MAS 3105-Linear Algebra (51343) Summer A 2010   MTWR 12:30-13:45 – GL 132

 

Instructor: Tedi Draghici 

Office: DM 426   Phone: (305) 348‑2028      E-mail: draghici@fiu.edu

Office Hours: MTWR 11:00-12:15      Web: http://www.fiu.edu/~draghici

 

Textbook: Linear Algebra with applications, 7th Edition, by Steven J. Leon. (Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-185785-1) – We’ll cover most of Chapters 1-6.

Other sources (optional): Understanding Linear Algebra using MATLAB, By Kleinfeld. This book may be bundled with the main text at the FIU bookstore, but this may not always work out, and it is not required. Other supplementary materials such as the Student Study Guide can be helpful. Also, see Leon's web site.


Note: You can access the first chapter of the textbook on www.coursesmart.com (make a search with "Leon, Steven" in the author category). Note, however, that you'll get the 8th edition of the book, whereas we'll be using the 7th edition.

 

Pre-requisite: MAC 2312 (Calculus II). If you have written short proofs in a previous class (Discrete Math, Geometry, etc) you have a small advantage. If you have never multiplied two matrices, or solved a linear system of equations, try to learn and practice those skills ASAP. Prior knowledge of MATLAB is not required, but you will need some basic computer skills (Windows, cut-and-paste, editing text files, etc). You'll probably spend a couple of hours a week in the FIU computer lab (DM 409A).

 

Method of Evaluation: Your final grade in the course is based on:

1.    Top 4 scores out of 5 quizzes for a total of          100 points;

2.    Two MATLAB mini-projects for a total of               50 points;

3.    One midterm exam, Monday, May 24                      100 points;

4.    Final Exam – Thursday, June 17 - comprehensive exam – 150 points. 

                       

Grade-scale: The following percentages will guarantee the associated grade:

             > 90  : A    80-85 : B     65-75 : C      < 50 : F

             88-90 : A-   78-80 : B-    55-65 : D   

             85-88 : B+   75-78 : C+    50-55 : D-

Your semester grade will be based on your average score - not on improvement, effort, etc. Incompletes will not be given, except in special cases such as last-minute medical emergencies.

 

NO MAKEUP EXAMS OR QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN. If you have a documented medical or professional excuse for missing an exam, that percentage of your grade may be made up on the final.

Attendance: Optional, but I hope you will find it useful to be in class.

Drop deadline: Wednesday, May 26. Remember, if stop attending classes and don't wish to get an F, you must drop by this date.

Expectations: Suggested homework assignments will be recorded on the website after each class. You have to check the web page often for updates. You are expected to spend approx 20 hours a week outside of class, on homework and reading the corresponding sections of the text. Do NOT fall behind! You will be expected to write fairly simple proofs, with clear sentences and good explanations. I will try to help you learn to do this by giving examples in lectures. You will also need to learn very basic MATLAB (appendix of the book should be enough) to do the two mini-projects.

Tutoring: available in GL 120; but be sure to talk to a tutor who knows and is able to explain Linear Algebra.

 

The instructor reserves the right to make any changes he considers academically advisable. These eventual changes would be announced in class and you are responsible to be aware of them.