Math 221

Linear Algebra

 

How to get in touch with me

Professor Tom LoFaro

Office: Olin 314
Office Hours: see schedule
Phone: 933-7463
Email: tlofaro@gustavus.edu

Text

Linear Algebra and its Applications, fourth edition, Lay, Addison-Wesley.
 

Objective

This course will be an introduction to linear algebra including both theory and application.  Linear algebra provides an ideal introduction to the construction of proofs and much of our time will be spent on this activity.  We will cover the theory of vector spaces and linear transformations.
 

For secondary mathematics education majors, Minnesota Education Standards that are met in this course can be found at: https://gustavus.edu/mcs/MN8710.4600.pdf

Chapters Covered

We will be covering chapters 1 through 5 and a brief look at chapters 6.   Here is the tentative schedule for the semester

Grading

Individual Homework Assignments	18%
Group Application Assignments	8%
3 Exams	54%
1 Final Exam	20%

Homework

Individual

Homework assignments will be posted on the Math 221 Moodle page.  Explain your work clearly and concisely in complete sentences when appropriate.  Each set is worth 10 points.  Homework will be collected most Tuesdays and Fridays in class.   The lowest homework score will be dropped.  Staple each homework set separately.

 

Late Homework Policy:  As stated above, homework is due at class time and should not be turned in to me outside of class.  In particular, please do not put homework in the box outside my office; do not slide it under my door, etc.  However, in this course I will give each of you one (1) “Late Homework Pass (LHP).”  The LHP works like this.  If you are unable to complete a homework assignment on time then you can write me a note on a 3 x 5 card that states

 

“I am redeeming my Late Homework Pass on the assignment due mm/dd.  I will have it completed on mm/dd.” 

 

The latter date can be anytime before the subsequent homework is due.  Sign the 3 x 5 card and give it to me in class when the assignment is due.  Please note that you can only do this once during the semester.  You need not provide any for the delay.

Group

Sections in the text that focus primarily on an application of linear algebra must be done in groups.  These sections are highlighted in green on the course schedule.  Group assignments will have two components.

 

1)     A section summary: A written section summary will be turned in by each group on the day that section is covered in class.  For example, the section 1.10 summary is due on Sept. 17.  The section summary should be about 1 page long, discuss the application and the mathematics, and list any questions that the group may have about the ideas presented in that section.

2)     Solutions to selected homework problems:  I will assign homework problems from these sections in the same way that other homework is assigned.  These will have a due date after the scheduled class period devoted to that section.

Exams

Exams will be taken during the scheduled class period.  You will be allowed a calculator.

Exam Schedule

 

Midterm I	3/4
Midterm II	4/15
Midterm III	5/18
Final Exam	5/24 1:00-3:00PM

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Academic Integrity

In this course, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty, to uphold the Gustavus Honor Code and to abide by the Academic Honesty Policy. Copies of these can be found in Academic Bulletin and in the Gustavus Guide.

On homework you should make a real effort to solve each problem by yourself, although you can and should discuss problems and their solutions with your classmates after you've made this effort. You should give credit to any people or texts that helped you find solutions. On tests, you are expected to work completely by yourself.

You will be expected to sign the honor pledge on every exam.

A first violation of the honor code will result in a grade of 0 on the assignment in question.  Any further violations will result in a grade of F for the course. In all cases, I notify the office of the Dean of the Faculty.

 

Accessibility

 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Art of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) work together to ensure ‘reasonable accommodation’ and non-discrimination for students with disabilities in higher education. A student who has a physical, psychiatric/emotional, medical, learning, or attentional disability that may have an effect on the student’s ability to complete assigned course work should contact the Disability Services Coordinator (Laurie Bickett, x6286) in the Advising Center. She will review your concerns, decide what accommodations are necessary, and let me know. All discussions are confidential.

 

 

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