Course Objectives: The course introduces the concepts of vectors, matrices, determinants, Euclidean geometry, and complex numbers. The students will learn the techniques of linear algebra to solve systems of linear equations, while maintaining a balance among computational skills, theory and applications. During lectures, proofs and examples are explained on the blackboard, while a computer projector is used for visualization of the course formalism. Tutorials, assignments, and projects include analytical and computational problems of different levels which are borrowed from various engineering applications.
Topics: Systems of linear equations. Matrix algebra. Determinants and diagonalization. Complex numbers. Vector geometry. Vector spaces.
Instructors and hours:
Section 1:
Dmitry Pelinovsky, HH-422, ext.23424,
e-mail: dmpeli@math.mcmaster.ca
Lectures: Monday, Thursday (12:30-13:20),
Tuesday (13:30-14:20); MDCL/1309
Office hours: Monday, Thursday (11:30-12:30)
Section 2:
Hui Jung Kim, e-mail: hjkim@math.mcmaster.ca
Lectures: Monday, Wednesday (11:30-12:20),
Friday (13:30-14:20); HSC/1A4
Office hours: Tuesday (9:30-10:30); Thursday (10:30-11:30)
Teaching Assistants:
Tutorials T01:
Tara Davis (davistc@mcmaster.ca), Friday (13:30-14:20), BSB/135
Tutorials T02:
Jonah Horowitz (horowij@math.mcmaster.ca),
Wednesday (10:30-11:20), BSB/341A
Tutorials T03:
Jonah Horowitz (horowij@math.mcmaster.ca),
Wednesday (11:30-12:20), BSB/135
Tutorials T04:
Laurel Miller-Sims (millerlg@math.mcmaster.ca),
Tuesday (10:30-11:20), BSB/B138
Tutorials T05:
Laurel Miller-Sims (millerlg@math.mcmaster.ca),
Friday (12:30-13:20), GS/218
Tutorials T06:
Tara Davis (davistc@mcmaster.ca),
Thursday (9:30-10:20), CNH/107
Textbook:
"Linear Algebra with Applications", 4th edition
by W.K. Nicholson (McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2003), ISBN 007-092195-4
Software:
Lyryx Interactive Linear Algebra is accessible at
http://lila.lyryx.com/.
To register, click on "Registration", then on "Student Form", fill in the
required information, then click on "Next". If you have the bundled
version of the textbook with the ISBN number above, the access code
is provided from your book as the "PIN Code". If you don't have an access code,
you will be asked to provide payment for the registration--$39.95.
Lectures and Tutorials: There will be three lectures per week in each section. Each section has three tutorial sections with one tutorial per week. The list of required and optional problems for tutorial sections will be posted on the course webpage. The importance of doing all suggested problems can not be overemphasised. You will not learn the material without working on problems by yourselves, with the help of your TA and instructor. Answers to suggested problems are also specified in the textbook. Students who can do the homework problems should be able to do tests and exams.
Assignments: Individual labs for five assignments will be posted on the course webpage as soon as the material for the corresponding sections of the textbook is covered. Five assignments correspond to five chapters of the main textbook. Assignments must be completed and submitted online with the Lyryx software. They will be automatically graded. Before the deadline expires, you may redo these assignments as many times as you wish; only your last submission before the deadline will be counted. You may use computer simulations (by Lyryx, Matlab or programmable calculator) to generate answers to online assignments.
Projects: Two projects will be posted on the course webpage at least one week before due date. Projects discuss applications of Linear Algebra through a series of problems. Projects are to be worked out the traditional way, that is, on paper. The completed projects are to be handed in to the homework lockers on the first floor of Hamilton Hall by 3pm on the due date. Solutions to projects and results will be posted on the course webpage. You may discuss problems of the projects with each other, but we expect you to write up the answers by yourself. Mathematics need no be an isolating activity. What you may not do is to copy someone else's work.
Mid-Term Tests: There will be two mid-term tests on Thursdays: September 29 and November 3 in the everning. Only the McMaster standard calculator Casio fx-991 is allowed on the tests. You must bring your student ID to the test room. Solutions to tests will not be posted on the course webpage.
Final Exam: The course is completed by a three-hour final examination. The date and location of the final exam will be announced by the registrar's office before the end of term.
Marking scheme:
Final exam - 40%
Mid-term tests - 40%
Projects - 10%
Assignments - 10%
Senate Policy Statement: The course is regulated under the following documents: Statement on Academic Ethics and Senate Resolutions on Academic Dishonesty. Any student who infringes one of these resolutions will be treated according to the published policy. In particular, academic dishonesty includes (1) plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one's own, (2) improper collaboration in group work on home assignments, (3) copying or using unauthorized aids tests and examinations. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty, refering to Academic Integrity Policy.
Additional information: Late assignments and projects will not be graded. No make-up tests will be scheduled. Only excuses validated by the Dean's office will be accepted for missing tests. In such cases, the missing mark will be replaced by the mark of the final exam.