Linear Algebra

Math 304 - Spring 2000

Instructor: Dr. Francis J. Narcowich: Office: 302 Milner Hall; E-mail: fnarc@math.tamu.edu; Phone: 845-7369; URL: /~francis.narcowich/; Office Hours:TR 2-3 pm, W 8:45-10 am, and by appointment

Catalogue Description: Linear Algebra. (3-0). Credit 3. I, II S. Introductory course in linear algebra covering abstract ideas of vector space and linear transformation as well as models and applications of these concepts, i.e., systems of linear equations, matrices and determinants. Prerequisites: MATH 152

Time & Place: TR 12:25-2:00, BLOC 163.

Required Text: Steven J. Leon, Linear Algebra with Applications, 5th ed., Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1998.
Tests:Test I, Feb. 24. Test II, Apr. 4. Final Examination, Wednesday, May 10, 8-10 am

Syllabus:: Matrices and systems of equations (2 weeks; sections 1.1-1.5); Determinants (1 week; sections 2.1-2.2, and 2.3 - if time permits - ); Vector spaces (3 weeks; section 3.1-3.6); Linear transformations (1.5 weeks; sections 4.1-4.3); Orthogonality (3 weeks; sections 5.1-5.6); Eigenvalues (1.5 weeks; sections 6.1-6.3)

Grading System: Your grade will be based on two in-class tests, quizzes & homework, and a final examination. Each in-class test will count for 25% of your grade, the quizzes & homework for 15%, and the final examination will count for the remaining 35%. Your letter grade will be assigned this way: 90-100%, A; 80-89%, B; 70-79%, C; 60-69%, D; 59% or less, F.

Quizzes & Homework Assignments: I will give a quiz or assign and collect homework about once per week; these will be graded on a fifty-point scale. Your quiz/homework grade for the course will be the percentage of points gotten right. Late homework will be accepted (or excused completely), and missed quizzes excused, only for legitimate reasons.

Make-up Policy: I will give make-ups (or satisfactory equivalents) only in cases authorized under TAMU Regulations. If you miss a test, contact me as soon as possible.

Copying Course Materials: ``All printed hand-outs and web-materials are protected by US Copyright Laws. No multiple copies can be made without written permission by the instructor.''