Class Meetings: MW 4:00-5:15 pm in EMS E145
[Thanksgiving holiday 11/27-30; Last class 12/10; Final 12/19]
Instructor: Allen Bell, EMS E449, 229-4233; e-mail adbell@uwm.edu
Web Page: http://www.uwm.edu/~adbell/ -- then
follow the link for Math 535.
Text and Topics: Matrices And Linear Algebra by Hans Schneider and George Phillip Barker. (Second Edition, Dover paperback)
I assume you already know the material in Chapter 1 (matrix algebra) and most of the material in Chapter 2 (linear equations). We will review these chapters quickly and then go on to Chapter 3 (vector spaces). I would like to cover the whole book, but I doubt we will do so. The core material we will cover is in Chapters 3-7: vector spaces, determinants, linear maps, eigenvalues & eigenvectors, inner product spaces and normal forms.
Office Hours: Still to be determined , but probably: MW 3:00-4:00; immediately after class; other times by appointment. You can also talk to me any time you can find me in my office.
Prerequisites: The prerequisites for this class are Math 241/341 (an introduction to proofs and the formal language of mathematics) and Math 234 (basic linear algebra). You will be expected to do many proofs on homework and exams.
Grades: Your grade will be based on the examinations, graded homework, and class participation. The grading scale will be determined by the class performance on the exams (i.e., there will be a curve). The final exam grade will count approximately 30% of your course grade; the other exams roughly 25% each, and the homework and in-class work and participation will make up the remainder.
Exams: There will be two midterm exams; the first will probably cover through the end of Chapter 3 and part or all of Chapter 4. I will say more about the exams as the semester progresses. The final exam is scheduled for 8-10 pm on Friday, December 19. It will be comprehensive.
There will be no make-up exams, and the final exam cannot be re-scheduled. If you cannot come to an exam for a very good reason, we may be able to make some kind of arrangement if you let me know in advance: you may call me or leave a message at the Mathematics office, 229-4836.
Homework: The best way to learn the material in this course is to (1) read actively, that is, work things out for yourself as you read, and (2) work as many problems as possible.
Most homework will not be collected, but you should work as many problems in the problem sets as you can. You are free to discuss homework among yourselves, except homework that is to be handed in for a grade, but please remember: if you don't do it yourself, you won't learn it.
Other: If you have any special requirements or concerns regarding this course, please let me know as soon as possible. Friday, October 24 is the last day to drop the class (with a W on your transcript) without special approvals.