MATH 3191:  Applied Linear Algebra, (Sec. 002)  -- Syllabus (Fall 2005)

Tues/Thurs, 5:30-6:45,  Science Bldg., Room 222.  

web site:  www-math.cudenver.edu/~billups/courses/3191_F05.html

Prerequisites:  Math 2411 (Calculus II)
Textbook:  D. C. Lay, Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 3rd edition.  Addison Wesley, 2003. 
                
Instructor:  Stephen C. Billups
Office:  CU-Denver Bldg., Rm. 607, (303) 556-4814
Office Hours: TR 3-4,  (or by appointment)
 Stephen.Billups@cudenver.edu
www-math.cudenver.edu/~billups/
Overview:  Linear Algebra is one of the most valuable mathematics course many of you will ever take.  In this course, you will learn computational techniques that are essential tools for mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers, economists, and scientists.  But more importantly you will learn important concepts that are fundamental to advanced study in a wide range of fields.  Major topics of the course include solving systems of equations, matrix algebra, determinants, vectors spaces, linear transformations, and applications.

Grading:   Grades will be weighted as follows:

Homework: 20%
Quizzes:  10%
Exam 1: 10%
Exam 2: 15%
Final Exam:  20%
Projects: 25%

Your final grade will be determined according to the standard 10 pt scale, with the top and bottom 3% receiving a plus or minus.  E.g., 93-100=A, 0-92.9=A-, 87-89.9=B+, etc.

Expect to spend 5-8 hours per week outside of class. If you routinely spend more than 8 hours per week, please let me know!!

Homework:  Homework will be assigned weekly, and will be due at the beginning of class on the specified due date.  I will select several problems from each homework set to grade, and you will get additional points for attempting every problem. Please be neat, and write-up your solutions clearly. I will mark off for messy work and poor writing.  NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Quizzes:  There will be a short (10-15 minute) quiz at the beginning of class each Tuesday.  Each week, a study guide will be posted on the course web-site to aid you in preparing for this quiz. The study guide will be divided into "Essential Material", "B-level" and "A-level Material". The essential material represents the minimum requirements for the class.  The "B-level" and "A-level" material indicate what you need to learn if you want to get a "B" or and "A" in the course. (Note: The "A"-level material will include material that will not be covered in lectures). At the end of the course, your quiz grade will be determined by dropping your worst grade, and then averaging the remaining quizzes.

Projects:   There will be 3 or 4 projects throughout the semester, which will involve using MATLAB.   Late projects will be accepted up until the beginning of the next scheduled class meeting, but will be assessed a 20% penalty.

Midterm and Final:  There will be two in-class midterm exams and an in-class final.  There will be no make-up exams. If you miss a test for any reason, the weight of that exam will be added to the final. Rescheduling of the final is extremely rare and will only be permitted in very unusual circumstances. Please plan accordingly.    Also, if your final exam score is higher than one or both of your midterm scores, the midterm score(s) will be replaced by the final exam score.  (But, be aware that the final exam will be harder than the midterms--it is rare for students to do significantly better on the final).

Incompletes:   Incompletes may be given only in situations in which you have been in good standing all semester and are unable to finish the required course work for reasons that are beyond your control.

Cheating:   Cheating of any kind will result in a course grade of F and possible expulsion from the University. So don't do it.

Computers:   We will make use MATLAB for this course.  This software is available in the MERC lab (Science Bldg., Room 130).

Important Dates:
Tues. Sept. 27:  Exam 1.
Tues. Nov. 1:     Exam 2.
Tues. or Thurs., Dec. 13th or 15th (TBD):  Final Exam (Reserve both dates)
 

Fall 2005 Registration and Academic Deadlines

CLAS students must always have an accurate mailing and e-mail address.
Students are responsible for completing financial arrangements with financial aid, family, scholarships, etc.

15 Aug. (5:00 pm)   Payment plan deadline for students registering by 22 July 2005.   Students who have
    not applied for financial aid are administratively disenrolled for
    non-payment.
25 Aug.   Last day to be added to the wait-list for a closed course.
29 Aug. – 7 Sept.   Students are responsible for verifying an accurate Fall 2005 registration via SMART.
  1 Sept. (midnight)  Last day to add courses via the web SMART system.
  7 Sept. (5:00 pm)  Last day to add 16-week structured courses without a written petition for a late add.
     The 7 Sept. deadline does not apply to independent study, internships, and late-starting modular courses.
  7 Sept. (5:00 pm)  Last day to drop a Fall 2005 course for tuition refund and no transcript notation.
  7 Sept. (5:00 pm)  Last day for undergraduates and graduates to apply for December, 2005 graduation.
16 Sept. (5:00 pm)  Last day for CLAS students to add a Fall 2005 course.   Treated as an absolute deadline.
31 Oct. (5:00 pm)  Last day to drop a Fall 2005 course without college approval.
11 Nov. (5:00 pm)   Last day for CLAS students to drop a Fall 2005 course.   Treated as an absolute deadline.
 
       Consult the Academic Calendar for details of other dates and deadlines:  http://www.cudenver.edu/registrar