This course is for undergraduate students in a wide variety of majors and presents the main concepts and terminology of linear algebra that play an essential role in mathematics and in many technical areas of modern society, such as computer science, engineering, physics, environmental science, economics, statistics, business management and social sciences.

You will learn by reading textbook and supplemental materials, taking weekly quizzes and two tests, reviewing case studies and completing application projects.

Linear algebra is a gateway course to any other course of mathematics and many fields of science and engineering. What you will learn in this course will help you to accomplish your educational goals and solve some real life problems.

The prerequisite for this course is:

• MTH174 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry II) or equivalent

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Solve systems of linear equations
• Perform the basic operations of matrix algebra
• Compute determinants
• Recognize vector spaces and identify properties and characteristics of a matrix as a transformation
• Represent a linear transformation as a matrix and identify properties of the transformation
• Compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors
• Apply linear algebra methods for solving application problems

The required textbooks and materials for this course are:

• Linear Algebra and its Applications with CD-ROM, Update,3/E., David Lay, Addison Wesley, 2006. ISBN: 0-321-28713-4 
• Student Study Guide: Linear Algebra and its Applications, Update,3/E, David Lay, Addison Wesley, 2006. ISBN: 0-321-28066-0
• Scientific Notebook software (CD,Academic version 5.5 for students, 180-day license), MacKichan Software, Inc. This math software is not connected with our textbook. You can purchase a SN CD with 180 day license through the NVCC campus bookstores for about $50. If you want a permanent CD, you can purchase it directly from MacKichan Software, Inc.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:

There are 2 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect Empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : tgolub@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 323-3347

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard and email at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.