Math 230 Syllabus
Section 01, Linear Algebra
Fall 2021
Instructor: Dr. Cornelia Van Cott (cvancott@[Link])
Class time: TR, 09:55–11:40, LS 209
Canvas Webpage: [Link]
Text: Linear Algebra and its Applications, David C. Lay (5th edition)
Zoom Office hours (tentative): Tue/Thu 3:30–5:00pm
Prerequisite: Math 109 (Calculus 1)
Course Description
Systems of linear equations appear in an impressive variety of real world problems
in business and finance, the physical sciences, and computer science. The math-
ematical theory surrounding the investigation and solution of these systems is as
important as it is elegant. In this course, we will explore linear algebra, and in the
process learn about the world of vectors and functions on them, and the geometry
underlying those functions (which are called linear transformations). We will also
talk about determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and matrix factorizations. Ad-
ditional topics will be discussed as time allows.
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will have learned to:
• represent a system of linear equations with matrices.
• find the general solution of such a system (or determine that none exists).
• understand matrices, matrix algebra, and determinants.
• understand vectors, vector spaces, subspaces, bases, and dimension.
• understand linear transformations and understand geometrically and alge-
braically what linear transformations do in 2 and 3 dimensions.
• calculate eigenvalues and eigenvectors of linear transformations.
Homework
Homework will be collected weekly. No late homework will be accepted for any
reason. This includes legitimate reasons. To allow for unavoidable circumstances,
the lowest homework grade will be dropped from your final grade calculations.
Quizzes and projects
The dates and formats of all quizzes will be announced in advance, so that everyone
can plan. Quizzes cannot be taken late or dropped from one’s grade. In addition,
a few projects may be assigned. A project grade will count as a quiz grade; it will
not be eligible to be dropped.
1
Exams
Take note of the exam dates now:
• Midterm 1: Tuesday, September 28
• Midterm 2: Tuesday, November 2
• Cumulative final exam: Thursday, December 16, 10am – 12pm.
Mark your calendars for these dates. No make-up exams are given. In the case that
you miss a midterm exam with a valid excuse (i.e. a documented sudden medical or
family emergency), your final exam grade will replace the missing midterm grade.
Notice that weddings, graduations, cheap flights, lack of sleep, and a busy schedule
are not valid excuses for missing exams. It is your responsibility to arrange your
travel schedule so that you are present for the final exam.
Grading
You may not negotiate grade scales, final grades, or special extra credit for yourself.
Everyone is treated the same way.
• Homework: 20%
• Quizzes and projects: 15%
• Midterm 1: 20%
• Midterm 2: 20%
• Cumulative final exam: 25%
Withdrawals and Incompletes
The last day to withdraw from the course is Friday, November 5. If you plan
to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to complete the necessary
paperwork by this date. You will not be allowed to withdraw after this date.
An incomplete grade will be given only if you have a serious emergency, such
as a medical condition, that prevents you from completing the course. You must
produce proper documentation and must be passing the course with most of it
complete. An incomplete grade will not be granted to avoid failing the course.
University-wide policies and legal declarations
Behavioral Expectations
All students are expected to behave in accordance with the Student Conduct Code
and other University policies (see [Link] Students whose
behavior is disruptive or who fail to comply with the instructor may be dismissed from
the class for the remainder of the class period and may need to meet with the instructor
or Dean prior to returning to the next class period. If necessary, referrals may also be
made to the Student Conduct process for violations of the Student Conduct Code.
Academic Honesty
As a Jesuit institution committed to cura personalis – the care and education of the
whole person – USF has an obligation to embody and foster the values of honesty and
integrity. USF upholds the standards of honesty and integrity from all members of the
academic community. All students are expected to know and adhere to the University’s
Honor Code. You can find the full text of the code online at this link: [Link]
[Link]/academic-integrity. The policy covers:
(1) Plagiarism is intentionally or unintentionally representing the words or ideas of
another person as your own; failure to properly cite references; manufacturing
references.
(2) Working with another person when independent work is required.
(3) Submission of the same paper in more than one course without the specific per-
mission of each instructor.
(4) Submitting a paper written by another person or obtained from the internet.
(5) Penalties for violation of the policy may include a failing grade on the assignment,
a failing grade in the course, and/or referral to the Academic Integrity Committee.
Counseling and Psychological Services
CAPS’ diverse staff offers brief individual, couple, and group counseling to student mem-
bers of our community. CAPS services are confidential and free of charge. Call (415)
422-6352 for an initial consultation appointment. Telephone consultation through CAPS
After Hours is available Monday - Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., 24 hours during
weekends and holidays; call the above number and press 2. Further information can be
found at [Link]
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability or disabling condition, or if you think you may
have a disability, please contact USF Student Disability Services (SDS) at 415 422-2613
within the first week of class, or immediately upon onset of disability, to speak with a
disability specialist.
If you are determined eligible for reasonable accommodations, please meet with your
disability specialist so they can arrange to have your accommodation letter sent to me,
and we will discuss your needs for this course. For more information, please visit: http:
//[Link]/sds or call (415) 422-2613.
Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting, and Sexual Assault
As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment
on our campus. I also have a mandatory reporting responsibility related to my role as
a faculty member. I am required to share information regarding sexual misconduct or
information about a crime that may have occurred on USF’s campus with the University.
Here are other resources:
• To report any sexual misconduct, students may visit Anna Bartkowski or see
many other options by visiting our website: [Link]
• Students may speak to someone confidentially, or report a sexual assault confi-
dentially by contacting Counseling and Psychological Services at 415-422-6352.
• For an off-campus resource, contact San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR)
(415) 647-7273 ([Link]
