David C. Lay, Linear Algebra and its Applications Addison-Wesley. You
can use either the second edition which was published in 1997 or the new
updated second edition which came out two years ago.
What is Linear Algebra?:
Linear algebra is not like algebra. It is a
mathematics of linear spaces and linear functions. So
we have to know the term "linear" a lot. Since the
concept of linearity is fundamental to any type of
mathematical analysis, this subject is the
foundational one for mathematics majors. Furthermore,
the techniques of linear algebra are extremely well
developed, and many important applications are
formulated in terms of linear models. Consequently
this mathematics is also very useful for any scientist
or engineer. In this course we will study the
mathematical properties of linear functions with lots
of examples in order to understand the subject.
Exams and Grading:
We will have three in-class exams
during the semester, all at the normal class time.
They will be held on July 16th, July 23rd,
and July 30th. The final Exam is scheduled on Tuesday,
August 7. Please note the date of the final and make
your travel plans now! University policy states that
you must take the final at the schedule time.
Final Exam.....................................................30%
Assignments:-
Assignments will be given twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday.
The assignments given on Tuesday will be collected on Thursday.
The assignments given on Thrusday will be collected on Monday.
Assignments will contain 4 problems each.
They will be different from the listed home work Problems but really of
the same type.
Each assignment will worth 10 points.
The First assignment will be given on Monday,9th July.
This section has been newly added and it will replace the Chalk Board
Session. The previous assignments that was given on Tuesday and
Thursday, will be collected on Monday but it will not be counted as
assignment one.
Make-up Exams:-
I have an absolutely firm policy of
not giving make-up exams. If you miss an exam , then
you must provide an acceptable , written excuse for
your absence or you will receive a grade 0. A valid
reason for missing an exam would be something serious
like illness( not a slight cold) or a family
emergency. Neither poor preparation nor sleeping
through an exam are acceptable. If possible (
particularly if you want to be sure that your excuse
is an acceptable one), contact me before missing an
exam.
Homework:-
Homework Problems are for Practice and they are not going to be
collected. Every Thursday we will have discussion session which will
enable all of you to discuss the Assignment Problems as well as
Homework Problems and about tests on Mondays.
Academic Conduct:-
Your work and conduct in this course
are governed by the CAS Academic Conduct Code. This
code is designed to promote high standards of academic
honesty and integrity as well as fairness. Copies of
the code are available in CAS Room 105, and it is your
responsibility to know and follow the provisions of
that code. In particular, all work that you submit in
this course must be your original work. For example,
the computations that you do for your group projects
as well as the text of your reports must be original
to your group, and all group members are responsible
for all aspects of the group projects. Any cases of
suspected academic misconduct will be referred to the
CAS Student Academic Conduct Committee.
My office hours, phone number, and email address are as follows :
Office: MCS 256 Office Hours: T-3.10 pm to 4.10 pm. R- 3.10 pm to 4.10 pm. Office Phone: 353-4646 Email: pseal@math.bu.edu
I prefer emails than phone calls . So please mail me if you
have doubts regarding the course. Thanks!