Mathematical Methods for Social Scientists II Math 196 (Sec 45), Winter 2006 Course Document

Lecturer: David Rule Office: Eckhart 16 Phone: (773) 702 6045 Email: rule@math.uchicago.edu Website: www.math.uchicago.edu/˜ rule/195/

Lectures: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 11:30am-12:20pm, P16 Tutorial: 8pm Wedsnesdays, E308 Reader: Andrea Brynes (aebyrnes@uchicago.edu)

Office hours: 12:30-1:30pm Tuesdays, 3-4pm Thursdays and by appointment.

Text: Linear Functions and Matrix Theory, Jacob, Chapters 1 to 8.

Syllabus: The aim of this course is to understand basic linear algrebra, with an emphasis on applications. The course covers systems of linear equations, matrix algrebra, vector geometry, eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices.

Assessment: Your grade will be determined by two in-class midterm tests, a final, and homeworks. The final constitutes 50% of your grade, the midterms 20% each, and homeworks total 10%.

The Final Examination: The final examination is on Monday, 15th March from 10:30am to 12:30pm. It is the policy of the Department of Mathematics that the following rules apply to final exams in all undergraduate mathematics courses:

1. The final exam must occur at the time and place designated on the College Final Exam Schedule. In particular, no final examinations may be given during the tenth week of the quarter, except in the case of graduating seniors.

2. Any student who wishes to depart from the scheduled final exam time for the course must receive permission from Paul Sally (office is Ry 350, phone is 2-7388, email is sally@math.uchicago.edu). Instructors are not permitted to excuse students from the scheduled time of the final exam except in the cases of an Incomplete. The University examination schedule can be found at http://registrar.uchicago.edu/students/final-exams.html.

Homework: Homework should be handed in on or before the given deadline. Late homework will be given zero credit unless an extension is given by me. Extensions and the like will only be given in exceptional circumstances (for example, ill health) and should be requested before the deadline. Please write up your homework neatly and explain yourself clearly. The aim is to understand the material rather than just get the “right answer” in the end.

Miscellaneous items: You are welcome to work on problems together but must write up your solutions independently. Please refer to the University guidelines on plagiarism.

David Rule