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 and on your performance in the MATLAB exam (see the MATLAB homepage for further information). 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 measured by your performance on quizzes. 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.
Quizzes: There will be five
quizzes given
during the lecture on certain Fridays; please see the course calendar for
the dates of the quizzes.
Each quiz will consist of two or three problems taken directly
from the
assigned homework; however, the numerical data may be changed.
You will be allowed twenty
(20) minutes to complete each quiz. No notes, books, or
calculators will be allowed during the quizzes. There will
be no early or makeup quizzes.
Exams: There will be two 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:
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:
| A+ | A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- | D |
| 97 | 93 | 90 | 87 | 83 | 80 | 77 | 73 | 70 | 60 |
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.