This is the syllabus for Math 211 Linear Algebra. See the links to the right for updated information. Here you'll find information on prerequisites, grading policy, homework, study resources and a tentative course calender. See the box in the upper right for more links and information for the course.
Prerequisites
You need a B- or better in MA 161 or written permission from me, the instructor.
Textbook
The (required) textbook we will use for this course is Contemporary Linear Algebra by Anton & Busby. It is available at the University Bookstore and online.
Classroom
The class sessions will be active. On most days you will be asked to DO something other than listen to me lecture.
Office Hours
I am often in my office JXJ 2226, just stop by and see if I am available, or email me to make an oppointment. My official office hours are :
Other Resources
There is a Student Solutions Manual for this textbook. The link on the right Linear Algebra Resources contains links to mostly free sites & documents that will help you get off on the right foot.
Both free and paid tutoring is available, in the tutoring lab in JMR 2nd floor.
Quizzes
Group quizzes will be given on occasion. Groups may change each time.
Calculators
Calculators are allowed on all homework. The use of calculators on quizzes and exams will be determined on a case by case basis. Unless otherwise notificed, you are not allowed to have any information saved in your calculators during quizzes and exams.
Laptops
Please bring your laptop to every class! We will use the software package MATLAB in this class. Go to the HelpDesk to have MATLAB installed on your laptops ASAP! In order to promote a positive classroom experience, do not use your laptop in class unless instructed to do so.
Grading
Exams
Make sure that you will be able to attend the exams at the given dates and times. Exceptions can only be accepted in case of time conflicts with other courses, or serious illness with a physician's certification.[Final Exam Schedule]
Outcomes & Assessment
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
Evaluation of these learning outcomes will be done through a mix of assignments, class exercises, projects, research papers, group work, written & oral quizzes and tests.
Tentative Schedule
CHAPTER 1 - VECTORS day 1: intro, MATLAB intro, vectors day 2: dot product & orthogonality day 3: vector equations of lines & planes MATLAB Project: tutorial, dot product, vector eqs, sound
CHAPTER 2 - LINEAR SYSTEMS day 4: Labor Day vacation day 5: vector equations of lines and planes day 6: more vector equations \& intro to systems MATLAB Project: traffic, gps, poly fitting day 7: solving systems of equations day 8: review day 9: exam 1
CHAPTER 3 - MATRICES AND ALGEBRA day 10: matrix operations day 11: inverses day 12: elementary matrices & finding inverses MATLAB Project: inverses & image algebra day 13: subspaces day 14: geometry day 15: special forms MATLAB Project: image subspaces
CHAPTER 4 - DETERMINANTS day 16: determinants and properties day 17: review day 18: exam 2 day 19: review day 20: eigenvalues day 21: no class MATLAB Project: eigenvalues
CHAPTER 5 - MODELS & APPLICATIONS day 22: eigenvalues day 23: dynamical systems, markov chains day 24: active day MATLAB Project: fractals, eigenplay
CHAPTER 6 LINEAR TRANSFORMATIONS day 25: power method , internet search day 26: transformations day 27: geometry MATLAB Project: point cloud transformations I day 28: kernel and range day 29: composisiton day 30: computer graphics MATLAB Project: point cloud transformations IICHAPTER 7 - DIMENSION AND STRUCTURE day 31: project day day 32: basis day 33: properties day 34: review day 35: exam 3 day 36: review day 37: fundamental spacs day 38: projection & best approximations day 39: least squares
MATLAB Project: climate modeling
CHAPTER 8 and REVIEW day 40: least squares day 41: THANKSGIVING day 42: THANKSGIVING day 43: the svd and data day 44: review day 45: review
University Policies
Academic Honesty: Cheating is not only unethical and pathetic, but is a violation of the Northern Michigan University Student Code and University Policy and grounds for your dismissal from the University.
Discrimination & Harassment: Northern Michigan University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, height, weight, martial status, handicap/disability, sexual orientation or veteran status. If you have a civil rights inquiry, contact the Affirmative Action Office at 906-227-2420.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Dean of Students Office at 2001 C. B. Hedgcock Building (227-1737 or disserv@nmu.edu). Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with federal, state, and University guidelines.
The Registrar: Withdrawing from any course or any matters relating to registration are the responsibility of the student. For more information regarding this topic, check out the Registrars Website.