University of Texas at Austin
 Department of Mathematics

M 341 (58180) Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
 Spring 2007

Syllabus

Instructor:  Kenneth Chu
 Office:  RLM 9.118
E-mail:  chu@math.utexas.edu Phone:  512-471-5179
Web:  http://www.math.utexas.edu/users/chu Office Hours:  TBA

The most effective way to contact me outside of class is by e-mail.  In case you are calling and I am not in my office, you could also call the Department of Mathematics (512-471-7711) and leave me a message there.

Teaching Assistant:  Miguel Rodriguez
 Office:  RLM 11.146
E-mail:  mrodrigu@math.utexas.edu
 Phone:  512-475-8809
Web:  N/A
 Office Hours:  TBA

Lecture Hour:  11:00am - 12:30pm, TTh
Lecture Room:   CBA 4.328
Prerequisite:  M408D or the equivalent or consent of instructor.  (Credit may not be received for both M341 and M340L. M341 is required for math majors; furthermore, math majors must make a grade of at least C in M341.)


Textbook
Stephen Andrilli & David Hecker, Elementary Linear Algebra, Addison Wesley, 2nd edition, 2003.


Objectives & Contents
Linear algebra provides numerous computational tools employed in all branches of science, mathematics and engineering, including analysis, differential equations, geometry/topology, numerical analysis, computer graphics, robotics, etc.  Linear algebra also provides the theoretical framework for quantum mechanics.  This course serves as an introduction to linear algebra as well as to abstract mathematics

We will start with a review of the familiar "linear structure" of Euclidean space, followed immediately by a discussion on mathematical propositions and their proofs, using examples from "linear Euclidean geometry."  We then move on to matrix algebra and solution of systems of linear equations in matrix notation.  Next we discuss the determinant, eigenvalues and eigenvectors of square matrices.  The last but main part of the course is on abstract linear spaces and linear maps between them.  Matrix algebra, discussed earlier in the course, will serve as concrete examples of the abstract theory in action as well as computational tools for applications of the theory.


Course Components
Problem Sets
Tests
Final Exam
30%
30%
40%

Outline of Grading Scheme

F
 D
 C
 B
 A
Below 50%
 50% or above
and
strictly below 70%		 70% or above
and
strictly below 80%		 80% or above
and
strictly below 90%		  90% or abov

The grading scheme outline is subject to minor modifications.


Weekly Problem Sets
Weekly problem sets will be posted on the course web site every Thursday except when there is a test in the following week or otherwise noted.  The due date of each problem set will be clearly indicated; usually it is due in class (submission outside class will be rejected; do not slip in assignments under my office door) the Thursday after it is posted.  An unannounced selection of questions on each problem set will be graded.  The lowest two problem set grades will be dropped (unsubmitted problem sets yield zero points).  There will be computer exercises requiring the use of the symbolic computer algebra system Maple.

Your submitted problem sets must be neat, legible, and stapled.  Your problem sets will be graded on the clarity and accuracy of arguments and calculations therein, as well as the general quality of presentation.

Tests
There will be two equally weighted in-class tests.  Please see the VERY tentative course schedule for the tentative dates for these two tests.  The scope and finalized date of each test will be announced in class and posted on the course web site one week prior to the test.  There will be no make-up tests.


Computing
In order to gain access to Maple, you may visit the Mathematics Undergraduate Computing Lab located in RLM 7.122 to request a mathematics computing account.  You may of course use your own copy if you happen to own one.  Technicians at the Lab will provide some computer assistance.


VERY Tentative Course Schedule
Please click on the following link:

http://www.math.utexas.edu/users/chu/Teaching/M341Spring2007/CourseSchedule-M341Spring2007.pdf



Tentative Final Examination Schedule:  Wednesday May 9, 2pm to 5pm.
For the (tentative) campus-wide final examination schedule for Spring 2007, please visit:

http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/schedules/072/finals/


Important Dates
For other deadlines, please visit:  http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/06-07long.html

For more information on adding and dropping clases, please visit:
http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/gicurrent/ch4/ch4f.html#Adding.and.Dropping.Courses


The Americans with Disabilities Act
Any student with a documented disability (physical or cognitive) who requires academic accommodations should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities area of the Office of the Dean of Students at 512-471-6259 (voice) or 512-471-4641 (TTY for users who are deaf or hard of hearing) as soon as possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations.


UT Learning Center
The UT Learning Center provides a variety of services for UT students, such as one-on-one tutoring, free drop-in tutoring, and learning strategy workshops.  For more information, please visit: 

http://www.utexas.edu/student/utlc/