Math 630 (Practical) Advanced Linear Algebra

Fall 2003  UAF

Instructor: Ed Bueler
Office: Chapman 301C.  Office hours are online.
Phone: 474-7693, eMail: ffelb@uaf.edu
Class Time:  MWF 10:30A - 11:30A,   Chapman 107
Text: L. N. Trefethen, Numerical Linear Algebra
Web Site: www.math.uaf.edu/~bueler

The Course and Grade:
   This course will place the topics of solving linear equations and finding eigenvalues in the correct abstract, finite-dimensional vector space framework but it will also describe how actual matrices can be handled in a stable, fast, and accurate manner.  Many of the ideas relate to famous matrix decompositions, theorems, and algorithms: spectral theorem/Schur decomposition, singular value decomposition (SVD), the QR method for eigenvalues, and Krylov subspace methods. The theory will be illustrated using Matlab, including in weekly homework.  There will be and hourlong in-class midterm exam as well as a take home final.
Exams/Homework
In class Midterm Exam
Take home Final Exam
Homework
Percent of Grade
20%
40%
40%
Dates
Monday, October 27
Due 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17.
nearly weekly, uses Matlab, requires proving!

Based on your raw homework and exam scores, I guarantee grades according to the following schedule: 90 - 100 % = A, 79 - 89 % = B, 68 - 78 % = C, 57 - 67 % = D, 0 - 56 % = F .  I reserve the right to increase your grade above this schedule based on the actual difficulty of the work and on average class performance.

Topics: Policies:   The department has reasonable policies on incompletes, late withdrawals, early final examinations, etc.  See www.dms.uaf.edu/dms/Policies.html .  Your performance on homework and exams is covered by the UAF Student Code of Conduct (p. 22 of the catalog and at www.uaf.edu/catalog/current/undergrad/regs3.html#Student_Code_of_Conduct ).

Prerequisites:    Math 314 (linear algebra)  AND [ Math 308 (abstract algebra) OR
Math 401 (adv. calculus) OR Math 611 (math. physics) ]