This course is an introduction to linear algebra, intended for students who are interested in
mathematics. Although there will be a significant amount of computation, the focus is on
understanding the ideas, what they mean, and how we know what we know about them.
There will also be an emphasis on learning how to think mathematically, and the process of exploring
our initially hazy understanding of a new concept and refining it into clear, concise arguments.
In short, we are interested in understanding ideas as completely and throughly as possible, and the
course will reflect that goal.
Instructor: Mike Roth
Office Hours: During tutorial sessions
Textbook: Linear Algebra, a modern introduction, by David Poole, third edition.
| Classes (slot 14) | Tutorials |
|---|---|
| Tues. 11:30–12:30 | Wed. 15:30–16:30 |
| Wed. 13:30–14:30 | Thurs. 8:30–9:30 |
| Fri. 12:30–13:30 | |
| All classes are in Stirling B. | All tutorials are in Jeff 201/202. |
| Fall | Winter | |
|---|---|---|
| Homework | 30% | 20% |
| In-class exams (two each term) | 30% | 30% |
| End-of-term exam | 40% | 50% |
There are twelve homework assignments each term. The lowest two of these twelve grades
will be dropped when computing the homework grade for that term.
The final course grade will consist of the average of the final grades from the fall and winter terms.
All grades in the course will be computed as numbers, and the final grade (out of 100) will be converted
into a Queen's letter grade using the standard conversion.
| Fall | Winter | |
|---|---|---|
| First in-class exam | Oct. 12 | Feb. 1 |
| Second in-class exam | Nov. 11 | Mar. 7 |
| End of term Exam | Dec. 17, 7pm—10pm | Apr. 24, 9am—12pm |
| Stirling D | Grant Hall |