Department of Mathematics
Washington University in St. Louis
Math 309: Matrix Algebra
Fall 2012
The terms matrix algebra and linear algebra really refer to the same subject; however, matrix algebra is meant to suggest a more concrete point of view for an introduction to  the subject: matrices are a useful computational tool in linear algebra.  You can get a more theoretical and extensive treatment in Math 429 (Linear Algebra).

This course contains a fair amount of computation in it to help understand the ideas. For learning purposes, these computations are much more "small-scale" than usually appear in real world applications where a lot of computing power may be needed (even though the underlying mathematical ideas are the same).

However, this course also involves more than cookbook calculations: it really does involve understanding some new and more abstract ideas.  It will be important to actually learn some definitions and statements of theorems.  This may take some adjustment of your study habits.  You should read the guidelines the textbook
author provides for How to Study Linear Algebra.

Almost all of the important information for this course can be accessed in two ways: either through Blackboard or on this web page. It's entirely up to you which way you do it. The only exception is that scores on written homework and exams will be recorded in Blackboard and viewed there.

Instructor Information & Office Hours

Lectures: General Information

Homework: General Information about
WebWorK and Written Homework
Textbook Information

Exams: Schedule and General Information

Course Grading Information

Announcements and Weekly Schedule: Reading, Lectures and Homework
          Assignments

Anonymous Feedback to Professor Freiwald.  Of course, I'd really prefer open feedback and discussion about the course at any time.  However, this link is provided as a way for students to offer suggestions and comments anonymously.  I'll keep this link here as long as  it's constructively used.  (I can't respond, of course, to your anonymous e-mail.)  

Academic Integrity  This link gives the general policies of the University on academic integrity. Of course no communication or collabotation in any form is allowed during an exam.  Please also see the comments about homework collaboration (above).