Fall 2009 - Math 304, Section 1 - Linear Algebra - Syllabus

Text: Binghamton University's Math 304 by M. Brin and G. Marchesi

Course Content: This course will cover Chapters 1-6 of the textbook. This includes the following topics: systems of linear equations, matrix algebra, vector spaces, linear transformations, orthogonality.

Prerequisites: Calculus I or instructor approval.

Class Location: LH 005 MWF 8:00am-9:30am

Course web-page: http://www.math.binghamton.edu/vavrichek/math304.html

Section 1 web-page: http://savchuk.myweb.usf.edu/teaching/2009C_math304_linear_algebra/index.html

Grading: Your grade in this course will be based on your grades from 2 midterm exams and the final exam, as well as homework assignments and quizzes. Except in very extreme cases, there will be no make-up quizzes and no late assignments accepted. Your grade will be determined based on the following percentages. However, attendance is required, so you may be penalized for excessive absences.

Midterm I	=	20%
Midterm II	=	25%
Final Exam	=	35%
Daily Grade Scores (homeworks, quizzes, etc.)	=	20%

Exams: There will be two in-class exams. You must bring your Student ID to each exam. Please, refer to the course webpage at
http://www.math.binghamton.edu/vavrichek/math304_tests.html
regarding test dates, rules, policies about time conflicts, illnesses and emergencies. Any appeals for grade changes must be made within 48 hrs of my returning them to the class.

Homework: I will assign the homework weekly and you will be required to submit it. The assignments will be available at
http://savchuk.myweb.usf.edu/teaching/2009C_math304_linear_algebra/homeworks.html
Solving homework problems is a crucial part in learning process. No matter how hard you study you will not learn the material unless you solve the problems on your own. Besides, this is the best way to prepare yourself for the exams. You can discuss homework problems with other students in the class, but you are required to write the solutions on your own. Homework is due at the beginning of each class. If you are unable to come to class due to illness, you may turn in your homework to me either via email or by putting the assignment under my office door. In either case, however, the assignment must be turned in before the class period when it is due. You must then come to my office hour or make an appointment to meet with me within the next seven days, to explain to me your situation. If your explanation is satisfactory, then I will grade and give you credit for the homework assignment. Not all homework will be graded. The problems will be graded on the scale similar to the one below

2 pts =	well written correct solution
1 pt =	mostly correct solution, or correct but sloppily written solution
0 pts =	everything else (including correct solutions without justification)

Electronic devices: During classes and exams your cell phones should be turned off. Ringing phones in class are very distracting to the rest of the students in the room, not to mention the instructor. I appreciate your cooperation with this.

Quizzes: Quizzes occasionally will be given in class. There will be NO make-up quizzes if you miss class without a University Excused Absence. One quiz with the lowest grade will be dropped. Quizzes may or may not be announced so it is imperative that you keep up with your homework.

To do your best in this class you should:

• come to class
• be on time to class
• ask questions
• ask questions

Getting Help: If you are having problems, please stop by my office LN 2212 during office hours or by appointment. Again, do not hesitate to ask questions - by far this is the most effective way of learning.

Academic Honesty: All students are expected to adhere to the Student Academic Honesty Code. Copying other people's work, either in or out of the classroom, is an act of scholastic dishonesty and will result in a zero on the assignment and may cause other penalties. For more information on Academic Honesty Code visit http://provost.binghamton.edu/honesty.html.

Americans With Disabilities Act: Students with disabilities can get assistance from the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (607-777-2686).

Copyright Policy: All printed materials distributed in class or on the web are protected by Copyright laws. One xerox copy (or download from the web) is allowed for personal use only. Multiple copies or sale of any of the materials is strictly prohibited.