MAT 211 Introduction to Linear Algebra, Spring 2016

-- This course will focus mainly on computations (rather than on mathematical proofs). Some of the topics we will cover are: vectors in n-space; matrices and the algebra of matrices; abstract vector spaces and subspaces; linear transformations and operators – and their kernels and images; basis for a vector space and dimension; eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization of linear operators.

General Information

• Download Course syllabus HERE

• Class schedule: TTh 4:00PM-5:20PM, Spring 2016, Library W4525,

• Textbook: Otto Bretscher, Linear Algebra with Applications, 5th Ed., Pearson Prentice Hall

• A textbook is REQUIRED.

• All instructors of MAT 211 will assign homework problems from even numbered problems of your text. But sometimes as a hint for the harder problems, we will tell you "this problem is similar to problem x (which is odd numbered)". In addition, odd numbered problems could serve as extra practice for you to work on and you may check your solutions with the solutions manual.

  • Reading: The textbook is intended to be read, although it may be a little hard to understand at times. Read the assigned sections after the material was discussed in class. Furthermore, the lectures will not always be able to cover all of the material for which you will be responsible so the text will be helpful.

• Office Hour: Tuesday 11AM - 12:30PM

• Grader : Sun Yuhan: sun (dot) yuhan (at) stonybrook (dot) edu

• Math Learning Center: Math Learning Center, in Math Tower S-240A, is there for you to get help

• Calculators: You may find using a graphing calculator helpful.

• Some of the HW problems will require technology for their solution but no quiz or test questions will require the calculator. Also the following apps will be useful, again for HW and class but not on exams:

• o Wolfram “Linear Algebra Course Assistant”.

• o Quick Graph or equivalent. Quick Graph has a free version.

• o Note: None of these are required but are a big help

Grades, Homeworks and Exams

• Grading Policy

  • • Homework = 15%

    • Midterm Exam 1 = 25%

    • Midterm Exam 2 = 25%

    • Final Exam = 35%

    • Your final letter grade will be curved following the performance of the whole class.

• • Homeworks

  • Please find each set of homework under "Homework Problems and Course Progress"

  • Homework will be assigned every Sunday and collected the following Tuesday (after the weekend) in class.

  • Homework counts 15% of your total scores.

  • No late homework will be accepted.

• Exams

• There will be two in class Midterms, and the ever-popular Final Exam which is a common exam given to all students in the course. The dates and times are listed below; the location for the final will be announced in lecture. Success on the exams will require correct and efficient solutions to the more difficult of the homework problems.

• • Make sure that you can attend the exams at the scheduled times.

  • Make-ups will NOT be given.

  • If one midterm exam is missed because of a serious (documented) illness or emergency, the semester grade will be determined based on the balance of the work in the course.

  • Exam Arrangements

Homework Problems and Course Progress

Homework: Homework comes in two flavors. Both will be posted below each week, usually on a Tuesday after class and will be due on Tuesday the following week in class.

• (H) Practice Problems: These are not to be handed but are essential to master the course and similar problems may appear on the Midterm Exams and Final. These are designated H. If you have the Student Solutions Manual, you can find complete solutions to these problems. NOTE: The Manual may solve problems in a different way than we do in class. Either solution is acceptable.

• (T) Problems to hand in: Problems to hand in: These should be done after you’ve mastered the practice problems. These will be designated as T. These will be graded. Late assignments cannot be accepted. Homework that appears to be copied from someone else will receive a grade of 0 and may result in charges of academic dishonesty.

• Please show your steps while doing homework problems.

Communication

• Conduct: The following statement is University policy:

• “Stony Brook University expects students to maintain standards of personal integrity that are in harmony with the educational goals of the institution; to observe national, state, and local laws and University regulations; and to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, and/or inhibits students’ ability to learn.”

• Email:

• Please be sure to use Standard English in writing emails to me, including correct spelling and punctuation. Also use complete sentences. Start the subject line with “MAT 211” then your subject.

• Blackboard: (Abbreviated Bb)

• You are required to use this application throughout the course to access assignments and other material, to view grades, and to check for announcements. (See the box below.) It would be the best if you check the site and your email daily since you are responsible for any updates or other material that are posted. If you need help with Blackboard go the following site: http://it.stonybrook.edu/it-guides/students

Disability Support Services (DSS) Statement

If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services, ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building, room 128, (631) 632-6748. They will determine with you what accommodations, if any, are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential. Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information go to the following website

http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/fire/disabilities

Academic Integrity Statement

Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. Faculty are required to report any suspected instances of academic dishonesty to the Academic Judiciary. Faculty in the Health Sciences Center (School of Health Technology & Management, Nursing, Social Welfare, Dental Medicine) and School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific procedures. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty, please refer to the academic judiciary website at:

http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/academic_integrity/index.html

Critical Incident Management Statement

Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, or inhibits students' ability to learn. Faculty in the HSC Schools and the School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific procedures.