Matrix Algebra - Summer 2005

MTWThF 11:40-13:50
in LART 106

  • Instructor: Mohamed A. Khamsi
  • Office: Bell Hall 328
  • Phone: 747-6763
  • Fax: 747-6502
  • email: Click Here
  • web-address: http://www.drkhamsi.com

  • Office Hours: MTWTh from 1:50 PM to 2:50 and by appointment. . Contact me before or after class to make such an appointment.
  • Texbook: Introduction to Linear Algebra, Fifth Edition, by Johnson and Al, Addison Wesley.
  • Course Outline:

  • Help.

  • Goal of the Course: This is a first course in Linear Algebra. This course will introduce the students to the theory concepts of matrix algebra and systems of linear equations, elementary vector space concepts, and the eigenvalue problem.
  • Required Reading: The textbook is intended to be read in full .
  • Fair Warning: Treat each topic as if you were meeting it for the first time, and be alert to make sure you understand each day's material before the next class meeting.
  • Graphing Calculators.You may use a calculator in class and on exams.
  • Tests.Two tests will be given in class. Each test counts 20% of your grade. Make-up tests will only be given under extraordinary circumstances, and only if you notify the instructor prior to the exam date.

  • Quizzes.There will also be some unannounced quizzes. Quiz problems will be identical to prior homework assignments and/or designed to check on your understanding of the assigned reading material. Your worst two quizzes will be dropped, the others will make up your quiz score, which accounts for 20% of your grade.

  • Final.The final on Friday June 24 from 1:00 PM to 3:45 is mandatory and comprehensive. It counts 40% of your grade.

  • Homework.The instructor will regularly assign homework. Although the homework will not be collected or graded, it is essential for your success in this class that you diligently work all the homework problems. Homework will include reading assignments.

  • Time Requirement.It is expected that you spend an absolute minimum of six hours a week outside of class on solving homework problems, reading the textbook and reviewing your class notes.

  • Attendance Policy: Punctual attendance at all class meetings is a requirement for the course. The roll will be checked randomly. More than six unexcused absences will see you dropped from the class with an F grade. Unexcused late arrivals or early departures will count as unexcused absences.

  • Drop Policy.The class schedule lists Friday June 10 as the last day to drop with an automatic "W".
    Note: The instructor will NOT assign a "W" for students dropping the course after the deadline.

  • Other Help: There is plenty of help available to you provided you are willing to take advantage of it. Specially this semester, we will make use of the internet to get organized help. This is specially interesting for students who can not work with groups on Campus.
    Besides my office hours I will gladly meet with you on a drop in basis any time I am free to do so. Talk to me before or after class or by phone or by email to set up an appointment.

  • General remark:

    If you have problems with the course material, need to be absent for a test, or have any other circumstance that may affect your performance in the course, contact me as soon as possible. I will do everything I can to enable you to succeed in this course and I expect you to be as diligent in your efforts as I am in mine.

    If you have any question, please send it to M. A. Khamsi via e-mail at