MATH-2660A (CRN 1158) Fall 2021 Course Syllabus

When, where, and who

  • Title: Linear Algebra
  • Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 2:10am – 3:25pm
  • Room: 318 Goodwyn Hall
  • Instructor: Dr. Tianran Chen
  • Email: tchen1@aum.edu
  • Course page: http://www.tianranchen.org/teaching/linalg/
  • Office: 310A Goodwyn Hall
  • Office hour:
    • Mon, Wed, Tue, Thu: 3:15pm – 4:30pm
    • …and by appointment

What we will learn

Linear algebra is the fundamental language for manipulating high-dimensional data. It is also the gateway to higher level mathematics. In this semester, we will cover…

  • Theory of systems of linear equations
  • Vector space operations
  • Matrix operations
  • Matrix determinant
  • Gaussian elimination and LU decomposition
  • Linear transformations
  • Eigenvalue and eigenvectors
  • (Optional) Inner product space
  • (Optional) Singular values

Prerequisite

MATH-1620 (Calculus II) or an equivalent course

In order to succeed in this class, a solid understanding of pre-calculus algebra and basic calculus is necessary. The ability to write formal proofs is also required.

Textbook and lecture notes

The required textbook is: Linear Algebra and Its Applications by David C. Lay, Steven R. Lay, and Judi J. McDonald (ISBN 978-0-13-427919-0)

The following textbooks are recommended (but not required) supplemental textbooks.

  • Linear algebra by Jim Hefferon (ISBN 978-1944325039) Free PDF version is available.
  • (For advanced students) Linear Algebra Done Right by Sheldon Axler (ISBN 978-3-319-30765-7)

In addition, supplemental lecture notes can be found on our course page.

Attendance

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

Code of conduct

Please be respectful of other people in the classroom or in virtual meetings and use common sense. In particular, please…

  • DO NOT use cell phones
  • DO NOT use social media
  • DO NOT play video games
  • DO NOT take photos 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 can be helpful in doing homework problems. According to AUM Mathematics Department Calculator Policy, students are required to have a graphing calculator (TI-84 is recommended). The use of such calculators may be required for certain homework problems or in-class activities. However, all in-class quizzes and exams are designed so that no calculator will be needed.

Graded components

Reading tests

Carefully reading relevant sections of the textbook (or supplemental lecture notes) before each class meeting is an important component of your learning process.

After reading the textbook and/or lecture notes, you need to complete a short reading test through the Blackboard system. No late submission will be accepted unless valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency, etc) and proper documentation are provided, preferably in advance. Otherwise, a missing reading test receives a score of zero. It is recommended that you finish each reading test at least a few days before the due date.

Please note that, in general, you will be asked to read textbook sections and/or lecture notes before we discuss them in class.

Concept tests

You will complete short online tests called “concept tests” on the Blackboard system that are designed to test your overall understanding of the subject. Please see the “concept tests” folder on the Blackboard system for detail. All concepts tests are due on the last day of classes, and no late submission will be accepted. However, it is strongly recommended that you complete them as early as possible.

Worksheets

Working on concrete computational problems is an important component of your learning process. You will be given exercise problems to work on at the end of each lecture. These exercise worksheets will be collected, and they will graded mostly based on effort (rather than correctness).

Homework assignments

Homework assignments can be found on the Blackboard system. All homework assignment are open-book & open-internet assignments. However, you must complete the assignment independently. Late submission will receive lower scores unless valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency, etc) and proper documentation are provided, preferably in advance.

Quizzes

You will be expected to complete short quizzes during class meetings. These quizzes will form a major component of your course grade. No makeup quiz will be offered unless valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency, etc) and proper documentation are provided (ideally in advance).

Final exam

The final exam is scheduled to take place on 12/02 at 1:30pm–3:00pm. It constitutes a major part of your course grade.

Grade composition

Your final grade is determined according to your overall performance of quizzes, the in-class worksheets, projects, and the final exam, and is calculated according to the following weights.

Component Percentage Where/how
Homework 20% Blackboard
Reading tests 20% Blackboard
Concept tests 15% Blackboard
Worksheets 5% In person
Quizzes 30% In person
Final exam 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