| TIME OF MEETING: | Mon, Wed, & Fri 9:05 - 10:00. |
| PLACE: | ES 144 |
| INSTRUCTOR: | W. F. Hammond, ES 137A, phone 442-4625. |
| Office hours: Mon. 3:30 - 4:30 & Wed. 10:00 - 11:00 | |
| Email: hammond@math.albany.edu | |
| World Wide Web: http://www.albany.edu/~hammond/ | |
| TEXT: | Bernard Kolman, Elementary Linear Algebra, 6th ed., Prentice Hall, 1996. |
| PRE-REQUISITE: | Math 113 or Math 119 |
Linear equations, matrices, determinants, finite dimensional vector spaces, linear transformations, Euclidean spaces.
Linear algebra lies at the core of mathematics where algebra, geometry, and analysis come together. This course is consciously about both algebra and geometry. Analysis, which begins with the calculus, is not part of this course. Much of analysis, however, involves the process of discerning linearity in complicated processes and situations. The theory of vector spaces and linear transformations gives linear algebra a coordinate-free geometric context.
A student's objective in taking this course will be to acquire a broad overview of linear algebra including an understanding of how the theory of vectors and matrices is essentially the same as the theory of coordinatized vector spaces and linear transformations and to acquire minimum competence in manipulating the basic objects in either of these two theories including the study of bases, determinants, characteristic polynomials, eigenvalues, inner products, and orthogonality.
| Event | Weight | Date |
| Final examination | 100 | Wed., May 19, 1:00 - 3:00 |
| Midterm test | 50 | Wed., Mar. 17, in class |
| Weekly tests (10 @ 5 each) | 50 | usually by surprise |
| Total weight | 200 |
Attendance at class meetings is a requirement for passing the course unless the student has been granted a special exception in advance. Unexcused absence may result in failure or grade reduction. There will be no retrospective excused absences from tests except for compelling emergencies and religious holidays.