Course Information
Linear Algebra, Math 230--Section 2
Fall, 2000

Professor:  Dr. Cathy Kriloff    Office: Garrison 720                       Office Phone: 282-3093
E-mail: krilcath@isu.edu         Web Page: www.isu.edu/~krilcath

Office Hours: M, W 10:30am-12:00pm, T 10:00-10:45am, and by appointment or e-mail.

Objectives: The first goal of this course is for you to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and techniques in Linear Algebra. A second important goal is that you learn some problem-solving and analytical skills that will allow you to apply these techniques to new problems and situations, both within mathematics and in other fields.

Prerequisites: The official prerequisite for this course is College Algebra, but much more important will be the ability to develop some "mathematical maturity" in the form of comfort with abstract mathematical concepts and proofs.  It will also prove highly valuable to be able to quickly and accurately perform arithmetic and algebraic operations.

Materials: The text is Linear Algebra and its Applications, by Lay, 2nd edition, Update preferred but not required, parts of chapters 1-3, 5, 6.  We may also occasionally use the computer as a tool to demonstrate ideas, experiment with examples, perform complicated calculations, and check work.

Format and Evaluation: Time in class will be spent exploring the material through lectures, group and individual work, and discussions. Homework will be assigned and collected.  Since your lowest homework grade will be dropped, I will accept no late homework.

The two exam dates below are somewhat tentative, the final date is firm, so please mark it down now.
 

Overall percentages of 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% will guarantee the letter grades A, B, C, D.

Philosophy: I believe that all of you can succeed and that hard work counts for a great deal.  I expect you to attend each class session and to be responsible for material covered in any sessions you are forced to miss.  Studying together and discussing problems are encouraged, after you have worked hard yourself to understand the material or solve a problem, since this can be a very effective and rewarding way to learn mathematics.  However, you should write up homework on your own in order to guarantee your own understanding of the material.  Sharing or obtaining complete solutions is not allowed.

Accommodations: If you have a diagnosed disability or believe you have a disability that may require reasonable accommodation on the part of ISU, please call 282-3599 to make an appointment with Robert Campbell, Director, ADA and Disabilities Resource Center.

Expectations: For some of you the following points may be obvious or second nature, but I believe it will be useful for all of us to be consciously aware of them.

In this class you will be expected to be largely responsible for your own learning.

You should strive to learn actively, both within and outside of class, by

• attending every class session;
• participating in group work and lectures during class;
• taking thorough notes;
• formulating questions;
• recording and asking questions on material and problems you do not understand;
• working at least 2-3 hours (on average) outside of class for every hour in class;
• learning from mistakes of your own and others (including me);
• being organized, clear, and accurate;
• developing efficient and effective study, work, and problem-solving skills;
• learning to read the textbook effectively, which may involve rereading maybe many times;
• reading the material for the first time before the class in which it will be covered;
• seeking out additional resources for help on material or additional skills;
• taking responsibility for learning material not explicitly covered in class, or which you did not understand or missed.

I plan to be prepared, patient, available, approachable, and fair.

I look forward to a successful and rewarding semester of learning together.