Instructor:  Gabriel Nagy

Course:  Math 20F

Title:  Linear Algebra

Credit Hours:  4

Prerequisite:  Math 20C (or Math 21C) or equivalent with a grade of C- or better

Catalog Description:  Matrix algebra, solution of systems of linear equations by Gaussian elimination, determinants.  Linear and affine subspaces, bases of Euclidean spaces.  Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, quadratic forms, orthogonal matrices, diagonalization of symmetric matrices.  Applications.  Computing symbolic and graphical solutions using MATLAB.  (Zero units given if Math. 2EA previously. Formerly numbered 2EA.)

Textbook: Linear Algebra and Its Applications, third edition, by David C. Lay; published by Pearson Education; 2003. The third edition updated is also fine.

Subject Material:  We shall cover parts of chapters 1 - 7 of the text. A more detailed list may be found by consulting the calendar and the list of assigned homework problems.

Reading:  Reading the sections of the textbook corresponding to the assigned homework exercises is considered part of the homework assignment and it will be expected that you read the assigned material in advance of each lecture. You are responsible for material in the assigned reading whether or not it is discussed in the lecture.

MATLAB:  MATLAB assignments will be assigned weekly and should be turned in to your TA during the Thursday lab section on the due date indicated on the homework page; no late assignments will be accepted.  Your cumulative MATLAB grade will be based on the best  6  of the  8  MATLAB assignments.  The lab sections are scheduled so that you may get help with MATLAB from your TA.  You are expected to make use of the lab sections; questions specific to the operation of MATLAB will likely not be answered outside of the lab sections.  You may discuss the MATLAB assignments with your instructor, TAs, and other students in the class; however, the assignment you turn in must be your own:  A plagiarized assignment will be considered evidence of academic dishonesty.

Homework:  Homework will be assigned on the course homework page and should be completed by the discussion section on the indicated due date. Homework will not be collected; rather, your homework will be indirectly measured by your performance on exams. Completing the assigned homework is vital to your understanding of the subject material. You should make every effort to complete the homework assignments and seek help with problems you have not been able to solve.

Exams:  There will be three exams,  fifty-minutes each.  See the course calendar for the dates of the exams.  You will be allowed fifty (50) minutes to complete each exam.  Each exam will have four or five problems. You may bring with you to the exams one 8.5 by 11 inch handwritten sheet of notes; no other notes (or books) or calculators will be allowed.  There will be no early or makeup exams.

Final Exam:  The final examination will be held at the following date and time:

• Monday,  December 10,   8:00-11:00am, in CSB 001 (our lecture room).
  

You may bring one 8.5 by 11 inch handwritten sheet of notes with you to the final examination; no other notes (or books) or calculators will be allowed. Bring your personal photo ID to the exam. It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not have a schedule conflict involving the final examination; you should not enroll in this class if you cannot take the final examination at its scheduled time.

Grading: Your course grade will be determined by your cumulative average at the end of the term and will be based on the following scale:

1. • 10% MATLAB Lab Assignments (best 6 of 8)
   • 20% Exam 1
     
   • 20% Exam 2
   • 20% Exam 3
   • 30% Final Exam
2. • 10% MATLAB Lab Assignments (best 6 of 8)
   • 40% Best 2 of 3 Exams
     
   • 50% Final Exam

Academic Dishonesty:  Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense at UCSD. Students caught cheating may face failure in the course and an administrative sanction which may include suspension or expulsion from the university.

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