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MAT 211 Introduction to Linear Algebra

  • Course description (from the Undergraduate Bulletin): Introduction to the theory of linear algebra with some applications; vectors, vector spaces, bases and dimension, applications to geometry, linear transformations and rank, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, determinants and inner products. May not be taken for credit in addition to AMS 210.
  • Prerequisite: C or higher in AMS 151 or MAT 131 or 141, or co-registration in MAT 126, or level 7 on the Mathematics Placement Test.
  • Credits: 3
  • Class meetings: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 12:00- 12:53pm, Harriman Hall 116

  • Instructor: Olga Plamenevskaya.
    • e-mail: olga@math.stonybrook.edu
    • Office: 2-112 in Math Building
    • Office hours: Wed 1:00-2:00pm in P-143 Math Building + Mon 1:00-2pm, Fri 11:00-11:55am in 2-112

  • Grader: Keegan Stoner
    • e-mail: keegan.stoner@stonybrook.edu
    • Office hours: Tu, Th 2:30-4pm in MLC

  • Textbook:  Otto Bretscher,  Linear Algebra with Applications, 5th Ed., Pearson Prentice Hall. (ISBN 978-0-13-600926-9).
    The textbook is intended to be read. Read the assigned sections after the material was discussed in class. (If possible, also try to read them before.) Furthermore, the lectures will not always be able to cover all of the material for which you will be responsible so the text will be helpful.
  • Calculators: Calculators will not be allowed on exams. In the homework, you are required to learn and master the mechanics of basic linear algebra calculations. However, occasionally a real-life-type application will require more tedious computations that are easier to do with technology. A graphing calculator (TI 83, TI 84 and TI-nspire are the best choices) may be helpful. There are useful apps such as Wolfram “Linear Algebra Course Assistant”; more serious software, such as Maple, can also be used.
  • Homework: Homework comes in two flavors. Both will be posted on this webpage (in the Homework section) each week, usually on Monday and will be due on Wednesday the following week (after the weekend). You are strongly encouraged to start on the homework early.
    Practice Problems: These are not to be handed in but are essential to master the course. Similar problems may appear on the Midterm Exams and Final. These are designated (P).
    Problems to hand in: These should be done after you’ve mastered the practice problems. These will be designated (THI). These will be graded.
    Late assignments cannot be accepted. Homework that appears to be copied from someone else will receive a grade of 0 and may result in charges of academic dishonesty.
  • Exams: Midterm I (Friday, October 9, in class), Midterm II (TBA) and Final exam (Wednesday, December 9, 11:15am-1:45pm).
  • Make-up policy: Make-up examinations are given only for work missed due to well-documented unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control.
  • Grading system: The final grade is the weighted average according the following: homework 15%, Midterm I 25%, Midterm II 25%, Final 35%.
  • Schedule (tentative)
  • Math Learning Center, located in the Math Tower S-Level, S-240A can be very helpful if you are finding homework very difficult.
  • Disability support services (DSS) statement:
    If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services (631) 632-6748 or http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/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: http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/fire/disabilities/asp.
  • Academic integrity statement:
    Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. Faculty are required to report any suspected instance of academic dishonesty to the Academic Judiciary. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty, please refer to the academic judiciary website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/uaa/academicjudiciary/ .
  • Critical incident management:
    Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, and/or inhibits students' ability to learn.