MTH 215 Section 1 Linear Algebra Fall 2012
Department of Mathematics, University of Rhode Island
Instructor |
Orlando Merino, merino@math.uri.edu, 874-4442, Lippitt Hall 101C. Office Hrs: MWF from 10 to 10:50 a.m. or by appt. |
Meets |
MWF 12, Lippitt 204 |
Text |
Linear Algebra and its applications, by David C. Lay, 4th edition, Pearson/Addison Wesley, ISBN 9780321385178 |
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 dates that will be announced in class. 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. |
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 |
Students are responsible for being familiar with and adhering to the published "Community Standards of Behavior: University Policies and Regulations” which can be accessed in the University Student Handbook. If you must come in late or leave early, please do not disrupt the class. Please turn off all cell phones (no texting!), pagers, or any electronic devices. |
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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"Incomplete" grade |
URI regulations concerning incomplete grades will be followed to the letter. The following paragraphs are taken from the university manual:
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