Math 311 Syllabus
Course title and number
Term
Class times and location
Math 311 – Topics in Applied Mathematics I
Spring 2016
Section 501: TR 9:35-10:50 am CHEN 112
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name
Julia Plavnik, Visiting Assistant Professor
Phone Number
Department of Mathematics: 845-3261
Email address
julia@math.tamu.edu
Instructor Web Page
http://www.math.tamu.edu/~julia/
Office
BLOCKER 509A
Office Hours
Tuesday 1:00-2:00 pm, Wednesday 9:00-10:00 am, and by appointment.
Course Page
http://www.math.tamu.edu/courses/math311/
Course Description: Topics in Applied Mathematics I. Systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector
spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, inner product spaces, orthogonal
functions; vector analysis, including gradient, divergence, curl, line and surface integrals, Gauss’, Green’s and Stokes’
theorems.
Prerequisites: MATH 221, MATH 251, or MATH 253; MATH 308 or concurrent enrollment; junior or senior
classification or approval of instructor. Credit will not be given for more than one of MATH 304, MATH 309, MATH 311,
and MATH 323.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: The course consists of two parts. The first, larger part is an introductory course in linear
algebra covering the abstract concepts of vector space and linear transformation as well as some models and
applications of these concepts. The main topics to be covered are: systems of linear equations, matrices,
determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, orthogonality, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The second part of
the course continues the study of Vector Analysis started in Calculus 3. The concepts of linear algebra are applied to
the study of vector calculus. The topics to cover here include gradient, divergence, curl, line and surface integrals,
Green’s, Gauss’ and Stokes’ theorems.
The emphasis of the course is on applications and problem solving. However the course also contains a substantial
amount of abstract theory. The student should be able to do simple proofs.
Calculator Policy: A calculator may not be used on exams or quizzes.
TEXTBOOK AND/OR RESOURCE MATERIAL
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S.J. Leon and S.J. Colley, Math 311: Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus, Pearson Education (custom edition
for Texas A&M University, ISBN-13: 978-1256983699). This is sold in a loose leaf form and comes along with
an e-book subscription for an extra $5.
GRADING POLICIES
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Midterm Exams: There are three midterm exams (see schedule below). I reserve the right to move the
midterm exams up to one week from the dates given below. The average of these three exams count as 51%
of the course grade.
Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and counts as 34% of the course grade.
Homework and Quizzes: Math cannot be learned by watching someone else do math. It requires lots of
practice. Homework will be collected in lecture (usually on Thursday). Assignments will be on my web page.
Some problems will be graded. In fairness to others in the class and to the grader, homework must be turned
in on time. If you will not be in class on the due date, you must either arrange with me to turn it in early or have
someone else turn your homework in. Late homework will not be accepted.
Quizzes may be given in lecture and may not be announced. There will be NO make-ups for quizzes.
Each homework and quiz will count equally.
The University has asked that we remind you that all work submitted for credit must be your own. (Avoid
circumstances that could lead to the submission of substantially identical homework assignments).
Grade Appeals: If you believe an error has been made in grading, you have until the next class period after
the exam/quiz has been handed back. Otherwise you must accept your grade. Once final grades have been
assigned, they will NOT be changed unless there was an error in the calculation of the grade.
The course grading will be based on the results of
Activity
Exam I
Exam II
Exam III
Homework/Quizzes
Final Exam
Date
T, Feb 23
R, Mar 24
R, Apr 21
Roughly weekly
R, May 05,
12:30-2:30 pm
TOTAL

Percent
17%
17%
17%
15%
34%
100%
Grading Scale
Range
90%≤Average≤100%
80%≤Average<90%
70%≤Average<80%
60%≤Average<70%
0%≤Average<60%
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Attendance and Make-up policies
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Excused absences: Attendance is mandatory and may affect your grade. For excused absences we refer the
student to Student Rule 7 at http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule07. Excuses for absences during an exam or
quiz must be substantiated by appropriate documentation. Falsification of documentation is a violation of the
Honor Code.
Attendance is REQUIRED. Attendance will be taken. If you sign the roll sheet, you are expected to remain in
the classroom for the entire 75 minutes. More than 2 absences may have a detrimental effect on your grade
especially in borderline cases.
Make-up Policy: Make up exams will be only allowed due to excused absences. If you foresee the need to be
absent during an exam, you must notify me in advance, when possible. If it is not possible, consistent with
University Student Rules, students are required to notify an instructor by the end of the next working day after
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missing an exam. Otherwise, they forfeit their rights to a make-up. I will not accept the 'University Explanatory
Statement for Absence from class' form. Further, an absence due to a non-acute medical service or
appointment (such as a regular check up) is not an excused absence.
Disability Services: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that
provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation
requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable
accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please
contact Disability Services, currently located in the Disability Services building at the Student Services at
White Creek complex on west campus or call 979-845-1637. For additional information,
visit http://disability.tamu.edu.
Academic Integrity: Cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Please do not
compromise your integrity for the sake of temporary benefits.
Although students are encouraged to discuss homework problems, each student is expected to write his/her
own solutions. Copying another student’s work is dishonest and academically worthless.
Aggie Honor Code: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.
Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes
a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the
philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment
on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. For more information, please visit
http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu/.
Additional Helpful Links:
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Help Sessions
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Academic Calendar
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Final Exam Schedule
http://www.math.tamu.edu/courses/helpsessions.html
http://registrar.tamu.edu/General/Calendar.aspx
http://registrar.tamu.edu/General/FinalSchedule.aspx
Copyright: All printed handouts and web-materials are protected by US Copyright Laws. No multiple copies can
be made without written permission by the instructor.