FALL 2007

COURSE INFORMATION

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. K. Spackman

OFFICE: Hoggard Hall 105

PHONE: 962-3303

WEB ADDRESS: http://people.uncw.edu/spackmank

(Right now you can access this course information sheet and the Web site associated with our textbook; later, additional course materials and links will be added.)

OFFICE HOURS: MWF 10:00-10:45 or by appointment.

(Actually, I’m available nearly all the time. Check with me after class, by phone or e-mail, and we’ll set up a mutually convenient time to meet.)

CLASS MEETINGS: MW 11:00-11:50 in BR 161 and F 11:00-11:50 in BR 106

TEXT: Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 3^rd ed. Update,

David C. Lay, 2006

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The goal of the course is to help you master the fundamental concepts of matrices, linear transformations and vector spaces, and some of their interesting applications. There are five specific learning objectives for the course:

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

· Perform basic computational procedures fundamental to linear algebra

· Apply linear algebra to solve problems from a variety of disciplines

· Use the computer software MATLAB for numerical calculations in linear algebra

· Demonstrate a good understanding of basic linear algebra concepts and how they are related to each other

· Construct short mathematical proofs of basic principles in linear algebra

COURSE CONTENT: We will cover the following sections of the text: 1.1-1.10, 2.1-2.3, 2.5, 2.8, 2.9, 3.1-3.3, 4.1-4.6, 4.9, 5.1-5.3 and 6.1. Depending on time constraints, we may also cover portions of 6.2-6.6, 7.1 and 7.2. The pace will be approximately one section per class meeting.

COMPUTER USE: We will make use of the mathematical software MATLAB for classroom demonstrations, in-class student work, out-of-class homework, and tests. MATLAB is a software package widely used by scientists, engineers and educators to do numerical computations, visualization and programming. It is specifically designed to do linear algebra; in fact, MATLAB stands for MATrix LABoratory. The purposes of its use are to facilitate understanding of applications, to visualize ideas geometrically, to increase conceptual learning by avoiding tedious computations by hand, to take "hands-on" control of your learning, and to see how mathematics is really done in the modern workplace. MATLAB should not be viewed as something extra you have to learn besides linear algebra; instead, its purpose is to help you understand linear algebra more easily.

TESTS: There will be three in-class tests and a final exam. The in-class tests are tentatively scheduled for Sep. 24, Oct. 26 and Nov. 28; dates will be confirmed at least one week in advance. Ordinarily, no make-up tests will be given. If you foresee that you cannot avoid missing a test, notify me before the missed test. The final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM; it will be comprehensive.

HOMEWORK: Suggested homework will be assigned after each class period. Additional written assignments will be collected approximately weekly, corrected, graded, and returned. Occasional in-class quizzes are possible.

COMPUTER LAB: Some assignments will require use of the computer. One of the computer labs in Bear Hall will be open for student use weekday evenings and on Sundays; an exact schedule will be announced later.

LEARNING ASSISTANCE: The Web site at http://www.laylinalgebra com is specifically designed to accompany our textbook. It contains review sheets, practice tests, applications by chapter, and related links. A user ID and password is supplied with your text to access the site. The CD-ROM supplied with the text contains some of those same features as well as a section-by-section Study Guide.

ATTENDANCE: I expect you to come to class every day. Attending class makes learning linear algebra far easier and less time-consuming for you. Absences are certain to adversely affect your course grade.

GRADING: Your final grade will be determined according to the total number of points you accumulate by adding your three test scores (total possible: 300 points), your combined homework score (total possible: 100 points), and your final exam score (total possible: 200 points). Thus your three in-class tests and your homework score each count one-sixth of your final grade. Your final exam contributes the remaining one-third. The letter-grading scale is determined separately for each test based on test difficulty and score distribution. The letter-grading scale for the homework score is: 90-100, A; 80-89, B; etc. The letter-grading scales of all of the grading components are added to produce the letter-grading scale for translating point totals to final grades.

PLUS/MINUS GRADING: A plus or minus will be used as a possible grade modifier for final grades only, at the end of the semester. Factors that influence the judgment to assign a + or - (or neither) are: performance on the final exam, consistency of performance throughout the semester, proximity to a grade borderline, class participation and effort.

INCOMPLETES: A grade of I (incomplete) is given only if documented circumstances beyond the student's control (e.g., medical, legal) render the student unable to complete the course work and only if there is a reasonable possibility of passing the course. The grade I is not given for simply failing to meet the course requirements.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Collaboration and discussion is encouraged on "suggested homework" problems. Homework assigned to be handed in must be done individually; that work must be your own. All tests are to be done without collaboration and without the aid of books or notes. Calculators of any type are permitted and portions of the tests will require individual use of the computer. The Academic Honor Code (see the UNCW Code of Student Life) applies at all times, and rests on this principle: “It is … this institution’s stated policy that no form of dishonesty among its faculty or students will be tolerated.” All students are expected to read and abide by the Academic Honor Code.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation in this course, you should inform the instructor of this fact in writing within the first week of class or as soon as possible. If you have not already done so, you must register with the Office of Disability Services in Westside Hall (extension 3746) and obtain a copy of your Accommodation Letter. You should then meet with your instructor to make mutually agreeable arrangements based on the recommendations of the Accommodation Letter.

CELL PHONES: Please place cell phones and pagers on silent mode during class.

CAMPUS SAFETY: If you, or someone you know, ever feel unsafe for any reason, go to this Web site for campus and community resources available to help: http://www.uncw.edu/safe%2Drelate/
UNCW practices a zero-tolerance policy for violence and harassment of any kind. For emergencies contact UNCW CARE at 962-2273, Campus Police at 962-3184, or Wilmington Police at 911. For additional University or community resources visit http://uncw.edu/wrc/crisis.htm.

IMPORTANT DATES: Wed., Aug. 29 Last day to drop without a grade.

Wed., Oct. 10 Last day to withdraw with a W.

Wed., Dec. 12 Final Exam.