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Math 308C Autumn 2013
Matrix Algebra
Course Syllabus

Course: Math 308

Title: Matrix Algebra

Catalog Description: Systems of linear equations, vector spaces, matrices, subspaces, orthogonality, least squares, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, applications. For students in engineering, mathematics, and the sciences.

Textbook: Introduction to Linear Algebra, 5th Edition, by Johnson, Riess, and Arnold

Subject Material: We will cover parts of Chapters 1, 3, and 4 of the textbook. See the course calendar for a complete list of sections we will cover.

Lecture: Attending the lecture is a fundamental part of the course; you will be responsible for material presented in lecture regardless of whether it is discussed in the textbook.

Reading: Reading the sections of the textbook corresponding to the class lectures and assigned homework exercises is considered part of the homework assignment; you will be responsible for material in the assigned sections regardless of whether it is discussed in lecture. You are expected to read the assigned material in advance of the lecture.

Classroom Conduct: In the classroom, a certain level of respect and attentiveness is expected. Please do not use phones or computers, play games, or talk to friends during lecture. This can be distracting to other students and the instructor.

Calculators: The use of any calculators or other electronic equipment will not be permitted on exams. Graphing calculators (such as a TI-83) may be useful in checking solutions to homework problems, but will not be required for the course.

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned on the course homework page, and should be completed and turned in by the beginning of class on the indicated due date. You should make every effort to complete the homework assignments and seek help with problems you have been unable to solve. The lowest homework score will be dropped from your final grade.

Quizzes: There will be six 10-minute quizzes given during lectures. See the course calendar for the specific dates. The quizzes will typically consist of mechanical problems intended to test your basic understanding of course concepts. No notes, books, calculators, or other assistance will be allowed during the quizzes. There will be no makeup quizzes. The lowest quiz score will be dropped from your final grade.

Midterm Exam: There will be one midterm given during the regular lecture hour; see the course calendar for the specific date. More information and practice/review materials will be provided within 1 week of the midterm. See exam policies below.

Final Exam: The final exam will be held on Wednesday, December 11, from 8:30-10:20. It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not have scheduling conflicts involving the final exam. If you are unable to attend the scheduled exam time, you should not enroll in this course. The final exam will be cumulative. More information and practice/review materials will be provided within 1 week of the exam. See exam policies below.

Exam Policies: No calculators or other assistance will be allowed during the exam. Unless you have a very serious, well documented, and compelling reason to miss an exam, there will be no makeup exams, for any reason.

Grading: Your final course grade will be based on the following weighted average: A curve may be applied to final scores or individual examinations at the instructor's discretion.

Academic Honesty: Academic dishonesty is a serious offense, carrying serious administrative sanctions. Any instance of dishonesty will be pursued by the instructor. It is in your best interest to follow all policies laid out here and elsewhere on the website, and familiarize yourself with the university guidelines for academic honesty. Please help maintain both your own integrity and the integrity of the University of Washington.

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