MA303 - Linear Analysis

Hours: Class: T,TH 1:30PM-2:45PM, HA 263.

Instructor:

Dr. Alina Chertock
Office: HA 212
Phone: 515-3200
Office hours: T,TH 10:30AM - 11:30AM (or by appointment)
E-mail: chertock@math.ncsu.edu

Homepage: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~acherto/NCSU/MA303/303.html

Preq: MA241. Credit not allowed if credit has been obtained for MA 301, 341 or 405.

Syllabus: The topics we will cover include:

Linear difference equations of first and second order.
Compound interest and amortization.
Matrices and systems of linear equations, eigenvalues, diagonalization.
Systems of difference and differential equations.
Transform methods.
Population problems.

Details can be found on week-by-week schedule.

Textbook: N. J. Rose, Introduction to Linear Analysis, Department of Mathematics, NCSU, Fall 2004, by Tailored Text.
I expect you to read sections of the book around the time of lectures and attempt homework from those sections. The book has additional examples and discussion that you will find helpful. Some test questions may resemble examples from the book.

Homework: Homework assignments will be handed out throughout the semester. You are strongly encouraged to work on these assignments. They are, however, for the training purposes only. Neither will they be collected, nor graded, nor taken into account when deriving the final grade. However, many homework problems, with or without slight modifications, will appear in tests (so will the examples that I work on in my lectures). Thus, it is absolutely imperative to work on each of the assigned problems. You are also encouraged you to discuss homework with other students, or with me during office hours. You should be aware that the homework is intended for you to learn from the course; working on homework at least in part on your own will help you master the material, keep up with the course and prepare for tests.

Tentative Schedule of Homework:

Homework assignments

Attendance: Required. Officially excused absence will be counted toward attended classes. You are expected to attend all classes on time. Arriving late for a class or leaving early is very disruptive of class. If you need to leave early, please let me know at the beginning of class, and sit near the door so you can slip out quietly.

Tests/exams: There will be three tests during the semester and a comprehensive final exam.

Tentative dates of tests: September 13, October 11, November 8.
Final Exam: December 8, 1:00PM-4:00PM.

All tests are closed book/notes.
You are not allowed to bring computer algebra systems such as Maple to the tests.

Missed tests/quizzes:

There will be NO makeup tests/exams.
If you miss a test/final exam without a valid excuse, a zero will be averaged into your grade.
If you are forced to miss a test/final exam, an excuse from a doctor or other appropriate authorities must be presented.
If the excuse is accepted, your other course work will be adjusted so that you will not be penalized.

Grading: Class tests - 60%, final examination - 40%.

Grading Scale: 86%-100%: A, 71%-85%: B, 61%-70%: C, 55%-60%: D, less than 55%: F (+ and - will also be used.)

Notifications: Students will be notified in class or via email of announcements associated with this course. The email address registered with the NCSU online directory will be used for this purpose. It is the student's responsibility to maintain a valid email address and check the email sent to it.

Policy on Attendance, Excused Absences, Missed Work.

NCSU policy, including what constitutes an 'Excused Absence,' is at NCSU policy, including what constitutes an 'Excused Absence,' is at this link.

Academic Integrity Statement.

Students are required to follow NCSU policy available at www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/integrity/reg.htm. "Academic dishonesty is the giving, taking, or presenting of information or material by a student that unethically or fraudulently aids oneself or another on any work which is to be considered in the determination of a grade or the completion of academic requirements or the enhancement of that student's record or academic career." (NCSU Code of Student Conduct)

The Student Affairs web site has more information (http://www.ncsu.edu/student_affairs/osc/AIpage/acaintegrity.html).

Utilization implication of the Honor Pledge.

"I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment."

Expectations concerning honesty in the completion of test and assignments.

This has been outlined above.

Students with Disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation.

Further Information:

NCSU Academic Regulations can be found at www2.ncsu.edu/unity/project/www/ncsu/provost/info/academic_policies/