The textbook for the class is the class notes available at the Google Classroom site for this class, on the Classwork page, under the heading Materials.
The class notes are not to be circulated or posted anywhere other than for this class.
If you find any errors in the class notes, or you have any suggestions for improvements, please email the instructor at bloch "at" bard "dot" edu.
What is Math 331:
This course is an introduction to the study of linear algebra as an abstract algebraic system. The main focus of this course is the study of vector spaces and linear maps between vector spaces. Topics covered include rigorous treatments of vector spaces, linear independence, bases, dimension, linear maps, isomorphisms, matrix representations of linear maps, determinants, eigenvalues, inner product spaces and diagonalizability.
This course satisfies the Abstract Algebra requirement of the Mathematics Program.
This course provides an opportunity for students to develop their skills at formulating and writing rigorous mathematical proofs, and it makes use of the methods and concepts of Proofs and Fundamentals (Math 261).
The prerequisites for this course are Proofs and Fundamentals (Math 261) and Linear Algebra (Math 242), or the equivalent.
If you are unsure whether Math 331 is an appropriate course for you, please consult with the instructor.
Google Classroom and Email:
All the needed information for this class will be available at the Google Classroom site for this class, on the Classwork page. You will be invited to joint this Google Classroom site at the start of the semester.
Class notes and other handouts will be available at the Google Classroom site.
All homework assignments will be posted, and submitted, at the Google Classroom site.
Urgent announcements may be sent out via campus email, so make sure you either check your Bard email regularly or have your Bard email forwarded to the email address of your choice.
Calculators, Computers and Electronic Devices:
Use of a computer will be needed for typing the homework in LaTeX, which will be required for all homework assignments, as discussed in class.
Calculators are not needed for this class.
Electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets and laptop computers, may be used during class only for reasons related to the class, for example as calculators, to take notes or to read the text.
Texting, messaging and using social media is not allowed during class.