Math 416 - Abstract Linear Algebra
Fall 2011, Section E13

Course Description

Math 416 is a rigorous, abstract treatment of linear algebra. Topics to be covered include vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalizability, and inner product spaces. The course concludes with a brief introduction to the theory of canonical forms for matrices and linear transformations.

Linear algebra is notable for its striking blend of algebraic, analytic and geometric techniques, as well as for the beautiful interplay between abstract theory and concrete applications and algorithms. One of the goals of the course is to emphasize these notable features of the subject.

Lecture log and homework assignments

Course Information

Instructor	Martin Frankland
Email	franklan(at)illinois.edu
Office	247A Illini Hall
Office hours	Wed 4-5 PM
Lectures	MWF 1:00-1:50 PM in 142 Henry Administration Bldg
Course website	http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~franklan/Math416.html
Tutoring	Offered Monday-Thursday. See details here, under Math 415.
Textbook	Sergei Treil, Linear Algebra Done Wrong, July 2011 edition. Available free online at http://www.math.brown.edu/~treil/papers/LADW/LADW.html. You can print it out and have it bound, for example at Notes-n-Quotes (502 E. John Street, Champaign).
Grading	The course grade is calculated as follows. Final exam: 30% Midterms: 60% (20% each) Homework: 10% If the final is better than the midterm average, then the final will be worth 40% and the lowest midterm will be worth 10%.
Important dates	Mon Aug 22: First lecture. Wed Sep 21: Midterm 1, in class. Fri Oct 14: Drop date. (Nov 18 for LAS and Engineering students.) Wed Oct 19: Midterm 2, in class. Wed Nov 16: Midterm 3, in class. Fri Nov 18: Lecture canceled. Nov 21-25: Thanksgiving break. No lectures. Wed Dec 7: Last lecture. Fri Dec 16: Final exam, 1:30-4:30 PM, in 142 Henry (normal lecture room).
Homework	Homework assigned at each lecture will be posted on the daily log. It will be due in class usually on Friday, or on Monday the week of an exam.
Syllabus	Here is the course syllabus.
Grades	Registered students can view their grades here. You will need your NetID and password.

Course Policies

Homework grading

• In each assignment, a few problems will be thoroughly graded, while some will only be spot-checked, i.e. credit is given for having done the problem (correctly or not).
• The two lowest homework scores will be dropped.

Collaborative work

Late homework

• Late homework will not be accepted, because solutions are posted shortly after the deadline.
• If you will be absent when homework is due, you must turn in your homework in advance. Note that I will check my mailbox (250 Altgeld) right after collecting homework in class.
• In case of documented illness or emergency, homework may be dropped.

Make-up exams

• No make-up exams will be offered after the fact.
• However, if the exam schedule conflicts with a university-sponsored activity (conference, competition, etc.), please email me. A make-up exam in advance may be arranged.
• In case of documented illness or emergency, an exam may be dropped.

General principle

Back to Martin Frankland's home page.