MATH-3660 (CRN 20542) Spring 2024 Course Syllabus

What, when, where, and who

  • Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00pm--3:15pm
  • Room: 318 Goodwyn Hall
  • Instructor: Dr. Tianran Chen
  • Email: tchen1@aum.edu
  • Course page
  • Instructor's office
    • Office: 310A Goodwyn Hall
    • Office hour:
      • Mon, Wed, Tue, Thu: 3:15pm – 4:30pm
      • …and by appointment

What we will learn

This is an introductory course on linear algebra and the theory of systems of linear equations with a strong emphasis on its computational aspect as well as their real-world applications. This will be a project-based course that emphasize on hands-on experiences. In this semester, we will cover…

  • Algebraic operations involving vectors
  • Vectors as representation of high-dimensional data points
  • Linear independence
  • Subspaces
    • Basis
    • Dimension
  • Inner product spaces
  • Linear functions
    • Linearization of nonlinear functions
    • Regression models
  • Matrices as representations of linear functions
  • Algebraic operations involving matrices
  • Matrices from applications
    • Geometric transformations
    • Incident matrices
    • Convolution
  • Rank of matrices
  • Inverse matrices
  • Orthogonal group and special orthogonal group
  • (Optional) Pseudo-inverse
  • Systems of linear equations
  • Least squares problem
  • Matrix decomposition/factorization
    • QR decomposition
    • Eigenvalue decomposition
    • Positive definite matrices
    • (Optional) SVD
    • (Optional) Cholesky decomposition
    • (Optional) Jordan canonical form
    • (Optional) Condition numbers
  • Infinite dimensional vector space
  • (Optional) Linear algebra in differential equations

Topics marked as “optional” will not be discussed in detail in class, but you will be invited to explore these topics in projects/assignments. Additionally, we will examine various real-world applications related to the tools and concepts covered this semester.

Textbook and lecture notes

  • [Required] Linear Algebra for Everyone by Gilbert Strang, ISBN: 978-1-7331466-3-0
  • [Optional] Applied Linear Algebra: The Decoupling Principle (2nd Edition) by Lorenzo Sadun, ISBN: 9780821844410
  • Additional lecture notes and supplemental materials can be found on our course page.

Kindly remember, the instructor won’t be reading the textbook to you. It is essential for you to undertake this responsibility.

Attendance

Participation in in-class discussions is an important part of your learning process. Therefore, your attendance is expected.

Code of conduct

Please show respect for others in the classroom and use common sense. Specifically, please…

  • DO NOT use cell phones
  • DO NOT use social media
  • DO NOT play video games
  • DO NOT take photos without permission
  • DO NOT record lectures without permission
  • DO NOT sleep

Students who violate these rules will be asked to leave the meeting and will not be allowed to return until they have spoken privately with me.

Policy for calculators and smart devices

Scientific calculators or equivalent software programs may be helpful in doing homework problems. However, all in-class quizzes and exams are designed so that no calculator will be needed.

Graded components

Your course grade will be determined by combining the scores you earn in various components. Some components will be completed during class meetings (in-class), while others will be done through our online learning system (Blackboard).

Please ensure that you are familiar with and have access to our online learning system. Additionally, note that you will not receive reminders from the instructor regarding assignment and test deadlines. It is your responsibility to keep track of this information using the “Calendar” feature in the online learning system.

In-class “continuous assessment” worksheets

In-class practice is a crucial component of the learning process. You will receive weekly assessment tests, which will be recorded and contribute to your grade. However, the tests themselves are not graded. (That is, you earn points just by taking them regardless how well you do in them)

In-class quizzes

There will be a weekly in-class quiz to test our understanding of the material covered in previous meetings. If you miss a quiz, you can make it up at the end of the semester with valid reasons (such as military assignments, medical issues, or family emergencies) and proper documentation provided in advance. Otherwise, a missed quiz will receive a score of zero.

Weekly surveys

Weekly surveys are brief questionnaires designed to evaluate your progress. Completing these surveys will earn you points that contribute to your overall grades. There will be no make-up surveys. However, a missed survey may be replaced by additional surveys offered at the end of the semester.

Projects

Projects are complex real-world problems that help you gain a deeper understanding of the material covered in class.

Final exam

The final exam is scheduled to take place on April 25 at 1:30pm. It constitutes a major part of your course grade. Alternatively, you may choose to complete an additional final project (instead of a timed final exam).

Grade composition

Your final grade is determined according to your overall performance in the following graded components:

Component Weight Where/how
Assessment worksheets 26% In-class
Quizzes 26% In-class
In-class participation 4% In-class
Surveys 14% In-class
Projects 20% Blackboard
Final exam/project 10% In person

Letter grade conversion scale

  • A : 90% - 100%
  • B+: 87% - 89.9%
  • B : 80% - 86.9%
  • C+: 77% - 79.9%
  • C : 70% - 76.9%
  • D+: 67% - 69.9%
  • D : 60% - 66.9%
  • F : below 60%

Other policies

AUM COVID-19 updates. Please follow guidelines detailed in the AUM pandemic plan relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technology equipment expectation. Access to computers and stable Internet connection are expected. Students who do not have their own equipment can use AUM open labs including labs found in the first floor of the Taylor center and the second floor of the library.

Syllabus contingency plan. Should the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Governor, or Chancellor determine the university discontinue face-to-face (in-person) instruction in the interest of safety, this course would be converted to a virtual-only format. If normal class and/or lab activities are disrupted due to illness, emergency, or crisis situation (such as a COVID-19 outbreak), the syllabus and other course plans and assignments may be modified to allow completion of the course. If this occurs, an addendum to the syllabus and/or course assignments will replace the original materials.

In case the instructor cannot attend due to COVID-related matter, a back-up instructor will be arranged by the Department of Mathematics.

Academic dishonesty. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. In particular, you cannot copy (totally or partially) someone else’s solutions or allow someone else to copy your solutions on quizzes or exams. If you do, you will receive an “F” in the course. Please consult Student Handbook for additional guidelines.

Disability accommodations. Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting during office hours to discuss your accommodations. If you have a conflict with my office hours, an alternate time can be arranged. To set up this meeting, please contact me by e-mail. If you have not registered for accommodation services through the Center for Disability Services (CDS), but need accommodations, make an appointment with CDS, 147 Taylor Center, or call 334-244-3631 or e-mail CDS at cds@aum.edu

Academic support. Student Success Advising in the WASC can be scheduled through Advisor Trac, email at wasc@aum.edu, or by calling our front desk at 334.244.3230. ISL: Tutoring appointments can be scheduled online by filling out the form at http://www.aum.edu/tutoringapp.

Student privacy policy. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (FERPA) requires institutions receiving federal monies to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. For details go to the AUM’s FERPA website: http://www.aum.edu/academics/Registrars-office

This syllabus is subject to change

This syllabus is subject to change based on the needs of the class. The instructor reserves the right to adjust the policies and schedule outlined in this course syllabus. All changes will be clearly communicated to the students in class.