. |
Additional Information |
The University Manual (See www.uri.edu/facsen/MANUAL_08.html ) contains useful information: 8.39.10-12 (attendance); 8.51.11-14 (excused absences); 8.51.15 (examinations during the semester); 8.51.16 (final examinations); 8.27.16-19, 8.27.17-19, 8.27.10-15 (plagiarism-instructor's responsibilities, judicial action, and student's responsibilities); and 8.52.10 (grading criteria). |
Civility Policy |
The University of Rhode Island has adopted a civility policy regarding disruptive classroom behaviors. Disruptive behaviors are defined as behaviors that interfere with the learning and/or teaching process. Disruptive behaviors in the classroom include inappropriate talking during lectures or class discussions or in any manner interfering with other student's ability to have a quality learning experience. Students who engage in disruptive behavior will receive one warning without penalty. Continued incidents of disrupting the class will result in the initiation of removal procedures or the loss of a letter grade. Disruptive behaviors include cell phone and pager use. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off, silent, and out of sight during classes, and you should not be checking for calls or messages during class (including "texting"). Common sense and common courtesy should govern classroom civility. |
"Incomplete" grade |
I follow to the letter the URI regulations concerning incomplete grades, namely the following paragraphs taken from the university manual:
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