Math 338, Linear Algebra, Spring 2010
T 12:20 - 2:15 1S-107 (Section 6850)
F 12:20 - 2:15 1S-107 (Section 6850)
| Instructor: | Joseph Maher |
| Office: | 1S-222 |
| Office hours: | T 4:30-6:30, F 4:30-5:30 |
| Webpage: | http://www.math.csi.cuny.edu/~maher/teaching |
| Email: | joseph.maher@csi.cuny.edu |
| Phone: | (718) 982-3623 |
Important Dates (http://www.csi.cuny.edu/currentstudents/academiccalendars/)
| Text: | Bernard Kolman and David R. Hill, Introductory Linear Algebra: An Applied First Course, Eighth Edition, 2005. ISBN 0131437402. |
| Syllabus: | Syllabus (http://www.math.csi.cuny.edu/~maher/teaching/2010_spring-la/syllabus/index.html). |
| Goals: | Linear algebra is the study of linear equations, matrices, real vector spaces, and linear transformations. Many problems in linear algebra are computational -- the first goal is to make calculations with accuracy, intelligence and flexibility. But linear algebra is also a course filled with new concepts and new vocabulary, often with a geometric flavor -- the second goal is to explain the basic concepts clearly, reason logically with them, and use them to solve extended problems. |
| Homework: | Homework will consist of webworks, MATLAB, and other homework asssigned in class, quizzes, etc. Late homework will not be accepted. The listed exercises from the textbook are strongly recommended as practice, but they will not be collected. Answers for almost all of these are in the back of the book. I highly recommend working jointly on homework problems with fellow students, but in the end you must hand in your own work. |
| Webworks: | Webworks (http://www.math.csi.cuny.edu/webwork2/Math338_6850_Maher_S10/) WeBWorK is an online program that generates individualized computational problems, and provides immediate feedback. Incorrect answers may be corrected, so that I hope you will often submit perfect homework sets. You cannot learn linear algebra without doing these kinds of computational problems, so Webwork is the major part of your HW score. |
| MATLAB: | MATLAB is powerful computer algebra software designed to solve linear algebra problems. The CSI Math Department has computer labs with access to MATLAB, and our textbook has many homework problems designed for MATLAB. Using MATLAB will be required for this course. For an introduction to MATLAB, see Chapter 12 of our textbook. |
| Exams: | There will be three Exams during the semester and a Final exam at the end of the semester. |
- Exam 1: T 2 Mar
- Exam 2: T 6 Apr
- Exam 3: T 4 May
- Final: TBA
| Grading: | The course grade will be determined as follows: 20% Webwork,MATLAB and other assignments + 50% Midterm Exams + 30% Final Exam. Without exception you must pass the exams to pass this course. You must take the Final Exams at the time scheduled by the university. |
| Method of Study: | Read the textbook. Understand the solved examples in the book and in the class. Do the homework and webwork problems. Many of these problems are basic and are meant to reinforce your understanding of the topic and techniques studied. Please use my office hours or make an appointment or email me with your questions. |
| Optimal Method of Study: | 1. Come to class. 2. Read the relevant sections after class. 3. Do the homework. Leave time to think--do not put homework off until it is due! 4. Compare your solutions with other students to improve what you hand in. 5. Come to office hours or the help room with any remaining questions. |
| Help: | Email is the best way to contact me. Use the Office Hours posted above. Free math tutoring is also available (http://www.math.csi.cuny.edu/Students/Tutoring/index.html). |
| Attendance: | Attendance is mandatory. |