MATH 201 - Spring 2019

MATH 201: Linear Algebra
Spring 2019

Sections 1 and 2

Professor: Angélica Osorno
Office: Library 305
Phone: x5093 (503-517-5093)

This is the course information website for sections S01 and S02 of Math 201: Linear Algebra.
All other material for the class will be posted on the Moodle page.

General Information

Schedule

Text: Linear Algebra, Third edition, by Jim Hefferon. Full text available online.

Course description: A brief introduction to field structures, followed by a presentation of the algebraic theory of finite dimensional vector spaces. Topics include linear transformations, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, diagonalization. Geometry of inner product spaces is examined in the setting of real and complex fields.

Problem sets: will be posted on Moodle and will be due at noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. No late problem sets will be accepted, but the lowest score will be dropped. Please order and staple your solutions.
Solutions should be written neatly or typeset and should use complete sentences. An ideal solution is written as an explanation meant for other students in the class. Each problem in the homework receives a two-component grade. The first component is mathematical content, and it is graded according to the following scale: The second component is mathematical writing and it is graded on a 0-2 scale.

Collaboration policy: You are welcome to work on homework together, this is a great way of learning. But YOU MUST WRITE UP YOUR OWN SOLUTIONS INDEPENDENTLY. For total disclosure, write the names of your collaborators and tutors.

Exams: There will be two take-home exams and a final exam. In-class presentation: During the last week of class, each of you will give a 5-minute presentation on an application of linear algebra to other areas (within or outside of mathematics). You will have to turn in a proposal for your presentation on Tuesday, April 23 (more information to come).

Participation: I expect you to actively engage in conversations in class by asking questions and participating in classroom discussions and activities. If you do the assigned reading in advance of class, you will be able to participate more effectively.

Grades: Your grade will be based on your performance on the homework, the midterms and final exam, and the in-class presentation.

Technology: The use of electronic devices (computers, cell phones, tablets, etc) is not allowed in the classroom without my authorization. Talk to me if you have a specific reason for needing to use technology (for example, note taking).

Academic honesty: As noted above, for homework you should write your own solutions and disclose your collaborators. For both exams, there is no collaboration allowed. The internet is a great source of information about mathematics; you are welcome to search information about the material of the course online, but you should not search for solutions to specific problems in the homework.

Accommodations: If you have a documented disability requiring accommodations please let me know as soon as possible and make sure I get the official notification from Disability Support Services (DSS). I cannot provide accommodations after an assignment has been turned in or within 24 hours of an exam. If you have an undocumented disability you should contact DSS, and I can help you navigate that process.

A final remark: Learning and understanding mathematics requires engaging with the material several times. You might not get what is happening on the first try. Struggling with the material is normal, and maybe even expected. By actively participating in class, spending time working on the homework, reviewing the material, talking to classmates and talking to me, you will increase your understanding. Use the resources available!