OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GENERIC COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

I.          Course        Course         Course

            Prefix          Number        Name                                                       Credit        Lecture  Lab

 

            MAT             260              Linear Algebra                                               3                  3        0

 

II.         Prerequisite:

 

MAT 251 with a grade of C or better.

 

III.       Course Description:

 

Course covers matrices and the algebra of linear systems. Content includes equations, vector spaces, real inner product spaces, linear transformations, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, diagonability, quadratic forms and symmetric matrices. Calculators/computers used when appropriate.

 

IV.       Course Objectives:

 

A.        Use basic matrix operations and the algebra of matrices in practical problems.  Possible applications may be drawn from areas such as Kirchoff’s laws, Leontieff model of an interacting economy, Markov chains, method of least squares, singular value decomposition and Fourier coefficients of a function.

B.         Understand the concepts of vector spaces, subspaces, basis, independence and dependence, dimension, coordinates, rank of a matrix, inner product.

C.        Use the dependency relationship algorithm and the Gram-Schmidt orthogonizational process.

D.        Understand linear transformations, range and null space of a linear transformation, the correspondence principle and similarity.

E.         Understand properties of the determinant function and the cofactor expansion of determinants.

F.         Understand the concepts of eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

G.        Understand the concepts of quadratic forms.

 

V.        Academic Integrity:

 

Students, Faculty and administration at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

·        cheating,

·        plagiarism (turning in work not written by you or lacking proper citation),

·        falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),

·        helping others to cheat,

·        making unauthorized changes in official documents,

·        pretending to be someone else or having someone else to pretend to be you,

·        making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

 

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and procedures provide students with a fair hearing if a complaint is made. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

 

Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

 

VI.       Outline of Topics:

 

A.        Systems of Linear Equations and Matrices

            1          Gaussian elimination

            2          Homogeneous systems of linear equations

            3          Matrices and matrix arithmetic

            4          Matrix invertibility

            5          Applications

 

            B.         Vector Spaces

                        1.         Euclidean n-space

                        2.         Linear independence

                        3.         Basis and dimension

4.         Rank of a matrix

5.         Inner product spaces

6.         Orthonormal bases and projections

 

            C.        Linear Transformations

                        1.         Properties, range and null space

                        2.         Matrix representations, products and inverses

3.         Similarity

            D.        Determinants

                        1.         The determinant function and evaluation

                        2.         Properties of determinants

                        3.         Cofactor expansion

                        4.         Applications including Cramer's Rule

                       

            E.         Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors

                        1.         Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of linear transformations

                        2.         Diagonalization

 

            F.         Quadratic forms

1.      Symmetric matrices

 

G.        Recommended Technology

1.      Use of technology to perform matrix computations

2.      Use of technology to determine matrix products and inverses

3.   Use of technology to evaluate determinants

VII.           Methods of Instruction:

            (To be completed by instructor)

 

Methods of presentation can include lectures, discussion, experimentation, audio-visual aids, small-group work and regularly assigned homework. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate.  Mathematica is available for use at the College at no charge.

           

VIII.     Course Practices Required:

            (To be completed by instructor)

 

VIII.         Instructional Materials:

 

Required Textbook: Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction by David Poole, 2nd Edition, Thomson, 2006. 9780534998455

A computer algebra system is required.

X.        Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

            (To be determined and announced by the instructor)

 

            Evaluation methods can include grading homework, chapter or major tests, quizzes, individual or group projects, calculator/computer projects and a final examination.

 

XI.       Other Course Information:

Individual instructors will establish and announce specific policies regarding attendance, due dates and make-up work, incomplete grades, etc.

 

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services.  To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services.  All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements.  The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

 

Effective beginning term: ___Fall   2004__________                Ending term: ___________

                                              (term) (year)                                                                   (term) (year)

Syllabus prepared by:   J. Hasset & R. Sompolski                                 Date:   

 

Reviewed by Dept/program chair: R. Sompolski                                    Date:    ____________

                                   

Approved by Dean: J. Kotowski                                                           Date:    ____________