Syllabus - MATH 240 Linear Algebra

Text: This course will use the text Linear Algebra by Smith (third edition)- we will cover various sections in chapters 2 - 11, and 14 - 17.

Course Meetings: WF 1:30-2:45pm Lindner 104. Text sections to be covered should be read and considered BEFORE class.

Prerequisite: MATH 210 - Elementary Linear Algebra.

Assignments: Homework will be assigned from the text for each chapter and will turned in at various intervals to be graded.

Grades: Grades will be determined on a sliding scale based on point totals at the end of the semester. Homework will be turned in six times and graded for 30 point each time for a total of 180 points given on homework. There will be three take-home exams worth 50 points each for a total of 150 points from exams. There will be an art project worth 10 points. On both homework and exams, proofs will be graded for correctness and style. A technically correct argument may lose a substantial number points for a lack of style or badly used style.

Goal: The goal of this course is to emerge with a mastery of the concepts behind Linear Algebra through rigorous proving and at the same time improve the level of rigor and detail in the proofs given. This is a proof course - great rigor and detail are expected and are expected to improve as you continue in your study of the art of the proof.

Course policies may be altered during the semester to better meet the needs of the course and its participants.