Instructor: Dr. Tamara Olson (Tami)
Tentative Schedule:
This is a half-semester course:
Comments:
You should plan to spend 2-3 hours studying outside of class for
each class hour (i.e., 8 to 12 hours per week for this class).
Schedule at least one hour of study time between classes!
You'll need to read the text and do the homework problems
before the next class meeting. Arrange regular daily meetings
with your study group (or partner) so you'll be less likely
to skip them.
Better yet, join a team through the Math Learning Center.
My lectures will only highlight the main ideas and
definitions in each section.
It is your job to play with the concepts and practice problems
until you are sure you can work with the ideas.
Most problems can be done two ways, so you will be able to
check if you've got the right answer (I will try to highlight
these alternatives in class). Of course, hand computations
can be checked with a calculator or computer, and vice-versa.
Also, there are many worked problems and solutions in your
text to check your understanding.
You should start working on the homework each day right after class
(well, O.K., maybe you can get some dinner).
This way, you can take advantage of the Math Learning
Center (walk-in hours 3-5pm and 7-9pm most days) if you have
problems with the problems.
I have created an email list for this class, called
``ma2321-l''. I will use this to make announcements and
pass out information that I don't have time for in class.
You may also use this list yourself, to arrange study
groups or review sessions.
Usually, I will NOT read messages posted to this list.
So if you need to get a message to me, please email it
directly to trolson@mtu.edu.
The website for this class,
http://www.math.mtu.edu/~trolson/ma2321.html,
will be updated weekly.
This website will include a list of the homework assignments
for the week, plus links to copies of overhead slides.
Any overhead slides used in class
will be either
problems from the text (I will indicate the page)
or available from the web page.
I expect you to READ the text, working through the examples
as you go (you can't read without pen(cil) and paper!).
Many students find they benefit most from reading each section
before we cover it in class, but it is also O.K. to read each
section on the day we discuss it, before starting the homework problems.
Obviously, since my lectures will only highlight the main ideas,
you will need to fill in the gaps using the textbook (and your brain).
There will occasionally be short quizzes on the homework, so be sure
you stay caught up and understand what you're doing.
Bring your calculators to class every day.
I also expect you to be prepared for class every day.
Before coming to class you should (at a minimum)
If you cannot attend class for some reason, please
let me know beforehand if possible (via email or phone).
If you have an excused absence, get in touch with the dean of
students office and they will notify me and all your instructors.
If you must miss class, you are
responsible for making up what you have missed:
get notes from another student (preferably two) and
complete the in-class problems (check your answers) before you start the
reading and homework. If you miss one class, expect to
spend an extra three hours studying.
Email: trolson@mtu.edu
(best way to reach me)
Phone: 487-2191
Office: 310 Fisher Hall
Office Hours: by appointment
Textbook:
Linear Algebra and its Applications
(3rd Edition) by David C. Lay
Revised: section numbers refer to the THIRD edition
WEEK
DATES
TEXT
Comments
1
8/25-28
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4
2
9/2-4
1.5,1.7,1.8
No class Monday
3
9/8-11
1.9,2.1,2.2,2.3
4
9/15-18
2.4,2.8, catch up
Test Thursday
5
9/22-25
3.1,(3.2&3.3),5.1,5.2
6
9/29-32
5.3,6.1,6.2,6.3
7
10/6-9
7.1,7.2, catch up
Test Thursday
7.5
10/13
loose ends
makeup exams
This class runs
for half a semester and is followed by another half-semester of MA3521.
You must be signed up for BOTH classes (now) and must pass this class
in order to continue with MA3521.
Grades will be turned in to the registrar on Friday, October 17.
If you have an ``F'' you will be automatically dropped from MA3521.
(I will try to have your grades computed by Wed 10/15.)
This class is designed for self-motivated students who
have good study habits and a facility in math.
If this does not describe you, then switch to
MA2320 immediately.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned at each class meeting, and collected
at the next class meeting.
Generally, we will cover one section of the text each day and
the homework from that section will be
due the ``next'' day.
Participation:
I expect you to participate in every class meeting.
This class will meet every Monday-Thursday of the term,
including the day before and the day after any break
(so make your travel plans accordingly).
+ complete any unfinished worksheets or in-class problems,
+ read the relevant section in the textbook, and
+ do the homework exercises/problems.
Tests:
There will be two one-hour in-class tests.
(Changes to the following schedule will be announced in class.)
Date
Sections
9/18 (Th.)
1.1-1.8, 2.1-2.4, 2.9
10/9 (Th.)
5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.3, 7.1-7.2
Grades:
Tests
=
2 x 40%
Homework/quizzes
=
20%
Final Exam:
There will NOT be a comprehensive final exam.
Instead, you will have the opportunity to improve your lowest
test score by taking a ``makeup'' exam on the material covered
on that test. This is OPTIONAL.
Missed Tests:
If you must miss a test due to illness or personal loss, please contact
me BEFORE the test (if I am not available, please leave a message
with the math office secretary or with the dean of students office).
Usually NO MAKE-UP TESTS will be given; the missing test will be
recorded as a zero and taken as your lowest score.
Tamara Olson
trolson@mtu.edu