Syllabus - Linear Algebra - Fall 2024
MATH 544 - 001
General Information
- Course webpage
- https://duncan.math.sc.edu/f24/math544
Instructor
- Name
- Alexander Duncan
- duncan@math.sc.edu
- Office
- Leconte 448
- Office Hours
-
Monday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Meeting Times
- Lecture
- Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 AM-9:45 AM
Close-Hipp 303
Bulletin Information
- Description
- Vectors, vector spaces, and subspaces; geometry of finite dimensional Euclidean space; linear transformations; eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Throughout there will be an emphasis on theoretical concepts, logic, and methods.
- Prerequisites
- C or better in MATH 241 and MATH 300
- W Deadline
- August 26
- WF Deadline
- November 6
Textbook
Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 6th edition by Lay, Lay and McDonald.
Learning outcomes
After successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- manipulate linear systems using matrix algebra
- apply the theory of abstract vector spaces
- solve problems using eigenvalue decompositions
Assessment
Your raw numerical grade will be computed as follows:
| Assignments | 40% |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Midterm Exams | 10% × 3 = 30% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
You are guaranteed, at least, the letter grade indicated by the following table:
| A | B+ | B | C+ | C | D+ | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 85 | 80 | 75 | 70 | 65 | 60 |
The table may be revised later (to your benefit) at the instructor's discretion.
Assignments
There will be roughly weekly assignments which will be due at the beginning of class. Please use only US Letter paper, write neatly, and leave adequate room for comments. Don't hand in your first draft. Assignments will be posted on the course website. You are responsible for checking regularly for announcements and new assignments. You are encouraged to work together on assignments, but you must write up your own solutions.
Unless explicitly told not to do so, you may use any resource you'd like for assignments (e.g., computer algebra systems, the textbook, your classmates, online videos, or the instructor). However, you must write up your assignment on your own using your own words and list any resources used to do the assignment. Failure to abide by these guidelines will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Reading the textbook and doing the assignments is necessary, but not sufficient, to succeed in this course! Also, relying too much on external resources will negatively impact your performance on the exams.
Quizzes
There will be regular in-class quizzes roughly every week. The quizzes will be very computational and are designed to ensure you are fluent with the basic algorithms of linear algebra. Dates for the quizzes in the lecture schedule are tentative. No notes, books, computers, phones, calculators or other aids are allowed.
Exams
There are three midterm exams and a final exam. The midterm exams will take place instead of lecture, while the final exam is scheduled by the university registrar. No notes, books, computers, phones, calculators or other aids are allowed.
| Midterm Exam 1 | September 12, during class |
|---|---|
| Midterm Exam 2 | October 10, during class |
| Midterm Exam 3 | November 14, during class |
| Final Exam | December 12, 9:00 AM |
Course Policies
Attendance and Missed Work
No attendance policy will be enforced. However, it is not reasonable to expect to learn the material without regularly attending classes. Students are solely responsible for material or announcements missed due to missing classes without a documented excuse.
Make-up exams or quizzes may only be granted for documented excuses as listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin. In the case of a religious holiday or participation in a university-authorized activity, please notify the instructor within the first two weeks of class. The Undergraduate Student Ombuds may review appropriate documentation for absences due to medical conditions or illness, death or severe illness of an immediate/dependent family member, military duty, or legal obligation.
Academic Integrity
You are expected to practice the highest possible standards of academic integrity. Any deviation from this expectation will result in a minimum academic penalty of a zero in the relevant assessment, and may result in additional disciplinary measures.
Other Resources
Student Success Center
The Student Success Center offers free programs and initiatives for students.
Office of Student Disability Services
Any student with a documented disability should contact the Student Disability Resource Center to make arrangements for appropriate accommodations.