MATH 1553 Introduction to Linear Algebra - Syllabus Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Math 1553 syllabus notes.

MATH 1553

Course number and title: Introduction to Linear Algebra at Georgia Tech (Fall 2025).

Core IMPACTS

Core curriculum initiative emphasizing foundational academic knowledge to support broad academic and career goals.

Orienting Question

Guiding question: How do I ask scientific questions or use data, mathematics, or technology to understand the universe?

Learning Outcome

Students will use scientific, mathematical, or computational methods to analyze data, solve problems, and explain natural phenomena.

Career-Ready Competencies

Key skills highlighted: Inquiry and Analysis; Problem-Solving; Teamwork.

Registration requirements

Credit requires three sections: a lecture, a linked studio, and the common exam period.

Common exam period

All exams are administered during the common exam period that is tied to the three-section registration.

Lecture and Studio Format

Lectures in person on Mon/Wed; studios in person on Fridays; possible online moves under extreme circumstances.

Wednesday night meetings

6:30–7:45 PM sessions occur only on weeks with midterm exams.

Office hours

Office hours may be in person or virtual; listed on the Canvas front page.

Textbook

Interactive Linear Algebra by Margalit and Rabinoff; required for course content.

Optional reference textbook

Linear Algebra and its Applications, 6th edition by Lay, Lay, McDonald; accessible via MyMathLab.

MyMathLab

Online platform linked to Canvas for coursework; access via course or campus codes.

Common website

Central site with course information and resources beyond the PDF syllabus.

Piazza

Course-wide online forum for questions and discussion; preferred for math questions.

Disabilities accommodations

Georgia Tech ADA accommodations; coordinated with Office of Disability Services and instructors.

WeBWorK

Online homework system; weekly assignments with the two lowest scores dropped.

Homework deadlines

Homework typically due 11:59 PM Wednesdays; late submissions not accepted.

Quiz policy

10-minute quizzes on Fridays during studio; lowest two quiz grades dropped; no devices allowed.

Midterm dates

Three in-person midterms: Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 12; 6:30–7:45 PM in Atlanta time.

Final exam schedule

Cumulative final on Tuesday, Dec 9, 6:00–8:50 PM; can be moved online if needed with proctoring.

Exam archive

Past Math 1553 exams and solutions available for practice.

Testing Center accommodations

Some midterm/final accommodations via Testing Center; requires scheduling and advance notice.

Gradescope

Grading and regrades managed through Gradescope; regrade requests require justification and timing.

Regrade policy

Regrades available for at least 72 hours after grading; may reduce a grade if errors are found.

Grade breakdown

Weights: Studio 5%, Homework 10%, Quizzes 15%, Midterms (3x) 45%, Final 25%; final can adjust midterm impact.

CIOS Incentive

If 85%+ of students complete CIOS evaluations by Dec 2, the 3 lowest quizzes may be dropped.

Grading scale

Letter grades: A 90–100, B 80–89.99, C 70–79.99, D 60–69.99, F 0–59.99; curves apply only to final percentage.

No extra credit

No extra credit or quiz/exam retakes; calculators allowed for homework; not allowed on quizzes/exams.

Canvas grade checks

Students should verify grades on Canvas and report errors within two weeks.

Email policy

Mathematics questions via Piazza; no grade discussions by email; discuss curves or grades in office hours.

Snow days policy

If campus closes, lectures may move online via MS Teams or Zoom with details provided by the instructor.

MyMathLab codes

Campus codes come from the bookstore or Pearson; options include 24-month or 18-week codes; special campus package available.

Missing grades

If a grade is not reported, check Canvas and Gradescope; after regrades, physical copies may be discarded.