Linear Algebra

A main goal of this course is to introduce you to abstract mathematics. You will learn about the "art of mathematical proof" through linear algebra. Your assignments and exams will be evaluated on your ability to write proofs as well as in your knowledge of linear algebra.

Linear algebra is one of the most powerful mathematical tools used widely throught science and mathematics. In this course you will learn about vector spaces and linear transformations between them. This is one of my favorite subjects and I hope that you will like it too! I hope the following quote will inspire you to participate in this course.

"Mathematics is not for spectators; in order to gain in understanding, confidence, and enthusiasm one has to participate." M.A. Armstrong

Required

• Linear Algebra by Friedberg, Insel, and Spence

Of course, I invite you to visit the mathematics library (located in the second floor of Bradley Hall) and become acquainted with as many linear algebra books as you wish.

Scheduled Lectures

• MWF 8:45 - 9:50, 103 Bradley
• (xhour) Th 9 - 9:50, 103 Bradley
  Note: We will meet during the x-hour.

Professor Rosa Orellana

Office: 305 Bradley Hall Office Hours MWF 10:00-11:00 AM Tues. 11:00-12:00 Thurs. 10-11 By Appointment

Phone: 646 - 2430 or BlitzMail:Rosa.C.Orellana@Dartmouth.EDU (preferred)

I encourage you to come to my office to discuss homework problems (yes, you can come before the homework is due), things that you don't understand in the course, opportunities for an REU (Research Experience for undergraduates) or if you are wondering what course to take next and need a little guidance.

There will be two (probably part in-class and part take-home) exams and a final examination. They will probably be held during the weeks of Oct. 23 and November 20. The exact dates will be announced during class at least one week before the exam.

The Registrar's Office schedules the final exam, which will occur during the period December 6-10. If you must make travel plans before the schedule for final exams appears, do not make plans to leave Hanover before December 10. Exams will not be given early to accommodate travel plans under any circumstances.

Project

There is a project for this class. Click here to find out more about it.

Homework Policy and Guidelines

• Written homework will be assigned daily and will be collected weekly, due at the beginning of Wednesday's class. Homework assigned on M,W,F of one week is due on Wednesday of the following week.

  While homework is collected weekly, it is assigned daily so that you can work on it daily since many of the problems you consider will require reflection. Moreover, lectures assume that you have at least begun to assimilate the ideas presented in the problems. In other words, waiting until the last moment to do your homework will be detrimental to your understanding and measured progress; but of course, the decision is yours.

  You can use books from the library as a resource in doing your homework. If you do this, please write in your homework the citations of the books you have used.

• All homework assignments will be posted on the course assignment's web page.
• Late homework will not be accepted under any circumstance. Since this seems harsh, I will allow you to drop 2 homeworks with lowest scores.
• Unexcused late and missing papers count zero.
• Homework is to be written neatly using one side of 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. Do not use paper from a spiral notebook unless you can tear off the ragged edge. All papers are to be stapled.
• Use English. If you can't read your solutions aloud as fluently as if you were reading your textbook, try using nouns and verbs in your write ups!

If you do not follow this guidelines, your homework will be returned to you ungraded.

The course grade will be based upon the scores on the homework, two exams, participation (this means attending class and office hours as well as asking and responding to questions), the project and the final exam.

Exams (2)	15% (each)
Homework	10%
Project	15%
Participation	5%
Final Exam	40% points

On Exams: No help given or received from anyone. You may not use books or notes during in-class exams. For take-home exams you can use your class notes only.

On Homework: Collaboration is permitted and encouraged, but NO COPYING . In other words, you should feel free to talk to other students while you are in the process of thinking about a problem. However, when it comes time to write up your solutions, you should do this by yourself without outside assistance.

Students with disabilities who will be taking this course and may need disability-related classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment to see their instructor as soon as possible, certainly within the first two weeks of the course. Also, they should stop by the Academic Skills Center in Collis Center to register for support services.

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