Grades

Grade Components

Tests: 85% (must be present for each test)

Projects/Quizzes/Take-Home portions of tests: 5% (details forthcoming)

Quick Checks/other assignments: 10% (misc quick check assignments are graded for accuracy, see google sheet for due dates- 2 will be dropped).  Other assignments in the category may include class activities/participating in chats/shared docs/whiteboards – for those grades, attendance is required (so these cannot be made up if a zero is earned)

Grading Scale Traditional percentages and traditional rounding rules are used. 

A: 90 – 100

B: 80 – 89

C: 70 – 79

D: 60 – 69

F: < 60 

Where can I find my grades?

Grades will be posted in Blackboard. You are expected to regularly check your grades.  There will be a column “Current/Weighted Course Average” that will update as new grades are entered. 

What will we do in this class?

Tests: 4 units tests, as scheduled on the calendar- please note sections to be assessed per exam.  Tests will be given using a link that can be found in our BB course on exam day.  It will open shortly before that test  begins.   Online proctoring is required by webcam using Respondus.  Respondus will be required for testing.  All exams will be uploaded in GradeScope (not BB) for grading. If there are issues with testing/test security, one-on-one meetings may be required to verify testing/earn your test grade.

Homework: HW is important to practice- suggested textbook problems are listed in the google calendar.  HW(per unit) is for practice only! This is NOT Due!

Quick Checks: Quick check assignments are listed in the google sheet.  These are short checks for understanding (similar to a “quiz”)- they are checked for accuracy.  Due dates are listed on the google calendar.   Others may be added in the google sheet as topics progress. 

Group work: While it may seem harder to work together in an online class, it is possible when each of you participate.  There may be times when you may be put into breakout groups to work on a problem or to discuss hw and/or quick checks.  I will check for microphones to be on (for discussion) or we may use shared white boards on which everyone may simultaneously write and contribute.  Please be willing to work together.

Projects/Take-Home Parts of Test/Quizzes- These will be uploaded in Gradescope.  More details to come in google sheet and class announcements as this may vary per unit.

What happens if I miss something?

Dropped Grade Policy: Quick Checks are in this same category.  Two grades in this category will be dropped. This is to compensate for having a bad day, missing class, something interfering with completion of work, or other emergencies that may arise.

Late Work Policy: Quick Checks are not accepted after the key has been released.  The summer schedule is fast and while I like to accept late work to allow for emergencies, it is less likely that late work will be accepted.  It is necessary to turn in work on time as grading will be completely efficiently and keys will be posted (often) within 24 hours of the due date.

Missed Exam Policy: In the event of a low test grade or missed exam, the grade on the final can replace the lowest test grade with up to an 80.  For instance, a final exam of 75 can replace the lower test grade with a 75 (only 1 test gets replaced).  A final exam of more than an 80, will replace the lowest test grade with a maximum of an 80. 

Attendance/Class Participation:   Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class, but makes no promise to do so.  If you have excessive absences and do not withdraw yourself, your grade will still be submitted. 

Class participation is very important to learning.  Please ask and answer questions.  It’s an important way to learn.

Required Materials 

Textbook: Linear Algebra, A Geometric Approach, 2nd Edition by Shifrin & Adams. Macmillan Higher Education ISBN: 9781429215213

Calculator: The use of calculators or computers in order to perform routine computations is encouraged in order to give students more time on abstract concepts.  Most ACC faculty are familiar with the TI family of graphing calculators. Hence, TI calculators are highly recommended for student use. Other calculator brands can also be used.  Your instructor will determine the extent of calculator use in your class section.

Other Technology: Access to a webcam and microphone are required for this course. Eligible students can check out required technology at https://www.austincc.edu/students/student-technology-services. During tests, you are expected to have your camera on, audio off, with correct screen name to match attendance.  Failure to follow those instructions could result in tests not being graded.

What will we do and learn?

Summer2024 Math2318 GoogleSheet Calendar

All course documents and deadlines for assignments can be found in the google sheet calendar- updates will be made with announcements in class or via BB.  Assuming we stay on schedule, dates should not change.

Course Objectives

1. To use mathematically correct language and notation for Linear Algebra.
2. To become computationally proficient involving procedures in Linear Algebra.
3. To understand the axiomatic structure of a modern mathematical subject and learn to construct simple proofs.
4. To solve problems that apply Linear Algebra to Chemistry, Economics and Engineering.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, a student should be able to:

1. Solve systems of linear equations using multiple methods, including Gaussian elimination and matrix inversion.
2. Carry out matrix operations, including inverses and determinants.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of vector space and subspace.
4. Demonstrate understanding of linear independence, span, and basis.
5. Determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors and solve eigenvalue problems.
6. Apply principles of matrix algebra to linear transformations.
7. Demonstrate understanding of inner products and associated norms.

General Education Competencies

1. Critical Thinking: gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information is covered in every SLO.
2. Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning: applying mathematical, logical, and scientific principles and methods is covered in every SLO.
3. Technology Skills: using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information is covered in SLOs # 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7.
4. Written, Oral and Visual Communication: communicating effectively adapting to purpose, structure, audience and medium is covered in every SLO.