Math 320 - Linear Algebra -- McGrath

Linear Algebra -- Math 320 -- Spring 2007

Class Meeting Time: MWF 9:05 - 10:00 Serra 311
Instructor: Dr. Lynn McGrath
Office: Serra Hall 159C
Email: lmcgrath@sandiego.edu
Phone: x7955
Office Hours: M 1:30-3:30 ,T 2:30-3:30, W 8:00 - 9:00 and 10:05-11:05 and by appointment ( which must be initiated through an email request).
Text: Linear Algebra with Applications, 3E by Otto Bretscher

Course Content
This course will cover the following topics:
1. Linear Equations- An introduction to the solution of systems of linear equations by Guass-Jordan elimination will be provided. Once the concrete problem is solved, we restate it in terms of matrix formalism, and discuss the geometric properties of the solutions.
2. Linear Transformations - We will reinterpret matrices as linear transformations. We define linear transformations primarily in terms of matrices, since that is how they are used. Rotations and Dilations in R^2 are emphasized.
3. Subspaces of R^n and Their Dimensions - We will cover the central concepts of linear algebra: subspaces, image and kernel, linear independence, bases, coordinates, and dimension, still fixed in R^n.
4. Linear Spaces - We will generalize the ideas we covered in subspaces of R^n and their dimensions.
5. Determinants - Our discussion of determinants is algorithmic. We derive the properties of the determinant and tie it together with Guass-Jordan elimination. In this part of the course we will also think about the determinant in geometric terms.
6. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors - We will discuss linear dynamical systems. We begin with discrete systems, and are led to seek eigenvectors, which characterize the long-term behavior of the system. Qualitative behavior is emphasized, particularly stability conditions.

Earning Points

Homework                           ................................................   15%
Quizzes                            ................................................   10%
Exam 1 (Friday, March 9th)         ................................................   20%
Exam 2 (Friday, April 20th)        ................................................   20%
Final Exam (Wednesday, May 16th - 8-10am)  ........................................   35%

Classroom Participation
Student presentations will be a regular feature of our class. You will be expected to present your solutions to homework or in class problem sets at the board. The class as a whole will then discuss your approach to the problem. When the student presentations are based on an in class problem sets, you will typically work on the problem sets as a group.
Homework
Homework will be assigned at every class meeting and collected during the next class meeting. All work turned in for a grade must be neatly and clearly written up to receive any credit. No late homework will be accepted under any circumstances.
Quizzes
Weekly quizzes will be given on Fridays. You are allowed only one makeup quiz, which must be taken the following Monday.
Exams
There will be 3 exams in the course. The exam dates and times are indicated above.
Cheating
Please be aware of the academic integrity policy of this University. Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses and will be treated seriously. Although I encourage you to study together, unless specifically designated as a group assignment all work you hand in should be your own.
Accommodations
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me during the first two weeks of class. All discussions will remain confidential.