Please read this page carefully. You will be responsible for all the information given here, and for any modifications to it that may be announced in class. Any such modifications will be made on the course webpage.
Text: The textbook for this course is Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications, (9th edition), by Bernard Kolman and David R. Hill.
Instructor: Kimball Martin
| Office: | 922 Physical Sciences Center |
| Phone: | 325-3537 |
| Email: | kmartin@math.ou.edu |
| Office hours: | Thursday 10am-noon, immediately after class, and by appointment |
| Course webpage: | http://www.math.ou.edu/~kmartin/linalg/ |
Class Participation: Class participation (e.g., asking questions) is highly encouraged. It is not only helpful for you and other students, but it also helps me understand what you are thinking and makes class more enjoyable. If you feel uncomfortable asking questions in class, you are especially encourage to come to office hours. Attendance is not taken, except for the first two classes. However, the lectures (as well as some homework) will not always be taken directly the text, and, as always, there's more to the course than what's "in the book."
Office Hours:You are encouraged to come to office hours to ask questions and discuss the course. This is also a good way for me to receive feedback on the course. You are also welcome to make impromptu visits outside of office hours, though I may be busy or away. If it is a premeditated affair, you can make an appointment with me.
Homework:
Homework is, in my opinion, the most important part of the course. Homework is where you really learn the material. You should expect written homework every week, usually due each Friday at the start of class, and you should plan
to spend roughly 6 hours each week on work out of class. Each homework
assignment will be posted on the course website, generally a week in advance,
but, at the latest, the Monday before it is due.
Each homework assignment will contain up to 4 sections:
1) Reading assignment.
2) Conceptual questions: These are to see if you understand what is going on, and I encourage you to think about them, and ask if you don’t know the answer. While they are not to be turned in, they (or similar questions) may appear
on the exams.
3) Written assignment: This is what you are expected to turn in on paper and
is graded.
4) Bonus questions: These will typically be more challenging questions (though not necessarily) you can submit with the written assignment for bonus points (see “Grades” for what this means). (One mostly correct solution to a bonus question = one bonus point)
The homework policies are the following. Turning in an assignment means that, to the best of your knowledge and ability, you honestly abided by the following. Unless stated otherwise for a specific problem, you may not use calculators, computers (including the web), other texts or the solutions manuals to find the answers; however you are allowed to use them to check your answers. Collaboration is allowed, and even encouraged, though you should earnestly try to solve each problem on your own before learning from someone else. However, you are to write up (not copy) your solutions by yourself, in your own words. Late homework is not accepted.
Examinations: There will be two in-class exams and a final during the final examination period. The in-class examinations will be on September 21 and October 26. The final exam is Tuesday, December 11 from 10:30am - 12:30pm for Section 1 (8:30am lecture), and Thursday, December 13 from 8am - 10am for Section 4 (1:30pm lecture). Topics covered on the exam will be posted on the course website. You may not use notes, texts, calculators, computers or other references during the exams. Make-up exams are not given except in extenuating circumstances.
Grades:
It is always better to focus on learning the material and understanding the homework than to worry about grades. If you do this, and put forth a sincere effort in the class, your grade will not be an issue. This course is meant to be challenging and educational, but not stressful. If you ever find yourself worried about your grade or how you are doing in the course, please come see me. Please don’t wait until the end of the term to do this.
The grades will be computed as follows. A raw score is computed for you, which is
20% Homework
15% Midterm I
25% Midterm II
40% Final
Preliminary letter grades will be assigned to raw numeric scores. Then I
may adjust your final letter grade individually for such things as bonus points,
attendance/participation, consistently good homeworks, or improvement throughout
the term. To get an idea of where you stand, shadow grades will be given
after the first and second midterm.
Withdrawal Policy: Until August 31, there is no record of a grade for dropped courses. From September 4 through September 28, you may withdraw and receive a “W” grade, regardless of your performance to date. From October 1 to October 26, you must come see me if you wish to drop the course. You may receive a “W” if you then have a passing grade in the course. From October 29 to December 7, withdrawing is a more serious matter, and you must consult with the Dean.
Grade of Incomplete: The grade of “I” is a special-purpose grade given when a specific task needs to be completed to finish the coursework. This is typically a term paper or other special assignment, so rarely makes sense in a mathematics course. An “I” cannot be given to avoid receiving a low grade.
Academic Misconduct: If cases of academic misconduct arise, they will be dealt with according to (rather strict) University policies. Remember that you responsible for knowing and adhering to the University guidelines for academic integrity:
http://www.ou.edu/provost/integrity/
as well as the student code:
http://www.ou.edu/studentcode/
Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability that may interfere with the demonstration of your abilities, please contact me as soon as possible to arrange accomodations necessary to ensure your full participation in the course. You should also contact the Office of Disability Services, Goddard Health Center, Suite 166 (325-3852 or TDD 325 4173).
Final Remark: Bear in mind that the course polices are put in place for solely your benefit. Please to not hesitate to ask me if you have any questions about these policies.