Math 208 Section A Fall 2021
Matrix Algebra with Applications
Instructor: James Burke          E-Mail: jvburke(at)uw(dot)edu
Office Hours: MW 11:40am--12:30pm (ZOOM)
Prerequisites: Math 126          Classroom: MLR 301
TA: Tejas Devenur          E-Mail: tdevanur(at)uw(dot)edu
Hours: Thur. 3-4pm, Smith 115

URL for the course website:

Text:

Jeffery Holt, Linear Algebra with Applications (2006)

Course Content:

Math 208 is an introductory course in systems of linear equations, vector spaces, matrices, subspaces, orthogonality, least squares, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, applications. It is designed for students in engineering, mathematics, and the sciences. Proficiency in vector calculus and geometry on the level of Math 126 is required.

Linear algebra and matrix theory provide the foundation for all of scientific computing. Consequently they are essential mathematical tools in virtually all applications of mathematics. However, the material in this course is also the first math course where students are introduced to purely mathematical definitions and concepts. For this reason, many students find the subject difficult. In particular, the memorization of terms and definitions is crucial to success in this course. However, numerous examples and applications are given to illustrate and use the underlying mathematical concepts. Although some proof theory is presented, the balance of the course emphasizes computational skill and geometric understanding.

Exams and Grading:

Course grades are based on weekly WebAssign homework (15%), two midterm exams (25% each), and a final exam (35%). The dates of the two midterms are Wednesday, October 20 and Wednesday, November 17 during regularly scheduled class time. The comprehensive final exam is scheduled for Monday, December 13, 8:30-10:20am. Guides to both the midterms and the final will be made available.

If your overall grade is 60% or greater, then you will receive a grade of at least 2.0.

However, if, in the unfortunate event, we enter another pandemic lockdown, the grading scheme for the course will change dramatically and will be announced if necessary.

The UW Cengage team will be holding Student Office Hours on Thursday, September 30, and Monday, October 4, 11 am - 3 pm, via Zoom https://cengage.zoom.us/j/6455745826

Standard Policy for Exams:

Time Conflicts with an Exam and Religious Accommodation:

There will be no make-up quizzes or exams except in the following cases.
  1. A documented emergency (medical, family, University, ...).
  2. A religious accommodation (see below).
  3. A documented unavoidable conflict whose validity is pre-authorized by the instructor.
For unavoidable pre-approved conflicts, the instructor requires at least two weeks notice prior to the exam so arrangements can be made for you to take the exam or quiz BEFORE the actual exam date.

Student Conduct Code:

The University of Washington Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121) defines prohibited academic and behavioral conduct and describes how the University holds students accountable as they pursue their academic goals. Allegations of misconduct by students may be referred to the appropriate campus office for investigation and resolution. More information can be found online at https://www.washington.edu/studentconduct/.

Religious Accommodation:

Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Faculty Syllabus Guidelines and Resources . Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form available at https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/ .

Student Disability Resources:

Your experience in this class is important to me. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course.

If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but not limited to; mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DRS at 206-543-8924 or uwdrs@uw.edu or disability.uw.edu. DRS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions.

Incomplete:

A grade of Incomplete will be given only if a student is doing satisfactory work up until the end of the quarter, and then misses the final exam due to a documented medical or family emergency.

Important Dates:

Holidays: Veterans Day, November 11. Thanksgiving Holiday, November 25-26.

Last Day of Class: Friday, December 10.

Midterm I: Wednesday, October 20.

Midterm II: Wednesday, November 17.

Final Exam: Monday, December 13, 8:30-10:20am.