MAT 310 

Linear Algebra  
Fall 2009

Welcome to MAT 310!

This course covers the basic concepts of linear algebra, including abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, inner product spaces, dual spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and related topics. A fair amount of the material is similar to that in MAT 211. However, the viewpoint here is more abstract and is oriented more toward conceptual understanding than calculations. It will be important for you to understand logical structures and thinking, and learn how to value and understand theorems and proofs. In both homeworks and exams, you will be expected to "do proofs".


Instructor: Michael Anderson, Math 4-110
Classes: MF 2:20-3:40 Library W4525
Email: anderson@math.sunysb.edu
Office Hours: Tu/W/Th, 1-2pm

TA. Benjamin Balsam, Math 3-104
Recitation 1: Tu, 3:50-4:45pm, SB Union 226
Recitation 2: M, 9:35-10:30am, Lgt. Eng. 152
Email: balsam@math.sunysb.edu
Office Hours: M: 2-4 in Math MLC, Tu: 4:45-5:45 in Math 3-104


Announcements:

Textbook: Sheldon Axler, Linear Algebra Done Right, Second Edition
Springer, 1997, ISBN 0-387-98258-2.


Prerequisites:


Interesting Links:

You will easily find many interesting applications, discussions, and even online texts, via an online search. Here are two:


Homework:

There will be homework assignments, listed below, due roughly once a week. The assignments will appear on this webpage about a week before their due date, and are to be handed in to your TA. New Policy: Homeworks are due on Wednesdays, by 2:30pm, in the envelopes by Ben Balsam's office. Alternately, you can hand in your HW in your recitation session (either Monday or Tuesday).

You can't expect to do well in this class without giving serious attention to doing the homework assignments. You may work together with other students on the homework. However, you must write up the homework solutions individually, on your own and not just copy another's work.

You are also likely to learn much better and faster if you read the material in the text before coming to the lecture. You'll understand it much better the second time round; if not, ask questions!


Schedule and Homework Assignments:

Week Of  Chapter  Homework Problems On Page  Due 
Sept 1 1 1,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,13,14,15 19 Sept 14/15
Sept 14 2 1,2,3,4,6,8,10,11,12,14 35 Sept 21/22
Sept 21 3 1,2,3,4,5,7,9,10,11 59 Sept 29
Sept 28 3 12,13,17,19,26 59 Oct 7
Oct 5 5 1,2,5,6,8,12,18,19 94 Oct 14
Oct 19 5 HW 6 PDF file -- Oct 28
Oct 26 6 HW 7 PDF file -- Nov 4
Nov 2 6/7 HW 8 PDF file -- Nov 11
Nov 9 7 HW 9 PDF file -- Nov 18
Nov 23 8 HW 10 PDF file -- Dec 2
Nov 30 8/10 HW 11 PDF file -- Dec 9




Exams:

Midterm   Date: Monday, Oct 19  In Class  
Final   Monday, Dec. 14, 5:15-7:45pm   Room: Library W4525  

There will be no scheduled make-up exams for the Midterm and Final. In particular, schedule conflicts are not an acceptable reason for missing an exam. Only if a student misses an exam for unforseeable circumstances beyond the student's control will alternate arrangments be considered.

Grading:

Homework: 30%
Midterm: 30%
Final : 40%


The Math Learning Center, located in room S-240A of the Math-Tower basement, may be a useful source of help if you have difficulties with your homework or with understanding other aspects of the course. For more information about the Math Learning Center, visit their web-site.

If you have a physical, psychiatric, medical, or learning disability that may affect your ability to carry out the assigned course work, please contact the office of Disability Support Services (DSS) at (631) 632-6748 or DSS. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential.

Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information go to the following website: EHS

The Undergraduate Council has asked that the statement below be included in each course syllabus.
Each student must pursue his or her academic goals and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. ANy suspected instance of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Judiciary. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonest, please refer to the Academic Judiciary website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/uaa/academicjudiciary/