MA301.01 Fall 2024: Intro to Linear Algebra Syllabus

textbook cover 10:00-10:50 MWF 203 Sellinger Hall

Dr. Lisa Oberbroeckling (o-burr-brek-ling) Office:Jenkins Hall 120b Phone: 410-617-2516

E-mail: OR

Zoom Room: https://loyola.zoom.us/my/loberbro or PMI: 410 617 2516

Moodle: moodle.loyola.edu

WeBWorK: https://webwork.loyola.edu/webwork2/MA301-FA24-OBER

Office (Drop-in) Hours: Wed: 1:30-2:30, Thurs: 9:00-11:00 AM. Also by appointment. Use Bookings page to schedule in person or over Zoom.

Caution or warning symbol I reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus at any time during the term by announcing them in class and on Moodle. You are responsible for knowing not only what is discussed/announced in class but also what is posted on Moodle.

Prerequisites
MA252 or CS295 or MA295.
Course Description
An introduction to the basics of matrices, linear transformations, and vector spaces along with selected applications. Topics include linear independence, dimension, solutions of linear systems, eigenvalues, and diagonalization. Applications are drawn from areas such as computer graphics, input-output analysis, and least squares. The computer package MATLAB is introduced and used throughout the course.
Text
Mostly the open text Understanding Linear Algebra by David Austin. Read online or get the free PDF. A print copy is available for purchase. Other free texts/resources will be linked on Moodle.
Calculators
A graphing calculator is not required. Although most graphing calculators have the ability to work with matrices, it can be cumbersome. Instead, we will learn to use MATLAB.
Homework
This course will emphasize problem solving and some applications of mathematics. Homework problems will be assigned from each section that we cover. You will be asked to do homework on the computer through WeBWorK. The WeBWorK counts towards your grade. Even though I will not be collecting any of the homework assigned from the book, it is important for you to be able to do all of the problems and understand the concepts behind them.
Projects
There will be projects throughout the term that will involve writing and/or the use of the computer using MATLAB. The specific directions for each project will be handed out in class when each project is assigned. Although some of you may have used MATLAB before, PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF MATLAB IS NEITHER NEEDED NOR ASSUMED. Many of the projects will expose you to applications of linear algebra that will not be covered during class lectures.
Exams
There will be 2 in-class exams during the term. They are tentatively scheduled on Friday, October 11 and Friday, November 22. Other information about the exams will be announced in class as each exam approaches. Note that the last day to withdraw from a class is December 2.
Final Exam
Final exams are cumulative. Specific information will be given later as the end of the semester nears.
Grading

Based on:
 
WeBWorK
15%
MATLAB/Projects
15%
2 Exams*
20% and 23%
*The higher of the two exams counts 23%
 
Final Exam
27%
Basic
Scale:
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
0-59%

I give +/- grades, the cutoffs being at the 7's and 3's, respectively. Thus 80-82.9 = B-, 83-86.9 = B, 87-89.9 = B+.

Extra Credit
Do not count on extra credit in this course to boost your grade. I make it a policy to not give extra credit on an individual basis so do not ask for it, especially at the end of the semester.
Honor Code
All students of the University are expected to understand the meaning of the Loyola University Honor Code. Ignorance of the Code is not a valid reason for committing an act of academic dishonesty. The following constitute violations of the Code and are defined in the Community Standards Handbook: cheating, stealing, lying, forgery, plagiarism and the failure to report a violation.\\[1ex]I expect you to work with others on homework (by collaborating, not copying!). I will ask you to sign a pledge on exams but not on other turned-in work (like quizzes) although I will expect the same honesty on all of them. Any questions or concerns should be directed immediately to me.
Classroom Etiquette
For online classes: I expect you to have your camera on unless you discuss it with me. If something comes up unexpectedly in which you feel more comfortable with your camera off, an email of warning before class will suffice.

When you come to class in person, I expect you to not only be in attendance physically but also mentally. That means no laptops, tablets, cell phones, no leaving class during lecture, no extraneous chatter, etc. If you know you must leave class, sit by the door to minimize the disruption. If cell phones and texting become a problem, I will confiscate the phone.

The goals of this course are best accomplished when in a setting of mutual respect. The study of mathematics does not usually lead to much controversy. That being said, we must all work to provide a safe environment that is conducive to learning. All are welcomed and encouraged to actively participate in the learning of mathematics, regardless of gender, race, nationality, native language, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, and especially personal mathematical history. Any student who feels she or he is experiencing a hostile environment should speak to me immediately.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, if a student successfully completes the course, they will have achieved the following departmental learning outcomes
  • Calculate Accurately: Students will be able to calculate accurately using algebra, calculus, or higher-level mathematics.
  • Program Quantitatively: Students will be able to write computer programs or run computer packages to perform quantitative tasks.
In addition, they will have achieved the course learning outcomes:
  • be able to solve a system of linear equations,
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of linear independence and linear dependence,
  • be able to find the eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of a matrix, and
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of matrix and vector algebra.
Speakers of Multiple Languages
If you are a speaker of more than one language or if English is not one of your first languages, there are resources for Multilingual Students including access to an ESL tutor, faculty who can help you navigate the university, and portals for other academic support. Multilingual students are encouraged to speak with me about their unique needs.
Student Athletes
If you are a student athlete, please provide me with your travel letter indicating when you will need to miss class to participate in athletic events. While travel for athletics is an excused absence, you will need to make up any missed work. Absences only on the travel letter will be accommodated.
The Counseling Center (www.loyola.edu/counselingcenter)
The Counseling Center supports the emotional well-being of the student body and is committed to a respectful understanding and honoring of the social, emotional, and cultural contexts represented by each individual student. We provide brief individual and group counseling, emergency and crisis intervention, and comprehensive referral services for those in need of longer-term therapy. Please call (410) 617-CARE (2273) or schedule online. For after-hours emergencies, please call our after-hours counselor at (410) 617-5530 or Campus Police at (410)617-5911. Let’s Talk!
Togetherall (www.loyola.edu/togetherall)
Togetherall is an online peer-to-peer platform, offering a safe space to connect with others experiencing similar feelings. There are trained professionals on hand, 24/7, 365 days a year, helping to moderate the platform, and all members are anonymous to each other. And, if sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has tools and courses to help you look after yourself, along with plenty of resources to explore. Get Support. Take Control. Feel better.
Disability and Accessibility Services
Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS) works with students needing accommodations or support to live and learn at Loyola. Students must have documented physical or psychological conditions, and many conditions can be considered disabilities. For example, ADHD, anxiety and depression, hearing impairment, severe food allergies, etc., are examples of disabilities we serve.

Can DAS help you? Consider these questions, do you need help because you have trouble concentrating in class? Do you need more time for tests? Do you face a difficulty that prevents you from fully participating in class? If so, consider meeting with a DAS advisor to discuss support that might help. Please email DAS@loyola.edu to set up a time to talk. The information you provide DAS is confidential, and DAS will not disclose information without your permission.

If you are a student registered with DAS and have academic accommodations, please send me your Faculty Notification Email as soon as possible and let me know a good time to meet to discuss the accommodations you need for this course.

If you cannot physically access my office, please let me know, and I will arrange an alternative meeting location off the Quad.

If you are not registered with DAS but have a physical or mental condition and are experiencing difficulties caused by your medical condition in this or another course, please go to the Disability and Accessibility Services website to learn more about accommodations at Loyola. You can also contact DAS at DAS@loyola.edu to schedule a meeting.

Title IX and Bias
Loyola University Maryland is committed to a learning and working environment free from sex-based harassment, discrimination, and retaliation including sexual harassment, sexual assault, fondling, incest, statutory rape, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation. Reports of such offenses are taken seriously, and Loyola encourages students experiencing sex-based harassment, discrimination, or retaliation to report the incident in accordance with the University’s policy on Reporting Sex-based Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation. Because of the University’s obligation to respond to reports of sex-based harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, mandated reporters including faculty members, are required to report incidents of that nature to the Title IX coordinator even if the reporting party requests confidentiality. Information about confidential resources that are not required to report sex-based harassment, discrimination, and retaliation to the Title IX coordinator may be found on the Title IX reporting resources page. For more information about policies and resources or reporting options, please review the Title IX and Bias Compliance Website. Once a student reports sex-based harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, Title IX will contact the student to discuss supportive measures- such as no-contact orders and academic support- and options for addressing the incident on and off campus. Additionally, students experiencing pregnancy and related conditions are protected from discrimination and can receive reasonable modifications to Loyola’s policies and practices. Information can be found on the Pregnancy, Parenting, and Lactation Webpage. Loyola is also committed to an environment free of other forms of harassment and discrimination. For information about policies and reporting resources, please review the Bias-Related Behaviors Process and Policy in the Title IX and Bias Compliance Website for policies related to students and the harassment and discrimination policy for policies related to employees.
Writing Center
The Loyola Writing Center is open seven days a week for both face-to-face and Zoom appointments. The complete schedule of hours is posted on the website: https://www.loyola.edu/department/writing-center/about/location-hours. For questions, or help making an appointment, students can email lwc@loyola.edu.
The Study
The Study is located on the third floor of Jenkins Hall and serves as Loyola University Maryland’s academic support center. Our mission is to help Loyola students become successful, independent learners. We do this through a variety of free academic support services, such as peer and professional tutoring (including ESL tutoring); academic success workshops; academic coaching; and time management and organization coaching. These services are available in person and online, and students can register for them through The Study’s website at www.loyola.edu/thestudy.
Food/Housing Insecurity and Textbook Needs
Any student who has difficulty securing their food, housing, or textbooks is urged to contact Dr. Deb Cady Melzer at dcmelzer@loyola.edu. Loyola may have resources available to help.
Peer Tutoring for Math/Stats
Tutoring is also available in a drop-in basis at the Math/Stats Seminar Room in 303 Knott Hall. Times and days are TBA.

WeBWorK Advice

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS: