STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT BUFFALO

Department of Mathematics

Course Revision

I. Number and title of course:

Mathematics 202 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
II. Reasons of addition to present curricula
Math 202 replaced Math 303 with a more introductory course in linear algebra as recommended by the National Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics. Math 202 provides the basic course in the theory, development and applications of matrices and vector spaces.
III. Major Objectives of the course
A. To introduce the student to the theory of matrices as a mathematical tool for use in later courses including modern algebra, advanced calculus, applied analysis, projective geometry, computer science, graph theory, and statistics.
B. To provide a foundation in the theory of vector spaces and linear transformations and to use it to develop the insight and maturity necessary for the rigor of abstract mathematics.
C. To involve the student in a wide variety of applications which develop skills in applying linear algebra to other disciplines.
IV. Topical outline
A. Matrices
1. Linear system of equations
2. Matrix operations and properties
3. Matrix reduction and solutions to linear systems
4. Inverse of a matrix
5. Definition and properties of determinants
6. Cofactor expansion, matrix inverses and Cramer's rule
7. Applications of matrices
B. Vector spaces
1. Definition and examples of vector spaces
2. Subspaces
3. Linear combination and linear independence
4. Spanning sets, basis, and dimension
5. Rank of a matrix
C. Linear transformations
1. Definition and examples
2. Kernel and range of a linear transformations
3. Matrix representation of a linear transformation
4. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
5. Applications
 V. Bibliography: texts and readings
Anderson, Robert F. V., Introduction to Linear Algebra, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, NY, 1986
Anton, Elementary Linear Algebra, 4th Ed., John Wiley and Sons Somerset, NJ., 1985.
Shattacharya, P. B., Jain, S.K., and Nagpaul, S.R., First Course in Linear Algebra John Wiley & Sons, Somerset, NY., 1983.
Heizer, Garry, Applied Linear Algebra with APL, Little, Brown and Company, Boston, Mass., 1983.
Kolman, Bernard, Introduction to Linear Algebra with Applications, Prentice Hall, Inc. 1984.
Kolman, Bernard, Elementary Linear Algebra, Macmillan 1979.
Lipechutz, Seymour, Linear Algebra, McGraw?Hill, New York, NY, 1985.
Noble, Ben and Daniel, James, Applied Linear Algebra, Prentice Hall, Inc. 1977.
O'Hill, Richard, Jr., Elementary Linear Algebra, Academic Press, Orlando, FL. 1986.
Rothenberg, Ronald, Linear Algebra With Computer Applications Wiley, 1983.
VI. Presentation and Evaluation
Lectures, class discussions, computer demonstrations and projects, assigned problems and written examinations.
VII. Prerequisite

MAT 126 or MAT 161

VIII. Credit

Three semester hours.

IX. Statement of approval

This course proposal was examined in accordance with recommended procedures and was approved by the faculty of the Mathematics Department on April 28, 1986.
_______________________Department Chair
X. Catalog Description
Math 202 - Introduction to Linear Algebra Vector and vector spaces; linear dependence, basis and dimension; matrices and determinants; linear systems; linear transformations; eigenvectors; and invariant subspaces.
Prerequiste: One course in calculus
Credit: Three semester hours
IX. Statement of qualifications of faculty who will teach course.
All members of the Mathematics Department.
XII. Support services required: Present classroom and computer facilities are adequate.