Syllabus

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Math 253 - Linear Algebra
Spring 2015
MW 2:25pm - 4:05pm, Post Hall room 207
http://math.adelphi.edu/~bstone/teaching/math253/

Instructor

• Branden Stone
• Science Building, room 411
• bstone@adelphi.edu
• 516-515-0340 (call or text)

Office Hours

• M 2:15pm - 4:15pm
• T 3:15pm - 4:15pm
• W none
• R 3:15pm - 4:15pm
• F none
• or by appointment
• Subscribe to Branden’s Office Hours on Google Calendar

Catalog Description

• Solve linear systems of equations, vector equations, and matrix equations. Investigate properties of linear transformations and vector spaces. Calculate determinants, eigenvectors, and eigenvalues. Analyze geometric data including distance, projections, and equations of surfaces. Apply theory to practical problems such as coding theory, dynamical systems, and curve fitting.

Course Co-Requisite

• Completion of Math 131 or Math 141 Or Permission of Instructor. Grade of C- or better in MTH 131 or MTH 141, and CSC 156.

Materials

• Website. The website for the course is http://math.adelphi.edu/~bstone/teaching/math253/. All homework assignments will be posted on this site as well as solutions to quizzes, exams, and other resources and materials. We will not be using Moodle for this course.

• On-line Homework Utility (WeBWork). We will be using an on-line homework system to handle some of the routine and practice problems. Point your browser of choice to https://webworks.adelphi.edu/webwork2/ and click on “Stone-2015F-Math-253-Linear-Algebra”.

• Text. You can find the textbook on the resources page or via the followingn link: http://math.adelphi.edu/~bstone/teaching/math253/docs/linear-book.pdf. This is a modified version of a text used at UC Davis and will morph throughout the semester. You are welcome to print it out, but keep in mind material in it may change. The online version will be the official version.

• Calculators. You will not need a graphing calculator in this course. However, you should have access to a scientific calculator; no particular model is required. The use of calculators is usually permitted on quizzes and exams. Most smartphones have calculator apps, but the use of phones and other network-enabled devices during quizzes and exams is prohibited.

Assessment

• WeBWorK. Assignments will be assigned on a regular basis through WeBWorK and are expected to be completed on time. There are two different types of WeBWorK assignments that will be assessed in this course.
  
  
  1. Readings. These will consist of 1-3 problems per section. These problems are simple comprehension-based multiple-choice or numerical-answer questions, available through and submitted via WeBWorK. Links to these problems occur throughout the textbook. The reading assignments are due at the beginning of the class in which the topic is to be discussed.
  2. Skill Sets. These consist of about 1-10 computational problems per section. These problems are about standard techniques for dealing with linear systems, matrices, and vectors, and are available through and submitted via WeBWorK. These assignments will be due semiweekly.
     
     
• Idea Sets. These consist of about 1-8 conceptual problems per section. These problems range from simple tests of understanding of the lecture material to more difficult problems involving a substantial amount of thought and hard work, and can be found at the end of each Chapter (in the modified text). These assignments will be collected weekly.
  
  
• Exams. There will be a total of three exams in the course. Each exam will focus on the most recent subject duscussed. The exam dates and times can be found on the course calendar and are subject to change due to the nature of the course.

Grading Rational

The final grade will be determined by your performance on homework and exams. The final grade is weighted as follows:

• • WeBWork	15%
    Ideas Homework	40%
    Exams	45%

Attendance Policy

• There is no component in the grading scheme of this course for attendance. However, you will need to come to class on time in order to get the best possible grade in this class. If you miss a class for a medical reason or other valid excuse, you will be given an opportunity to make up any missing material. But if you cut class without a valid reason, your grade will suffer.

• Only students who are registered for courses, and whose name appears on the Official Class Roster may attend courses at the University. Adelphi students make a commitment to be active participants in their educational program; class attendance is an integral part of this commitment. Students are expected to be present promptly at the beginning of each class period, unless prevented by illness or by other compelling cause. In the event of such absence, students may request that faculty members be notified by the Office of Academic Services and Retention. Students are responsible for completing course work missed through absences. Students should wait a reasonable length of time for an instructor in the event that the instructor is delayed.

Students With Disabilities

• If you have a disability that may impact your ability to carry out assigned course work, and are not enrolled in the Learning Disabilities Program, it is important that you contact the staff in the Disability Support Services Office (DSS), University Center, Room 310, (516) 877-3145. DSS@adelphi.edu. DSS will review your concerns and determine, with you, appropriate and necessary accommodations. All information and documentation of disability is confidential.

Course Learning Goals

• These are my goals for you over the course of the semester. I would also be interested to hear any other goals you have for yourself.
• • • Students will successfully communicate mathematics through reading, writing and speaking.
• • • Students will value peer collaboration and group learning while continuing to maintain a sense of self-motivation and personal understanding.
• • • Students will work to solve difficult problems. Value the process of figuring them out yourself, rather than just searching for “the answer.”
• • • Students will be prepared to continue to in the major and use the tools of linear algebra as they apply to other disciplines.
• • • We will all have FUN learning linear algebra.

Honor Code Statement

• Students enrolled in this course are expected to abide by the Adelphi University Honor Code. The purpose of the Honor Code is to protect the academic integrity of the University by encouraging consistent ethical behavior in assigned coursework by students. Following is excerpted from the Student Honor Code:

• The Code of Academic Honesty
• • The code of academic honesty prohibits behavior, which can broadly be described as lying, cheating, or stealing. Violations of the code of academic honesty will include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Fabricating data or citations 2. Collaborating in areas prohibited by the professor 3. Unauthorized multiple submission of work 4. Sabotage of others’ work, including library vandalism or manipulation 5. Plagiarism: presenting any work as one’s own that is not one’s own 6. The creation of unfair advantage 7. The facilitation of dishonesty 8. Tampering with or falsifying records 9. Cheating on examinations through the use of written materials or giving or receiving help in any form during the exam, including talking, signals, electronic devices, etc.

Student Course Evaluations

• During the last two weeks of the class, you will receive notification, via email and eCampus, that the course evaluation is available for your input electronically. Availability will end at the start of the final examination period. Your feedback is valuable and I encourage you to respond. Please be assured that your responses are anonymous and the results will not be available to the instructor until after the end of the semester and therefore after course grades have been submitted.

General Education Learning Goals & Distribution Requirements

• This course fulfills the Quantitative Learning Goal for General Education at Adelphi University. It also fulfills the Formal Science Distribution requirement.

Classroom Conduct

• Conduct is important in the classroom as it is in the workplace. In Adelphi classes, people are expected to treat others with respect and dignity at all times. Any behavior, which is disruptive to the learning environment, is strictly prohibited. Disruptive behavior may result in action including reduction in the final grade and/or withdrawal from class.

Religious Holidays

• Any student in this course who plans to observe a religious holiday which conflicts in any way with the course schedule or requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss alternative accommodations.