Math 261: Linear Algebra

Winter 2020

Professor: Dr. Chiriac Class time: 12:00-13:50 TR in CH 383
Office: FMH 462N Webpage: web.pdx.edu/~chiriac/261/2020w.html
Office Hrs: Tue 3-4 & Wed 10:30-11:30 Email: mylastname [at] pdx [dot] edu


Course Description:
  • This is an introductory course on linear algebra, covering systems of linear equations, matrices, linear transformations, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.


    • Textbook:
  • A First Course in Linear Algebra by Farah and Kuttler. This is a free online book.
  • We will be covering Chapters 1-7.
  • Here is a tentative list of topics to be covered each week. Please be advised that this is only a guideline, and the document may be modified throughout the term.

    Grading:
  • Two Midterms and a Final - 25% (each);
  • Quizzes - 25%.

    • Grading scale:

    90-100

    85-89

    81-84

    77-80

    73-76

    69-72

    65-68

    61-64

    57-60

    53-56

    49-52

    0-48

    A

    A-

    B+

    B

    B-

    C+

    C

    C-

    D+

    D

    D-

    F

    Exams:
  • All exams are closed-book, but you are allowed one page of hand-written notes (both sides). No calculators are permitted.

  • Midterm I - Thursday, 01/30/20, in class.

    •       Please work through these practice questions. Solutions are available here.

  • Midterm II - Thursday, 02/27/20, in class.

    •       Please work through these practice questions. Solutions are available here.

  • Final Exam - Thursday, 03/19/20, 10:15 am-12:05 pm.

    •       Please work through these practice questions. Solutions are available here.



    Quizzes:
  • All quizzes are closed-book, but open notes. No calculators are permitted.
  • There will be 5 quizzes, usually given on Thursdays in class. The lowest quiz score will be dropped.
  • The textbook contains a list of exercises at the end of each chapter, and for many of them answers are provided in the Appendix. To help you get more practice for Quizzes and Exams, I suggest that you attempt at least some of them.

    • Attendance:
  • Attendance and participation are important ingredients for your success in this course. Frequent absences will be reflected in your grade.
  • If you happen to miss a class, you should try to get the lecture notes from a classmate for that lecture.


    • Access and Inclusion for Students with Disabilities:
    PSU values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to fostering mutual respect and full participation for all students. My goal is to create a learning environment that is equitable, useable, inclusive, and welcoming. If any aspects of instruction or course design result in barriers to your inclusion or learning, please notify me. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides reasonable accommodations for students who encounter barriers in the learning environment.

    If you have, or think you may have, a disability that may affect your work in this class and feel you need accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center to schedule an appointment and initiate a conversation about reasonable accommodations. The DRC is located in 116 Smith Memorial Student Union, 503-725-4150, drc@pdx.edu.

  • If you already have accommodations, please contact me to make sure that I have received a faculty notification letter and discuss your accommodations.
  • Students who need accommodations for tests and quizzes are expected to schedule their tests to overlap with the time the class is taking the test.
  • For information about emergency preparedness, please go to the Fire and Life Safety webpage for information.


    • Title IX Reporting Obligations:
    As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment for my students and for the campus as a whole. As a member of the university community, I have the responsibility to report any instances of sexual harassment, sexual violence and/or other forms of prohibited discrimination. If you would rather share information about sexual harassment, sexual violence or discrimination to a confidential employee who does not have this reporting responsibility, you can find a list of those individuals. For more information about Title IX please complete the required student module Creating a Safe Campus in your D2L.