Heartland Community College
MATH 271
LINEAR ALGEBRA
Instructor’s Name:
Phone Numbers:
E-mail Address:
Office:
Office Hours:
Kim McHale
830-5229 (cell)
268-8663 (office)
kim.mchale@heartland.edu
ICB 2420
Tuesday and Thursday: 11 – 12 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 – 10:30, 2:30 – 3:30
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Prerequisite: Math 162 with a grade of C or higher, or equivalent. This is an
introductory course in linear algebra. Topics include vectors and matrices; vector spaces
and subspaces; linear independence, dependence, and transformations; basis and
dimension; determinants; and orthogonality.
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Vectors
Operations on matrices
Solution of systems of linear equations
Rank of a matrix
Vector spaces and subspaces
Linear dependence and independence
Basis and dimension
Linear transformations
Sums, composites, inverses of linear transformations
Range and kernel of a linear transformation
Determinants
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Orthogonality; inner product spaces
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes):
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
1. Present the basic concepts of linear algebra in a way that provides both geometric
insight and computational experience. (C2, 5)
2. Use the basic notations of linear algebra.
3. Understand the proofs of such fundamental theorems as the invertible matrix
theorem, the unique representation theorem, and the diagonal matrix representation.
(P1)
4. Apply fundamental principles of linear algebra to problems in engineering, computer
science, mathematics, physics, economics, and statistics. (C1, 4, P2, 8)
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
An ability to write coherent mathematical statements in English is essential for all
students of Linear Algebra, not just those who may major in math. Required writing will
be part of assignments and tests. Students will be expected to explain how they found the
solution, describe the solution graphically and numerically, and interpret the answer in
the context of the problem. Conceptual exercises that require a short proof will be
expected from every student. Students must read the required chapters as covered in the
class. One or two mathematical research papers may be assigned as reading and writing
assignments.
Grade Distribution: Homework/Presentations 15%, Exam I, II, and III 20% each, Final
Exam 25%.
Incompletes: An incomplete grade may be given to a student who, by the withdrawal date, can
reasonably by expected to pass the course. Incompletes may be granted only when justified by
extreme circumstances (e.g., serious illness, accident, death or serious illness in the immediate
family). Incomplete grades are not given for such reasons as unjustified failure to appear for the
final examination. The agreed upon requirements must be completed no later than the end of the
following semester. By the agreed upon date, the instructor will assign a grade or the incomplete
will be changed to an F if the requirements are not completed.
Student Conduct: Please refer to the Student Conduct Policy in the Heartland Community
College CATALOG (page 37, 38) for specific policies concerning discipline. All persons
associated with Heartland Community College are expected to act responsibly and respect others.
Expect disciplinary action to result from: 1) unethical conduct during exams or in
preparation of assigned work; 2) misuse of HCC learning facilities; or 3) disruption of
HCC learning activities.
Academic Integrity: Please refer to the Student Conduct Policy in the Heartland Community
College CATALOG (page 38, 39) for specific policies concerning academic integrity.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or
suborning cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of
data, falsification of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to
computerized academic or administrative records or systems. Definitions of these
violations may be found in the college catalog.
Plagiarism: Please refer to the Student Conduct Policy in the Heartland Community College
CATALOG (page 39) for specific policies concerning plagiarism.
Tutoring and Academic Support: There is free tutoring available to all Heartland students who
need extra help. Tutoring is available in the ASC. Please refer to the Student Conduct Policy in
the Heartland Community College CATALOG (page 43, 46) for specific policies concerning
tutoring and academic support.
Syllabus Disclaimer: This syllabus is subject to change. Any changes will be announced on
WebCt.
Important Dates
Classes Begin
Last day to withdraw with refund
Last day to withdraw with “W”
Class ends:
08-18-08
10-17-08
11-19-08
12-05-08
Final Exam in Testing and Tutoring Center:
Week
4
Dates
August 18 – 22
August 25 – 29
September 1 – 5 (note no
class on Monday,
September 1)
September 8 – 12
5
6
7
8
September 15 - 19
September 22 – 26
September 29 – October 3
October 6 – 10
Review
Exam 1
2.1 – 2.4
2.5 – 2.8
2.9, 3.1 – 3.3
Exam 2
9
October 13 – 17
4.1 – 4.4
10
11
12
13
14
15
October 20 – 24
October 27 - 31
November 3 – 7
November 10 – 14
November 17 - 21
November 24 and 25
(Thanksgiving Break)
December 1 – 5
December 8 – 12
4.5 – 4.8
4.9, 5.1 – 5.3
Exam 3
5.4 – 5.7
5.8, 6.1 – 6.3
6.4 – 6.8
1
2
3
16
17
Sections Covered
1.1 – 1.4
1.5 – 1.8
1.9, 1.10
6.9, Exam 4
No class meetings,
final exam week
12-06 – 12-10