Introduction to Linear Algebra and Matrices
Spring 2018 | 10:40-11:30 am MWF | 2225 SAS Hall
Suzanne Crifo | Office: LAU 208 | Office Hours: 10-11 am T, 11:30-12:30 am F, and by appointment
Prefer a traditional syllabus? Click here. Note that although there may be small variations in language between the online and traditional syllabus, none of these variations will have any impact on grading policies.
Class Schedule (tentative) | Resources
Course Text: Linear Algebra Done Right, by Sheldon Axler, Springer International Publishing : Imprint: Springer, 2015 ISBN: 9783319110806 - availabile as a free download through NCSU libraries.
We may also use Linear Algebra by Jim Hefferon as a supplement. That link takes you to a page where you can download both the text and solutions.
Course Overview: What is Linear Algebra? Why should I take this course?
Linear Algebra involves the study of systems of linear equations, matrices, vector spaces, and the algebra and manipulation of these concepts. For many students, this is the first introduction into abstract thinking and proof writing. Linear algebra has applications in other areas of mathematics, physics, engineering, economics, and more. One of our goals in this class will be to identify how linear algebra can be used outside of this classroom. This course should help you mature mathematically and give you useful tools which can be applied elsewhere.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the successful student will be able to:
- Use mathematical notation and terminology.
- Understand and describe the fundamental concepts of linear algebra.
- Identify and utilize tools from linear algebra to solve a given problem.
- Apply different proof techniques to formulate and formally present arguments.
Grades: This course uses standard NCSU letter grading. Your final grade will be determined
as follows:
- Participation = 3%
- WeBWorK and Quizzes = 5%
- Semester-Long Project = 10%
- Written Homework = 15%
- Three Term Tests = 45%
- Final Exam = 22%
Participation includes active engagement in class, completion of any Google form check-ins, and cooperation with other students when asked to work in groups. Please note that office hours will not be used to reiterate material covered in class. I appreciate if you come prepared with questions building on what we went over in class. I do not appreciate if you come hoping to learn the material because you were texting in class.
WeBWorK and Quizzes WeBWorK is a free online service. I suggest working through each problem on WeBWorK as if it will be submitted to thoroughly understand the material. WeBWorK can be accessed through the Moodle page. "Pop" quizzes may occur if I find a WeBWorK problem particularly interesting. I'm very bad at keeping secrets, so you'll have a good idea if a "pop" quiz is coming in the next class period. They will not be more than five or ten minutes long.
Semester-Long Project will consist of check-ins and drafts at various stages of the project. The project is designed to help you determine how you can use linear algebra in your own major and/or passion. The checks and updates throughout the semester will factor into the final grade for the project, in addition to a completed summary.
Written Homework will always be announced at least one week before the due date. You should expect to have a written homework assignment due every two weeks. I encourage collaboration among classmates on homework as long as you maintain academic integrity as defined in the NCSU Code of Student Conduct. If you do work with another student on a written homework assignment, please each hand in your own assignment, written in your own words, with the statement "I worked with [student's name]" at the top of the paper.
Three Term Tests will be closed-book, closed-notes. The target dates are Friday, February 2, Friday, March 2, and Friday, April 13. No re-tests will be given. If you miss a test because of an undocumented or unexcused absence, a zero will be entered for that test grade. Students who are unable to take the test at those times (with a documented excuse cannot, not just that you don’t want to) will schedule an alternate time to take the exam.
Final Exam is mandatory, cumulative and will be held in the usual classroom on Monday, May 7, 2018 from 8-11 am.
Corrections to Grading: If you believe an error has been made in grading on a test, write a statement making your case and bring it to me within one week after the test has been returned. I will give partial credit where appropriate. Do not alter the original work!
Test Make-Up Policy: All anticipated absences must be excused in advance of the test date. These include university duties or trips (certified by an appropriate faculty or staff member), required court attendance (certified by the Clerk of Court), or religious observances (certified by the Department of Parent and Family Services 515-2441). Emergency absences must be reported as soon as possible once returning to class and must be appropriately documented (illness by an attending physician or family emergencies by Parent and Family Services). If you are sick on a test day and decide not to come to class, go to the health center or other medical facility. Students who miss a test and have a university-approved excuse must submit appropriate documentation.
Attendance is expected every day as it is critical for the understanding of the material and not attending class serves as its own penalty because this material takes much longer to learn independently. You are responsible for keeping up with missed work so that you do not fall behind.
Add/Drop Regulation: Undergraduate students are expected to complete all courses for which they are enrolled as of census date (the official enrollment date defined as the 10th day of fall and spring terms and the 3rd day of summer terms). Undergraduate course drops after census date will now be considered to be course withdrawals and will result in W grades on the transcript. Undergraduates will be limited to a maximum of 16 hours of course withdrawals after census date and before the drop date March 12, 2018 for their entire undergraduate career at NC State. These course withdrawals will count as attempted hours for course repeat, financial aid satisfactory academic progress, and tuition surcharge calculations.
Students with Disabilities: “Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (REG02.20.1)”
Student Evaluations: Online class evaluations will be available for students to complete during the last three weeks of classes. You will receive an email message directing you to a website where you can login using your Unity ID and complete the evaluation. All evaluations are confidential; instructors will not know how any one student responded to any question, and students will not know the ratings for any instructors. We may also have mid-semester evaluations to determine if instruction should change in any way to meet students’ needs. Completion of these mid-semester evaluations will be considered in the student's participation grade.
Academic Integrity Statement and Academic Dishonesty: Both faculty and students at North Carolina State University have a responsibility to maintain academic integrity. An informational brochure about academic integrity is available from the university and students are encouraged to obtain a copy.
”Academic dishonesty is the giving, taking, or presenting of information or material by a student that unethically or fraudulently aids oneself or another on any work which is to be considered in the determination of a grade or the completion of academic requirements or the enhancement of that student’s record or academic career.” (NCSU Code of Student Conduct)
Scholarly activity is marked by honesty, fairness and rigor. A scholar does not take credit for the work of others, does not take unfair advantage of others, and does not perform acts that frustrate the scholarly efforts of others. The violation of any of these principles is academic dishonesty. Penalties for a violation: For the first violation, you will receive a zero for your work and be put on academic integrity probation for the remainder of your stay at NCSU. The second violation may result in your suspension from NCSU. Both situations will involve the Office of Student Conduct.