Department of Mathematics  Department of Mathematics
  Math 309: Matrix Algebra
  Syllabus, Fall 2015
NOTE THAT THIS IS AN OLD SYLLABUS: FALL 2015

Matrix algebra and linear algebra really refer to the same subject.  The term matrix algebra suggests a more concrete point of view for an introductory course: matrices are a useful computational tool in linear algebra.  You can get a treatment of the subject that is more theoretical (and more extensive) in Math 429 (Linear Algebra).     

This course contains a fair amount of computation to help understand the ideas and how they can be used -- but do realize that these computations are much more "small-scale" than often appear in real world applications where a lot of computing power may be needed, even though the underlying mathematical ideas are exactly the same.

However, this course also involves more than cookbook calculations.  It will require learning some new and more abstract ideas.  It will be important to actually learn some definitions and statements of theorems, more so than for introductory calculus classes. This may take some adjustment in your study habits and point of view.

You should definitely read the guidelines How to Study Linear Algebra which the author
of the text has provided.  His suggestions are "right on target" !

Some additional Guidelines for Good Mathematical Writing could be helpful in this course (or any other mathematics course).

You can access the syllabus in two ways: by going directly to this web page, or by signing on to Blackboard and opening up this course. You'll find links from there into this syllabus. It's entirely up to you which way you get here.

Almost everything related to the course will be posted within the syllabus. The only exceptions are

i) scores for exams and written homework will be recorded directly into Blackboard and you'll need to view them there

ii) WebWorK scores can be viewed only from within WebWorK

iii) Important announcements, changes of plans, ..., will be sent to the class via email when necessary.

         Basic Information about the course

Instructor Information & Office Hours

Lectures: General Information

  
Textbook Information (including signon information for MyMathLab)

Exams: Schedule and General Information
Homework (two types required)
Course Grading Information
The link for the course that you will open most frequently is

Announcements and Weekly Schedule:  Reading, Lectures and Homework Assignments

It will be updated a several  times every week with assignments, supplementary materials, notes., ...

                             


Academic Integrity  This link gives the general University policies about academic integrity. Of course no communication
or collaboration in any form is allowed during an exam. See the earlier links about Homework and Exams for additional
academic integrity information for this course.

Resources Related to Sexual Assault, Bias, and Mental Health

Anonymous Feedback to Professor Freiwald.  Of course, I'd really prefer open feedback and discussion about the course.  However, this link is a way for students to offer suggestions and comments anonymously.  I'll keep this link here as long as it's used used constructively. Of course, I'm not able to respond to your anonymous e-mail.