MAT 211 (Introduction to Linear Algebra) Section 3

Spring 2008

Lecture:Tuesday and Thursdays 12:50-2:10  in Earth&Space 079

Final Exam: Thur. May 15, 11:00AM- 1:30 PM

Prerequisites/Corequisites: at least one semester of calculus. 

Academic Calendar

Instructor: Myong-hi Nina Kim

Office: Math Building 3-109:

Office Hours: Tuesday 2:45-4:15, Wednesday 9:30-10:30

Contact : Best way to contact me is via email.

Email: myonghi@math.sunysb.edu

Phone: 632-8255:

You are always welcome to contact me by email (myonghi@math.sunysb.edu)

Grader: Zhiyu Tian

Grader's Office Hours  : Monday 1:30-3:30 at Math Tower S240 C. It is located next to the Math learning Center.

Textbook:

Bretscher, Linear Algebra with Applications, 3rd Ed., Pearson/Prentice-Hall

(two copies are available on reserve in the Math/Physics/Astronomy Library)

Link to an on line tutorial on Linear Algebra by Avi Goldman. It is worth looking at this from time to time since it contains useful outside links and notes on the topics of the course.

Click here for a link to the CURRENT HOMEWORK. This page also contains links to solutions.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: at least one semester of calculus

The Nature Of The Course:

This course is an introduction to the theory which has developed around the solution of systems of linear equations. The importance of this theory as a tool in the social, natural, and mathematical sciences cannot be overestimated. (To get some idea of why this is the case, click here, check out the links of interest below, or take a look through your textbook.) You should keep this in mind throughout the semester, especially if the course material ever seems "too weird" or "too abstract" to be useful.

Course Format:

You will get most out of the classes if you prepare beforehand by reading the relevant section in the textbook before class. I am always glad to answer questions during class. Since this class has no recitations, I will aim to set aside some class time each week for doing examples and discussing the homework. If you have more questions, please talk to me after class or come to my office hours (or go to the Math Learning Center in Math Building S-240A.) There will be a review session before each exam, to be scheduled later.

Some links of interest

A nice expository paper on the use of linear algebra in search engines.

A useful online linear algebra text with many worked examples and exercises with solutions.

Examinations:

If you miss an exam for an acceptable reason and provide me with an acceptable written excuse, the relevant exam will be dropped in computing your course grade. A letter stating that you were seen by a doctor or other medical personnel is not an acceptable document. An acceptable document should state that it was reasonable/proper  for you to seek medical attention and medically necessary for you to miss the exam (for privacy reasons the note/letter need not state anything beyond this point).

Grading:

Your raw grade will be based on your examination performance and homework, weighted as follows:

DSS advisory:

If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may affect your course work, please contact Disability Support Services (DSS) office: ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building, room 128, telephone (631) 632-6748/TDD. DSS will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. Arrangements should be made early in the semester (before the first exam) so that your needs can be accommodated. All information and documentation of disability is confidential. Students requiring emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and DSS. For procedures and information, go to the following web site http://www.ehs.sunysb.edu/ and search Fire safety and Evacuation and Disabilities.
 
Schedule (tentative):   The following is the basic syllabus. Please read the relevant parts of the book before class.