MATH 2660 – Topics in Linear Algebra

Section 110 (Minjae Park) · Spring 2026 · Auburn University

Course Overview

Linear algebra is the study of linear transformations between vector spaces, typically represented using matrices. In real-world applications, data is often expressed as vectors or matrices, since these structures are especially well suited for computation. As a result, a solid understanding of linear algebra is fundamental across many disciplines, including science, engineering, and data analysis.

This course begins with the foundational concepts of linear algebra. You will learn essential terminology and ideas such as vector spaces, bases, dimension, linear transformations, linear independence, eigenvalues, diagonalization, and singular value decomposition.

Class Information

  • Instructor: Minjae Park
  • Time: MWF 11:00–11:50 a.m.
  • Location: ACLC 102
  • Office Hours: 🔗Course Team

Required Materials

  • Textbook: Lecture notes uploaded at 🔗https://aub.ie/math2660
  • Homework: Elementary Linear Algebra, 8th edition (Ron Larson), via 🔗Cengage & WebAssign
  • Computing: A laptop is required to use MATLAB (recommended for engineers), Mathematica (recommended for mathematicians), R, or Python. See 🔗Useful Links.
  • Platform: Announcements and grades will be posted on 🔗Canvas. Participation and quizzes will be conducted using 🔗iClicker.

Assessment & Grading

Component Weight Details
Participation 5% In-class activities (missing up to 10 classes still earns full credit)
Problem Sets 15% Weekly individual assignments (lowest score dropped)
Quizzes 40% In-class quizzes (lowest score dropped)
Final Exam 40% Comprehensive final exam
Bonus 0–10% To be announced

Course grades will be curved using the following procedure:

  • Students will first be ranked based on their numerical course grades.
  • Letter-grade cutoffs will then be determined, with careful consideration given to students near grade boundaries.

The following qualitative descriptions will guide grade assignments:

  • A: Demonstrates a strong understanding of all course concepts and can effectively solve advanced problems and applications.
  • B: Understands the core ideas and standard examples but may encounter difficulty with more advanced applications.
  • C: Demonstrates consistent effort throughout the course, such as submitting assignments on time.
  • A+: Used for internal records only. Reserved for exceptional students who would merit a very strong letter of recommendation.

Quiz and Exam Formats

Quizzes will be administered in class on the designated dates listed on the 🔗schedule. A laptop or a tablet is required, as quizzes will be completed via iClicker or WebAssign. Some quizzes may use a hybrid format, combining in-class components with take-home parts.

The final exam will be a closed-book, handwritten exam. No electronic devices will be permitted, except with prior approval for accessibility accommodations. Additional details will be announced closer to the exam date.

Deadlines & Late Work

  • Problem Sets: Accepted up to 2 days late with a penalty of −5% per day. For WebAssign homework, extensions must be requested directly through WebAssign.
  • Quizzes/Exams: No make-ups will be given without an Official University Excuse. Please consult the course schedule for quiz dates.

Attendance

  • Lectures: Attendance is expected. Participation points are earned through in-class engagement. Missing up to 10 classes does not affect participation credit.
  • Final Exam: You must take the final exam at the officially scheduled time in order to pass the course. The date is determined by the 🔗Registrar.

Key Policies

Academic Honesty

This course follows the 🔗Auburn Academic Integrity Policy. Academic dishonesty undermines fairness, respect for your classmates, and—most importantly—your own learning. While the pressure to perform can be strong, integrity matters far more than any single grade. Be honest, fair, and respectful to yourself and others.

AI Policy

AI tools can be powerful when used appropriately, but it is important to understand their limitations. In particular, AI does not guarantee correct mathematical computations. For reliable numerical or symbolic computation, I strongly recommend MATLAB or Mathematica; see 🔗Useful Links for licensed software.

Developing intuition and mathematical “muscle memory” is essential, and handwritten work plays a crucial role in this process. I strongly encourage you to work through problems by hand before using computational or AI assistance. That said, responsible use of computing software or AI—for example, to obtain feedback or clarify confusion—can significantly enhance learning.

Consistent with Auburn University guidelines, this course follows an open-use AI policy adapted from the 🔗Auburn AI Guidelines:

  • Students are encouraged to use generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT or Copilot) to support their learning. To maintain academic integrity, any AI-generated material must be clearly disclosed and properly attributed.

  • Students should exercise caution when using public AI tools that do not guarantee data protection (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini). Do not share sensitive or private information, including personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), financial data, or intellectual property.

  • Microsoft Copilot, which provides enterprise-level data protection, is available to students using their AU email and password. Chats using this tool are not used to train external AI models and remain within the Auburn University ecosystem.

  • When using generative AI, students should include the following statement in their assignments:

    “The author(s) acknowledge the use of [Generative AI Tool Name and version], developed by [Provider], in the preparation of this assignment. The tool was used for [e.g., brainstorming, grammatical correction, clarification of concepts].”

Accessibility

Compliance with SB-129

In accordance with 🔗Alabama Code Section 41-1-91, an instructor may not:

  • Direct or compel a student to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to any divisive concept.
  • Require participation in any training, orientation, or coursework that advocates for or requires assent to a divisive concept.
  • Require a student to share personal viewpoints on a divisive concept outside of instructional activities.
  • Penalize or discriminate against a student for refusing to support, believe, endorse, embrace, confess, or otherwise assent to a divisive concept.

Important Dates (Spring 2026)

  • Classes Begin: Jan 7 (Wed)
  • MLK Day (No Classes): Jan 19 (Mon)
  • 15th Class Day: Jan 28 (Wed) — Last day to drop with no grade/refund
  • Spring Break: Mar 9–13 (Mon–Fri) — No classes
  • Withdrawal Deadline: Apr 17 (Fri) — Last day to withdraw with a “W”
  • Classes End: Apr 24 (Fri)
  • Final Exam: Apr 27 (Mon)