Math 221 Section 02 - Introduction To Linear Algebra - Fall 2009

Note: If I am not in my office during office hours, go check room Wilson 1-136 as the elevator may have been down.

Reminder(s):

General Information

This class meets on M W F from 11:00 - 11:50 in Wilson Hall room 1-139

Textbook: Matrices, Matrix Subspaces, and the EigenValue Problem by John Lund.

Grades for this class will be primarily determined by five exams (one 70, one 80, and two 100 point exams, along with a final worth 150 points). However, there will be an additional 100 "in-class" points coming from quizzes, "pop" quizzes, homework, papers, class participation and class attendance.

I expect all students to Read the Book. I would prefer that you at least glance at the sections I plan on covering prior to class. My lectures are designed to supplement and enforce the most important/difficult topics in each section. You are responsible for all the material in the book, regardless of whether it is covered in class. If I don't mention something in class that appears in the book, don't assume that you won't be tested on that material, rather assume that I believe that you can master that material without additional help from me! If you have a question regarding something that I did not mention, and whether or not you should know it, you can always ask! Reading ahead, not only, will it give you a jump start on the learning process for this material but it will give you a better ability to focus during class, the ability to ask questions on material you may have as I am covering it and, hopefully, a better understanding of my lecture.

Important Links for Math 221

Homework & Quizzes

Quizzes and homework will, mainly, come from from problems/examples in your required text or from lecture. However, I may supplement those problems/examples with additional handouts.

If you expect to do well in this class you must keep up with the assigned(and unassigned) problems. Part of the homework for every section is to read through the relevant material in the book. I recommend that before you attempt the homework problems you read through and pick out the main ideas, make sense of the things that at first glance made no sense, and only then attempt the homework problems. When doing the homework problems strive to not look back through the book except as a last resort, and don't fool yourself into thinking you understand the material if the only way that you can do the problem is to mimic a similar example problem (or even worse doing the problem with constant references to a solutions guide). If you find yourself in this situation make sure to come and get some help!

Make-Up Policy

You are required to take all 5 exams on time. There will be no make-ups unless you have previously discussed your legitimate absence with me.

Make-up quizzes will be given if and only if there is a legitimate reason for missing class. There will be no possiblity of make-up "pop" quizzes. Late homework will not be allowed either, unless previously disussed. You can always hand stuff in early.

If for some reason you happen to miss something, it never hurts to ask!

Grading (By Percentage)

Course Average Grade:
100-94% A
93.9-90% A-
89.9-87% B+
86.9-80% B
79.9-77% C+
76.9-70% C
69.9-60% D
59.9-0% F

Quizzes and Keys (if available):


Exams and Keys(if available):

Homework Assignments(Possible collection/due date):


Additional Handouts: