MATH 1B03 Information Sheet (Fall 2015)

Course Web Page: Available on Avenue to Learn

Textbook:

Elementary Linear Algebra: Applications Version, 11th edition, by Howard Anton and Chris Rorres, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Optionally, the supplement Student Solutions Manual with solutions to odd numbered problems is available separately. An online-only/kindle version of the textbook can also be rented from CourseSmart/Amazon.

Topics:

Systems of linear equations. Determinants. Eigenvalues, eigenvectors and diagonalization. Complex numbers. Dynamical system. Geometry. Vector spaces. Linear independence. Basis and dimension. Orthogonality and Gram-Schmidt Process.

Supporting problems:

Supporting problems will be posted on the course webpage. It is important to attempt as many of the supporting problems as you can. This is essential to the learning process. Answers to some supporting problems can be found in the textbook; a more full solution manual is available separately.

Tutorials:

There will be a large one hour tutorial each week. The tutorials are intended to provide additional material to help students learn the course material, and provide opportunities to ask additional questions and seek help. People ask if the tutorials are mandatory; they are not mandatory, and passing the course is not mandatory either. Attend all lectures and tutorials for the best success.
More personalized assistance can be obtained by coming to the Math Drop-In Centre on the first floor of Hamilton Hall. More detailed times and information are available on their web site: http://www.math.mcmaster.ca/~mcleac3/Site/HelpCentre.html

Assignments:

There will be 5 assignments made available through online submission. They will be automatically graded if submitted before the deadline expires. A separate link to this is provided on the course web site. (Click the button a couple lines below!)

Labs:

In addition to the assignments, there will be 5 labs which will require the use of Matlab (version 7 or later). These will be submitted using the online lab system. You can access Matlab in the campus computer labs in BSB anytime in the opening hours (check opening hours), as long as there is not another class using them. There are scheduled lab times exclusive for MATH1B03 (check Lab information page). You do not have to attend any scheduled lab times. But TAs will be available if you need help at the times given on the Lab information page.

Purchasing Matlab:

Matlab can be purchased at the campus bookstore or online directly from Mathworks http://www.mathworks.com/store/default.do. Matlab is also available in most of the computer labs on campus.
All information about labs is available on the Lab information page.

Test:

There will be two tests (duration 90 mins), tentatively set for the evening of:
Thursday evening, October 8.
Thursday evening, November 12.
The topics covered on the test will be announced on the course webpage.
Students must bring ID cards. Calculators are NOT ALLOWED on any of the tests or the exam.

Final Examination:

The final examination (duration 2.5 hours) will be scheduled by the registrar. The registrar will publish more information on the exams at a later date. The exam will cover all the material from the course; details on topics covered will be announced on the course webpage.

Marking scheme:

Final examination:   40%
Mid-term tests: 2 at 20% each
Labs:           5 at 2%  each
Assignments:    5 at 2%  each

Official Policies:

Exemptions from course work Undergraduate students who are absent from the university for a minor medical reason, lasting fewer than 3 days, may report their absence, once per term, without documentation, using the McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF). A second absence in a term, or absences for a longer duration or for non-medical reasons must be reported to the Associate Dean of your Faculty/Program office, with documentation, and relief from term work may not necessarily be granted. When using the MSAF, report your absence to Dr. Tam immediately (normally within 2 working days) by email at geotam@math.mcmaster.ca to confirm receipt of the notice. The MSAF can be reached at https://pinjap01.mcmaster.ca/msaf/. If potential abuse is detected, the request for relief will be denied and the student will be asked to meet with the Associate or Assistant Dean. For material missed with appropriate documentation, the missing grade will be replaced with the grade on the final exam. Please note that the MSAF may not be used for term work worth 25% or more, nor can it be used for the final examination.

Academic ethics
Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g., the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: \Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty"), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of a academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3. The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism, e.g., the submission of work that is not one's own or which has been used for other credit.
2. Improper collaboration in group work.
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

Course Modifications
The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.