MTH 215 
Linear Algebra
 
MWF 3:00 - 3:50 pm.
Washburn 220

Instructor    Araceli Medina-Bonifant  
Office: Tyler Hall 217
Phone: 4-4394
Email: bonifant@math.uri.edu

Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday 2:00-3:00 pm or by appointment.

Textbook:Linear Algebra, Third Edition, by J. Fraleigh and R. Beauregard, Addison-Wesley Publ., 1995.

About the course: This is a first undergraduate course in linear algebra. The course introduces many of the foundations of linear algebra. Students are encouraged to use Maple to complement the topics, in fact this practice will be very useful for the future development of the projects. We will present several applications to motivate the subject. Two Maple Projects will be assigned during the semester.

We will study:

  • Vectors, matrices, linear systems.
  • Dimension, rank and linear transformations.
  • Determinants.
  • Eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
  • Orthogonality.

    • If time allows it, we will go over the Vector Spaces chapter.

    A tentative   syllabus  will be updated according to the progress of the class.

    Prerequisites: MTH 215 is an undergraduate level course designed for students who have already taken MTH 131, MTH 141 or equivalent.

    Policies: You are expected to abide by the University's civility policy:
    "The University of Rhode Island is committed to developing and actively protecting a class environment in which respect must be shown to everyone in order to facilitate the expression, testing, understanding, and creation of a variety of ideas and opinions. Rude, sarcastic, obscene or disrespectful speech and disruptive behavior have a negative impact on everyone's learning and are considered unacceptable. The course instructor will have disruptive persons removed from the class."

    Cell phones and beepers must be turned off in class.

    You are required to do your own work unless specifically told otherwise by your instructor (e.g. a joint project). In support of honest students, those discovered cheating on assignments or exams will receive a grade of zero on the assignment or exam. Use of unauthorized aids such as cheat sheets or information stored in calculator memories, will be considered cheating. The Mathematics Department and the University strongly promote academic integrity.

    Grading Policy:

    Your grade will be determined by your scores on

  • Exam I       : 20%
  • Exam II      : 20%
  • Final           : 30%
  • Quizzes      : 15%
  • Projects      : 15%

    • Homework: Homework will be assigned weekly but not collected or graded. However the weekly quiz may be based on homework assignments.

    Quizzes: There will be weekly quizzes every Friday. There will be no make up quizzes or exams.

    Projects Schedule:

  • Project I       Assign:    October 11th.              Due:    November 1st.
  • Project II      Assign:    November 25th.        Due:    December 13.

    • Exam Schedule:


    Exam I :         Friday, October 8th.,         Washburn 220.
    Exam II :        Friday, November 12th.,   Washburn 220.
    Final Exam:    Saturday, December 18th., 7:00-10:00 PM.,   Washburn 220.

    Students with Disabilities:
    If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Services for Students, 330 Memorial Union, 4-2098. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential.

    The Academic Enhancement Center: The work in this course can be difficult. You can seek help at the Academic Enhancement Center (AEC) in Roosevelt Hall. AEC tutors can answer questions, clarify concepts, check your understanding, and help you to study. You can make an appointment or walk in anytime Mon-Thur 10 AM to 10 PM, Fri 10 AM to 1 PM, Sun 4 PM - 8 PM. They are located in the fourth floor in Roosevelt Hall. Their telephone number is (401) 874-2367.