Salisbury University - Fall 2008
Professor: Dr. Michael Bardzell
Text: "Linear Algebra and its Applications " by David C. Lay; Addison-Wesley, 3rd Updated Edition, 2006.
Office: Henson Hall 132 D
Office Hours: Tuesday: 9:00 - 10:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 11:00, 1:30 - 2:30
Thursday: 10:00 - 11:00
e-mail: mjbardzell@salisbury.edu
Telephone: 410-543-6474
Objectives: This course is designed to introduce students to the language and practice of linear algebra. Linear algebra is one of the most important branches of mathematics and has applications across the sciences and other areas such as business and computer graphics. This semester there will also be an emphasis on proof and structure in the course. In particular, we will be studying abstract vector spaces and linear transformations in some depth. The goal of the added "generality" for Math 306 is to better prepare students for upper level mathematics courses.
Topics Covered (include but not limited to)
Attendance and Homework : You are expected to attend class. Students are responsible for all material covered in class, any quizzes and/or homework given in class, and any test dates announced in class. Homework will be assigned regularly. Students are expected to complete all assignments. Not all homework will be collected but I will answer questions regarding the assignments at the beginning of each class. I will also have students go to the board frequently to present problems. Certain problems will be collected and graded - those problems will be announced in class. The time and care spent on the homework problems usually determines how a student performs in this course. Linear algebra cannot be learned without working through numerous homework problems. You are free to work in groups on the homework problems which are not graded. In fact, study groups for courses such as this will be beneficial for most students. However, you must work on your own for the problems to be turned in and graded. You may discuss homework problems with me prior to turning them in.
Technology: Software packages will be used for this course. These packages may include Linear (by Dr. Don Spickler), Maple and Mathematica. It is only assumed that you are familiar at this point with Maple. I will give instruction during class on how to use Linear.
Tests and Quizzes: There will be three tests and a final exam. No make-up tests will be given. If you have an acceptable excuse for missing a test your final exam grade will be substituted for the missed test grade. An unacceptable excuse will result in a grade of zero for the missed test. The quizzes and homework will be given regularly. The quizzes will be in class. Your two lowest quiz grades and your two lowest homework grades will be dropped.
Grading: All tests, quizzes, and homework will be graded on the work shown, not just the final answer. The final exam will count 25%, the three tests will count 12.5% each, your quiz average will count 17.5%, and your homework grade will count 20%. 90% guarantees an A, 80% a B, 70% a C, and 60% a D. If these cutoffs are adjusted downward, it will be done at the end of the semester.
Honor System: You must follow the University Policy on Academic Integrity. You are free to work with others on the (ungraded) homework assignments.