MATH 241 – Applied Linear Algebra

Course Information:

Instructor: Junaid Aftab
Email: junaida@umich.edu
Meeting Times: TuTh: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Section 003) and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Section 004)
Location: 1250 Undergraduate Sciences Building (USB)
Office Hours: TBA.

Description: Math 241 (Applied Linear Algebra) introduces the fundamental concepts of linear algebra, including systems of linear equations, matrix operations,  Euclidean vector spaces, linear independence, span, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The course provides the foundation needed to understand a wide range of applications of linear algebra, such as linear programming,  linear differential equations and mathematical economics.

Prerequisites: Students registering for this class must have completed MATH 116, 156, 186, 276, or 296.

Restrictions: No credit will be granted to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in MATH 217, 417, 419, or 420.

Intended Audience: The Math 214–215 sequence is designed for engineering students who need a stronger foundation in linear algebra and less emphasis on differential equations. It serves as an alternative to the Math 215–216 sequence and is not intended for mathematics majors. Students preparing for a mathematics degree should take Math 217 as their linear algebra course.

Textbook: The textbook is Linear Algebra with Applications by Otto Bretscher. The course will cover Chapters 1–3 and 5–8, excluding sections 5.5, 7.6 and 8.2. The textbook will be used for assigned readings, in-class problem discussions, and homework exercises.

Grading Policy:

There will be attendance, group quizzes, two midterm exams, and a final exam.

Accommodations:

The University of Michigan is committed to providing equal opportunities for participation in all classes, programs, services, and activities. Students with disabilities may request accommodations by contacting the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office, located at G664 Haven Hall. SSD can be reached by phone at 734-763-3000 or through its website at ssd.umich.edu. Once eligibility for an accommodation has been determined, the approved accommodation will appear in SSD’s Accommodate system. Please use Accommodate to request that this information be shared with me at the beginning of the term or at least two weeks before the accommodation is needed for an exam, project, or other course requirement.

All students may seek support from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at caps.umich.edu and University Health Service (UHS) at uhs.umich.edu. If personal difficulties are affecting your coursework, please let me know if you feel comfortable doing so. We can discuss appropriate options and possible adjustments related to the course.

Course Schedule: