MATH-214 - Linear Algebra - Violeta Kovacev-Nikolic
| Course: | Linear Algebra |
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| Professor: | Violeta Kovacev-Nikolic |
| Email: | violeta.kovacev-nikolic@canyons.edu |
| Format: |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Hello, and Welcome!
As you probably already know, MATH 214 is an introductory course in Linear Algebra; as such, it is a relatively fast-paced and challenging course. Students who appreciate math and sciences usually enjoy this course, although they know that it takes time, hard work, and effort to attain success. You will encounter linear algebra in further math courses, physics, computer science, engineering, and many other related areas such as business, economics, and sociology, to name just a few. There is almost no area in math, science, or engineering that does not rely on concepts from linear algebra. Thus, linear algebra represents a vital course for future studies in STEM. I am excited to assist you on your path of learning the topics of linear algebra during the upcoming term and look forward to seeing you in our first class (please be sure that you are present!).
Professor V. Kovacev-Nikolic
Course Description
The course includes a variety of essential topics from linear algebra. We will start by reviewing and expanding our knowledge regarding systems of linear equations. Through this lens and developing further, we will explore matrices, determinants, their properties, and some of the numerous applications. The next segment of the course involves real vector spaces and inner product spaces. We will also learn about linear transformations, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
The course carries four credit units.
What to Expect in this Course
Your commitment is essential for your success. To stay on task, you will need to invest time and continuously make an effort. In general, you should spend about 2-3 hours per every hour of class time (which means 10-15 hours per week), or more, as needed. Please do your best to fulfill the following expectations:
- Consistently attend classes: Regular attendance is required. Arrive at each class session on time and stay until the end. Apart from the first day of class when no-show students are dropped (which allows waitlisted students to enroll), you may have two grace absences; please save them for true emergencies or illnesses. If you miss three class meetings, you may be dropped from the course unless there is a valid reason. Three late arrivals may count for one absence.
- Participate in the class: Learning is more efficient when students get actively involved. During lectures, you will participate. I will ask you to engage and provide answers and explanations, either individually or via group work, where you will discuss relevant concepts with peers, solve problems, and present results to the class.
- Prepare before the class: To get the most out of this course, you should prepare for each class meeting. Ideally, you should review the concepts and examples taught in the previous lesson. You may need to watch an introductory video, read the assigned portion of the eBook, or complete a short quiz before a class.
- Review continuously: After each lecture, try to review your notes. Your learning and retention will be more efficient if you redo the class examples and read the relevant section in the eBook.
- Complete assignments on time: Please stay on top of your tasks! To learn and retain, you should tackle your homework as soon as possible, ideally within a day from the class meeting.
- Ensure you have access to WebAssign: A substantial portion of your homework assignments will be in WebAssign. This online learning platform includes an eBook and interactive problems with instant feedback and video tutorials. Consider this as required coursework that you need to complete to succeed in the course.
- Take all exams: Supervised tests will occur during regular class meeting times on Campus. If there is a change in health-related requirements that would render on-campus meetings impossible, we will have online proctored tests. In that case, you will also need a secondary device (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet) to stream a video of your surrounding workspace and to scan and upload your written work to Canvas during a limited-time window after finishing the test.
- Be proactive and seek help: During the semester, you are encouraged to ask questions, form or join a study group, attend office hours, and use tutoring services provided through the Learning Center (TLC) or MESA.
Types of Assessments
Low-stakes formative assignments (e.g., quizzes, homework, and so on) will help you learn the course concepts and master the needed mathematical skills. Summative assessments (typically exams) will provide feedback on how well you understand and know the course concepts. More specifically, there may be any or all of the following:
- Class participation (individual or group work)
- Homework assignments
- Quizzes
- Review assignments
- Projects
- At least three midterm tests and a comprehensive final
Textbook Information
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Title and Author: |
Elementary Linear Algebra by Ron Larson (8th edition) |
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ISBN |
9781337652247 |
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Cost: |
$75 |
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URL by author: |
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URL by publisher: |
https://www.cengage.com/c/elementary-linear-algebra-8e-larson/ |
Important notice: The course is enhanced with an online educational platform provided through WebAssign. This resource includes the course eBook and online homework. Access to WebAssign can be purchased through the College of the Canyons Official Bookstore or directly from the publisher, through a link in Canvas. WebAssign is required, and without it, you will not be able to complete the necessary coursework.
Other Relevant Course Information
Technological requirements: You will need access to a computer to complete your online assignments in WebAssign. You will also need access to a scanning device to submit any hand-written work to Canvas. If there is a change in health-related requirements that would render on-campus meetings impossible, we will have online classes and online proctored tests. In that case, you would need the following:
- A reliable connection to the internet and a standard browser (Mozilla Firefox or Chrome);
- A computer (laptop, tablet, etc.), along with a webcam, microphone, and speakers; if you do not have such a device, consider the Laptop Lending Program. For more information, send an email to laptops@canyons.edu.
- A secondary device (e.g., a smartphone) to scan your hand-written work and upload it to Canvas. You may need a secondary device to stream your video via Zoom in the case of online exams.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 07/19/2023 Sub#: 1227