MATH 317, Theory of Linear Algebra
Spring 2014
Instructor: Tim Chumley
Office: Carver 492
Email: tchumley@iastate.edu
Webpage: tchumley.public.iastate.edu/m317s14
Office Hours: MTRF 10-11am
Text: Linear Algebra, A Geometric Approach, Second Edition, by Shifrin and Adams
Time and Location: MTRF 9-10 in Carver 0190.
Homework: There will be roughly 13 weekly homework assignments due on Fridays. Most
assignments will consist of two parts: an online, computation-oriented part and a hand-written
theory-oriented part. The online part will be due at 11:59pm on Fridays, and the hand-written
part will be due in class on Fridays. Everyone is encouraged to work with others, but each person
must turn in his/her own hand-written part in his/her own words.
Exams: There will be four exams. The first three exams (which take place February 7, March 6,
and April 7) will be given during the normal class time. The last exam will be the final exam on
May 7, 7:30-9:30am, in our usual classroom. The final exam will be cumulative.
Attendance policy: You’re expected to come to every class.
Make up policy: We will follow the department policy on make up examinations. Please see
http://www.math.iastate.edu/Faculty/ClassPolicies.html.
Grading policy: The homework assignments are worth a total of 35% of the final grade. The
three in term exams are worth 15% each. The final exam is worth 20%.
Overall grades will be based on a scale no stricter than
90 − 100 A (possibly ±)
80 − 89 B (possibly ±)
65 − 79 C (possibly ±)
50 − 65
D
0 − 49
F
Academic dishonesty: Please see the standard university policies on academic integrity:
http://www.dso.iastate.edu/ja/academic/misconduct.html
Course topics: The plan is to cover the first six chapters of the textbook. A precise outline of
the sections covered will be listed on the course web page.
Prerequisites: MATH 166 and credit or enrollment in MATH 201.
Help: Ask questions! I’m happy to answer questions both in and out of class. My door is open
during office hours (and lots of other times); no need to prearrange a meeting, just stop in. If you
can’t make it during office hours, we can schedule another meeting time or I’m happy to try to
answer questions over email. Another option for help is the Math Help Room in Carver 385,
which is open Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Disability acommodation: Please address any special needs or special accommodations with
me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. Those seeking
accommodations based on disabilities should obtain a Student Academic Accommodation
Request (SAAR) form from the Disability Resources (DR) office (515-294-6624). DR is located on
the main door of the Student Services Building, Room 1076. No retroactive accommodations will
be provided.