Instructor: Ellen O'Brien Office: Exploratory Hall 4223 Hours: MW 1:00-2:00 and by appointment; Phone: 703 993-1483 Email: eobrien@gmu.edu Web Address: http://math.gmu.edu/~eobrien Learning Assistant: Dan Weingarten dweingar@masonlive.gmu.edu Recitation: MW 2:00-3:00 Exploratory Hall 4103

Prerequisites: MATH 114 -Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (A grade of C or better)

Text: Linear Algebra and Its Applications , by David C. Lay , Fourth Edition , Addison Wesley 2011

Text Website: Transparency masters are available at this website. I will be using these from time to time in the lectures.
http://www.laylinalgebra.com/free_site/tm_index.html

Recitation Dan will be holding recitation MW 2:00-3:00 in Exploratory Hall 4103. During these times he will be available to answer questions and to solve problems. He is here to help you to succeed in the course.

Purpose: This course presents the main concepts and terminology of linear algebra that play an essential role in mathematics and in many technical areas of modern society, such as computer science, engineering, physics, environmental science, economics, statistics, business management and social sciences.

Grading: Your grade for the course will be calculated based on three exams (100 points each), four take home assignments and a final exam (200 points). The assignments (25 points each) together count as one test grade. The average of these six grades determines your grade according to the scale:

   A: 90-100   B:80-89.9  C:70-79.9   D:65-69.9   F: below 65
+ or - will be attached ( if applicable) to the grades that occur in the lower or upper 2 points of each category.

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned at the end of each class and reviewed at the beginning of the next class meeting. Reading the sections of the text related to the problems will always be part of the homework assignment. Assignments will be posted after each class .

Course Content: The course will cover the following sections from the text:

• Linear Equations in Linear Algebra 1.1 - 1.5, 1.7 - 1.9
• Matrix Algebra 2.1 - 2.3, 2.5
• Determinants 3.1, 3.2
• Vector Spaces 4.1 - 4.7
• Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors 5.1 - 5.4
• Orthogonality 6.1 - 6.5

Test Dates:

• Test 1 :   Monday, September 23
• Test 2 :   Monday, October 28
• Test 3 :   Monday, December 2
• Final Exam :  Monday, December 16, 1:30-4:15

Oral Assessments: We will be offering oral assessments before each exam. Evidence shows that students who participate in the oral assessments score higher on their exams. I will provide more information in class on the times and location. See more about oral assessments on the website: http://stem.spacs.gmu.edu/2013/01/01/oral-assessments-making-stem-majors-accessible-to-more-students/

Computers: We will be using Matlab to help with matrix calculations. This software is available on the Mason academic research system. You can access it using the program SSH terminal.
Alternatively you can use the Virtual Computing Lab
There are computer Labs in Innovations Hall, the Johnson Center, and the Field House. For hours of operation of these labs and other locations see Academic Computing Labs Page

Click Matlab on the left menu to get more information on using Matlab.

Honor Code: The University Honor Code is to be followed. Sharing information of any kind about exams or Matlab assignments is not allowed.
See the University Honor Code at http://http://oai.gmu.edu/honor-code/

Disability statement: If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Office of Disability Resources at 703.993.2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office.

Other Policies: Cell Phones are to be turned OFF before entering the classroom.
Please get to class on time. If you must leave the class early, please sit by the door and exit quietly.

Tutoring Center: The Math Tutoring Center is located in the Johnson Center Rm 344. Help is available on a walk-in basis.