Course Format

Math 0520 is a fully online course in Canvas that will run mostly asynchronously, i.e., at your own pace. The course is broken up into weekly modules and you'll work your way through a variety of different activities each week including:

• video lectures with accompanying course notes;

• practice problems assigned in MyLab Math;

• written problem sets turned in via GradeScope;

• engaging in Q&A sessions in Piazza;

• small-group conference sections with your peers;

• critically reflecting on your learning.

We anticipate that you will need to spend 10-12 hours each week working through these various activities in order to support the learning goals we have set.

Since this course is mostly asynchronous, it's important that you manage your time appropriately in order to meet deadlines. We'll provide you some examples of weekly study structures that you may wish to adopt, but you're welcome to create your own.

The work that you put into Math 0520 contributes to your overall course grade, which will be used to ultimately assign you a letter grade. Your overall course grade in Math 0520 will be calculated according to the following breakdown:

• 10% MyLab Math assignments (7 or 8 total);

• 10% conference sections (7 or 8 total);

• 10% reflections and check-ins (weekly);

• 20% standard problem sets (7 or 8 total);

• 30% capstone problem sets (3 total);

• 20% final exam.

There are a variety of factors that go into the translation of your overall course grade into a letter grade. I commit to honouring the following minimum cut-offs:

• a grade of 90% or higher is guaranteed an A;

• a grade of 80% or higher is guaranteed a B;

• a grade of 65% or higher is guaranteed a C.

For students taking Math 0520 S/NC, a minimum grade of 65% is required to guarantee a grade of S.

You'll receive feedback in many different ways throughout the course:

• feedback in MyLab is supplied instantaneously;

• you'll give/recieve feedback to/from your peers in conference sections;

• written feedback will be given to you on your problems sets from myself and my teaching team;

• the reflections you'll complete throughout the course will give you valuable introspective feedback.

It is important that you use all of these forms of feedback to identify any learning difficulties and seek out help if needed.

We have implemented a number of different ways to faciliate communication between you and the teaching team, as well as between you and your classmates:

• the main course hub is Canvas; this is where the notes, videos, and assignments will be shared;

• course announcements will be posted to Canvas;

• Piazza will be used for course Q&A;

• discussion sections will take place in Canvas and/or Zoom;

• myself and the teaching team are available to message via Canvas, Piazza, slate, or email.

You will need to purchase an access code to MyLab Math to participate in this course; you can purchase this access code through the Brown bookstore for $75.60. This access code includes an interactive e-book version of "Linear Algebra and its Applicattions" by Lay, Lay, and McDonald, in the sixth edition; this is the textbook we will be using for Math 0520. In addition to the e-book, the access code gives you access to online homework assignments and self-assessment tools to help you study.

More details about MyLab Math will be included in the orientation module for Math 0520. System requirements for MyLab Math are located here.

I strive to create a learning experience that is accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our diverse community of learners. If you anticipate that you may encounter issues related to the format, materials, or requirements of the course, please meet with me to explore our options. I am happy to consider creative solutions as long as they do not compromise the objective of the assessment or learning activity.

Students may also wish to work with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to discuss a range of options to remove barriers in this course, including official accommodations; they may be contacted via email—SEAS@brown.edu—or phone—401-863-9588. If you have already been approved for accommodations through SEAS, please meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.