Textbook: David C. Lay, Linear Algebra and its Applications, 3rd edition, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 2002.
There will be three tests and a final exam. Tentative dates of tests (subject to change):
More precise information on the dates of the tests will be provided later. All tests will be held during regular class time in 145 Altgeld Hall.
Final exam: Thursday, December 13, 7:00-10:00 pm, in 145 Altgeld Hall.
Grading: The grade for the course will be based on the total points from the best two tests (the maximum score will be 100 in each test), the final exam (maximum score 100), and on points from homework (normalized to a maximum score of 50; the lowest homework score will be dropped). Hence the maximum score will be 350 for the total points. Homework must be returned in class on the designated day. Dropping one test and one homework is intended to provide leeway for those times when a student is ill, or needs to go to a job interview, or has a family emergency, or just misses class for some other reason. If you miss a test or do not return homework in class at the proper time, you will get zero points for it. As this system allows you to miss one test and one homework without you giving any reason for it, no make-up tests will be given and no late homework will be accepted. Exceptions will be considered only in the case of a prolonged illness indicated by a doctor's note. Of course, you are encouraged to take all tests and do your best.
No books, notes or calculators will be allowed in the tests and the final exam. Bring your university ID to the tests and the final exam.
Homework problems will be suggested at the end of each lecture. In addition, there will be weekly homework assignments which will be graded and which will affect your grade for the course. Assigned homework is due in class at the beginning of the lecture specified for each assignment. No late homework will be accepted. Graded homework will be returned in class. Any graded homework not picked up by students within one week after it was made available will be destroyed.
Homework assignments, to be collected in class and graded
Test 1 on Thursday September 27 at regular class time will cover Chapter 1, Sections 1-5 and 7.
Test 2 on Thursday October 18 at regular class time will cover Chapter 2, Sections 1-3; and Chapter 3, Sections 1-3; and Chapter 4, Section 1.
Test 3 on Tuesday November 13 at regular class time will cover Chapter 4, Sections 1-3 and 5-6; and Chapter 5, Sections 1-2.