Math 304-04 - Spring 2010
Linear Algebra

This part of the page is common to all sections of the course.

News:

• The solutions to all three tests, along with some basic statistics, are now available on the tests page.

The course: This is Linear Algebra (Math 304). There are six sections of the course. All sections will cover the same material, at roughly the same pace. There will be three common midterms and a common final.

Prerequisites: Calculus I (Math 221 or equivalent).

Text: Linear Algebra, 11^th edition, by M. Brin and G. Marchesi.
This book is prepared by the Department of Mathematical Sciences and is only available through local book stores, including the University book store.

Course outline: We will cover most of Chapters 1-6 of the book, as follows:

1. Systems of linear equations.
2. Matrix algebra.
3. The vector spaces Rⁿ.
4. General vector spaces.
5. Linear transformations from V to V.
6. Orthogonality.

Schedule: Here is the weekly schedule.

Tests: The test schedule, a link to the sample tests directory, and statistics on completed tests are on the tests page.

Grading: There will be three tests during the semester, plus a final. You will also have a "section grade", which is determined by your instructor based on performance in your section of the course. Any missing grade will count as 0.

Your course grade will be based on a weighted average of your test, final exam, and section grades. The final will count for 30% of your course grade, and the other four grades (three tests and your section grade) will be equally weighted, so each will count for 17.5% of your course grade.

The weighted average will be based on "normalized scores", which incorporate any "curving" needed to adjust the raw scores. Details will be posted later.

Attendance: If your instructor does not have a specific policy on attendance then he/she may still apply the University's basic attendance policy.

Academic honesty: See the Student Academic Honesty Code. If you cheat on a test then you will be required to sign a Report of academic dishonesty form, which will be forwarded to the chair of the Harpur College Academic Honesty Committee, and you will receive a zero for the test. Cases of repeated or especially serious cheating will be referred to the Harpur College Academic Honesty Committee as a Category II offense.