Math 2318

Linear Algebra
Professor: Sever

There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.
Pythagoras (572-497 B.C. E)
Welcome to Linear Algebra - Math 2318. For many of you, this will be your first online
Mathematics class. Linear Algebra is, often times, a course taken by those students interested in
pursuing a career in sciences, business, or any other area that demands a good foundation in
mathematics. At HCC, Math 2318 is usually the next mathematics course that a student takes after
completing Math 2413 (Calculus I).

What do you need to know to successfully begin in this course? A Study Guide
I recommend that you read this guide. I have developed this course guide as an initial introduction
to course content in addition to mentioning some advice in studying in the online environment.

Study Guide
1. Textbook and MyMathLab
First, you should purchase the textbook for this course, namely Linear Algebra and Its
Applications, Steven Lay and Judi McDonald, 2016 Pearson Fifth Edition, ISBN-13: 978-0-32198238-4 and/or access to the MyMathLab software.
Please note that is not necessary to purchase both because the e-version of the textbook (i.e., ebook) is contained in the software.
Textbook Options
To re-iterate, it is your decision to either
a) purchase the MyMathLab software only (and use the e-book), or
b) purchase the MyMathLab software and but the physical textbook.
Also, for this semester, the software is being provided for free.
Please do not purchase the software.
Use the MyMathLab Access code that is contained in Eagle Online.
The MyMathLab CourseId is sever11293.
Since you are being given the software for free (only this semester), there is no reason for you not to
register on the first day of class.

Math 2318 Linear Algebra

2. Practice Problems
Each instructional unit includes a set of practice problems that may be completed online. It is highly
recommended that you work through these problem sets for your edification. These practice
problems are selected from the Exercises within the chapters that correspond to each instructional
unit. It is important that you work through these practice problems as they will prepare you for your
homework. Dont cut corners the more you study and prepare the better you will perform in
quizzes and examinations!
3. Homework Problems
In this course, you will be asked to complete several homework problems for each instructional
unit. Your homework assignments will form your Homework Notebook. You will be instructed to
submit these homework assignments in accordance with Course Calendar (see MyMathLab for
timeline). There will be more information regarding the homework notebook in the Student
Syllabus for this course.
4. Quizzes
There will be several online quizzes in this course. The quizzes are designed to assess your
knowledge of the section content. Please refer to the MyMathLabCourse Calendar for the quiz
release and due dates. As in the face-to-face classroom, the quizzes are timed. If you have read the
material and completed the homework problems for each section, you will be prepared and thus
have ample time to complete the quizzes in the allotted time.
5. Examinations and Final Exam
There will be several major examinations in this course. The examination protocols are posted in
the Student Syllabus. It is important that you read this information when you first login. In regards
to the academic integrity of this course, some of the examinations including the Final Exam are
administered online at an HCC Testing Center.
6. Study Habits
It is important that I immediately emphasize that, due to the nature of distance education instruction,
you must be very diligent with your studies and reading in this course. I highly recommend that you
continue to study a minimum of 8 hours each week of the 8-week semester. Please recall that for a
traditional (16 week) 3 lecture hour course you would be in class 3 hours each week and study
outside of class at least 3 hours a week (some students will typically require much more time than
this suggested minimum!).
It goes without saying that you will need to spend much more time each week in the shortened
summer semester. It is expected that you login at least three times per week. The grade you receive
in this course will most likely reflect how much time and productive effort you invest.

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Math 2318 Linear Algebra

7. General Advice
Submit your work on or before the due date. Do not wait until the last moment to submit your work.
Coursework will not be accepted late! Should you encounter difficulties with the coursework,
please contact your professor immediately. In any online course, you should save a copy of all
submitted coursework until you have received a final grade from your professor upon completion of
the course. Even though there will be an online grade book, please keep your own record of your
quiz, homework, and exam grades.
Linear Algebra, like many mathematics courses, builds on what was learned in prior sections. In
this case, youll need your full concentration when studying. Some weeks in this course are going
to have a greater work-load (and consequently a greater demand on your time) than others. For
instance, there will be a lot of review material in the first few weeks. You need to hit the ground
running so that you will have ample time to study and absorb the new content.
8. E-mail Communication
Please read the email protocols in Eagle Online. I will answer your e-mail as swiftly as I can
usually within 24 hours.

9. Initial Course Checklist

I have provided an Initial Course Checklist to serve as a guide to help you complete this course in
three weeks. This list is not intended to be comprehensive it is only intended to serve as guide for
beginning the course with minimal difficulty.
Read the student syllabus twice before you begin the course.
Read all course related information and become familiar with each component of this course.
Each time you login review the MyMathLab Course Calendar and plan your schedule in order to
complete assignments on time.
Familiarize yourself with the online resources available in MyMathLab (tutorials, videos, etc.).
Create a MyMathLab login schedule which includes a timetable that allows for logging in at least
three times per week and includes approximately 4 contact hours per week. Remember this
schedule will reflect the minimal amount time that is needed. Many students will require much
more time than the suggested minimum.

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Math 2318 Linear Algebra

10. What else do I need to know?
Unlike Karnak The Magnificent, at this time, I can only anticipate a few questions that you may
have. Thus, in an effort to be omniscient, which will most certainly be found futile, I have
formulated the following responses.
Questions about the course content, readings, assignments, grading, etc., should be directed
to your course professor.
For technical assistance please see the contact information provided at
http://d2.parature.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8081
or on the support center listed in the MyMathLab course. In either case, when you contact
Technical Support, please have as much information related to your question or problem as
possible.
Participation in any online distance education courses relies on having consistent access to a
personal computer. The distance education website at
http://de.hccs.edu/portal/site/de/
contains a list of minimum and recommended computer requirements you will need to
successfully complete your DE course.
You must check and use your HCC Student email account. When you register into
MyMathLab you will designate an e-mail account. You need to use your HCC Student
email account during the registration process. All course related information including
professor communication and grade information, sent via email, will be sent to that account.
You will be responsible for the communication that comes via that email account. Further, it
is best that you use an e-mail account that is a personal (i.e., not shared) account.
Please make sure that this is an e-mail account that you do not share with others as you may
ask about grades etc. in e-mail communication with me.
Please do not hesitate to call me, in my office, and ask questions. If I am unavailable, then
please leave a name, contact number and an indication of any times when it is best to return
your call. I will try to return calls with alacrity.

Mr. Sever
Houston Community College Central
713-718-6453

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