Math 110 — Linear Algebra


Instructor: Mike Roth;     TA: Tim Kusalik
Class: Tue: 3:30 – 4:20; Thurs: 2:30 – 3:20; Fri: 4:30 – 5:20 all in Jeff 128.
Tutorials: Wed: 9:30 – 10:20 in Jeff 225, Fri: 2:30 – 3:20 in Jeff 118.
Textbook: Linear Algebra, a modern introduction by David Poole, second edition.
Office Hours: Monday: 2 – 3pm, Wednesday 2:30 – 3:30pm, both in Jeff 507.

This course is an introduction to linear algebra, intended for students who are interested in mathematics. Although there will be a significant amount of computation, the focus is on understanding the ideas, what they mean, and how we know what we know about them.

There will also be an emphasis on learning how to think mathematically, and the process of exploring our initially hazy understanding of a new concept and refining it into clear, concise arguments. In short, we are interested in understanding ideas as completely and throughly as possible, and the course will reflect that.

The grading scheme for the course is:

First term
    Homework   25%
    Midterm Exam   35%
    Mid-Year Exam   40%
Second term
    Homework   20%
    Midterm Exam   30%
    Year-End Exam   50%
There are 12 homework assignments each term, and the lowest two grades will be dropped when computing the homework grade for that term. The final grade for the year will be a mixture of the first and second term grades.

You should be able to check your grades at any time on WebCT. This is also a place where you can discuss course material with other students.

Important Dates:   (First term)

Midterm Exam:   Thursday, October 27, 7pm–9pm, Chernhoff Auditorium
Mid-Year Exam:   Saturday, December 10, 9am–12 noon, 205 Walter Light Hall

Important Dates:   (Second term)

Midterm Exam:   Thursday, March 2, 7pm–9pm, Jeff 126 and Jeff 128
Final Exam:   Saturday, April 29, 9am–12pm, Jock Harty Arena

Handout:  About the course   .pdf  .ps