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General Course Description
Math 321 is an introductory course in Linear Algebra. The course is designed to teach the concepts and techniques of basic linear algebra as a rigorous mathematical subject. Besides computational proficiency, there is an emphasis on understanding definitions and theorems, as well as reading, understanding, and creating proofs. The main topics of the course include: linear systems, matrices, linear transformations, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, vector spaces, and inner product spaces.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Rubric for Math 321
Textbook (Required)
John B. Fraleigh and Raymond A. Beauregard, Linear Algebra, 3rd Edition (Addison-Wesley, 1995)
Content: We will cover most of the topics in chapters 1 - 6. With the exception of Inner Product Spaces, we will skip all sections marked "Optional". Unless time allows otherwise, we will likely end the course with section 6.3 on Orthagonal Matrices.
Supplementary Text
David C. Lay et al., Linear Algebra and its Applications, 5th Edition (Pearson, 2016)
Homework
Homework problems will come from the required textbook. There will be weekly homework. You can work together on the homework, but you do need to write up your own solutions in your own words. Please write your solutions up neatly and clearly, and please staple the sheets. Only the best ten homework grades will be counted (1 will be dropped) out of 150 points (each assignment is worth 15 points). Please, no late homework.
Exams
First Midterm Exam (100 points)
Sections 1.1 - 1.6
Please review the lecture notes and the problem sets from Homework #1 - 4 carefully.
Notes, books, and calculators are not allowed.
Expect to write a proof on the exam.
Second Midterm Exam (100 Points)
Sections 1.6, 2.1 - 2.3, 3.1 - 3.3
Please review the lecture notes and the problem sets from Homework #5 - 7 carefully.
Notes, books, and calculators are not allowed.
Expect to write a proof on the exam.
Final Exam (150 Points)
The final exam will be cumulative, but the concepts covered after the second exam will be emphasized (Sections 3.4, 4.1 - 4.3, 5.1 - 5.3, and 6.1 - 6.3)
Please review all of the semester's lecture notes along with the problem sets from Homework #8 - 11 carefully.
Notes, books, and calculators are not allowed.
Expect to write a proof on the exam.
Grades
The final grade for the course will be determined by your performance on the homework (30%), two midterms (20% each), and the final exam (30%). Cheating will not be tolerated.
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