Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Applied Linear Algebra (Face-to-Face)

MATH 2170-01

Course: MATH 2170-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: MATH
CRN: 11302

Course Description

An introduction to linear algebra, with emphasis on data science and machine learning. Topics include vectors, inner products, norms, linear independence, orthonormal sets, Gram-Schmidt algorithm, clustering and the k-means algorithm, linear systems, matrix algebra, matrix inverses, linear and affine transformations, linear dynamical systems, least-squares, data fitting, eigenvalues, and singular value decomposition. Additional applications may include QR factorization, adjacency matrices and network flow, computer graphics, regularization, cross-validation, classification, constrained least-squares, time-series prediction, linear quadratic control, dimensionality reduction, principal component analysis, and portfolio optimization. Students will use Python throughout this course. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): (MATH 1100 or MATH 1210) and (ANLY 2500 or CSCY 1030 or CS 1400 or CS 1410 or instructor approval) - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

”Linear Algebra Done Openly: Applied Edition”, Andrew Misseldine. This is an
openly licensed, evolving book. Please check back regularly for updates

Learning Outcomes

By their efforts in this course, students should improve in the
following course learning outcomes: setting up and solving systems of linear equations
and inequalities: augmented matrices, echelon forms, Gaussian elimination, simplex
method, elementary row operations, dynamical linear systems and time-series;
understanding of vectors and their operations: including addition, scalar multiplication,
linear combinations, linear independence, bases, convolution, inner products, norms,
orthogonality, Gram-Schmidt algorithm, clustering, and k-means algorithm;
understanding of matrices and their operations: matrix multiplication, matrix
factorizations, inversion, fundamental spaces and their bases, singular value
decomposition; understanding the least squares problem and its applications: data
fitting, regularization, cross-validation, and support vector machines. All these topics will
be learned through the lens of application, with particular emphasis on data science.
Students will use Python throughout this course. Additionally, students will improve in
the following university Essential Learning Outcomes: Quantitative Literacy, Problem
Solving, Communication, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Information Literacy, and
Integrative Learning

Course Requirements

Your final grade will be determined as follows: 20% Homework 30% Projects
50% Exams Letter grades will be assigned approximately as indicated in the Grading
Scale. A grade of UW (unofficial withdrawal) will be assigned to students who have no
course engagement after the official withdrawal deadline for this course.
Homework 20%
Projects 30%
Exams 50%
Grading Scale:
A 93% B- 80% D+ 67%
A- 90% C+ 77% D 63%
B+ 87% C 73% D- 60%
B 83% C- 70% F Below 60%

Course Outline

  • 1/6 -- No Class
  • 1/8 -- 1.1, Append. A
  • 1/13 -- 1.2, 1.3
  • 1/15 -- 1.4, Lab Time
  • 1/20 -- 1.5, 1.6
  • 1/22 -- Append. C, 2.1
  • 1/27 -- 2.2, 2.3
  • 1/29 -- 2.4, Lab Time
  • 2/3 -- 2.5, 2.6
  • 2/5 -- 2.7, 2.8
  • 2.10 -- 2.9, 3.1
  • 2/12 -- 3.2, Lab Time
  • 2/17 -- 3.3, 3.4
  • 2/19 -- 3.5, 3.6
  • 2/24 -- 3.7, 3.8
  • 2/26 -- Review
  • 2/26 -- 2/27 Midterm Exam
  • 3/3 -- 4.1, 4.2
  • 3/5 -- 4.3, 4.4
  • 3/10 -- No Class
  • 3/12 -- No Class
  • 3/17 -- 4.5, 4.6
  • 3/19 -- 4.7, Lab Time
  • 3/24 -- 4.8, 4.9
  • 3/26 -- 4.10, Lab Time
  • 3/31 -- No Class
  • 4/2 -- 5.1, 5.2
  • 4.7 -- 5.3, 5.4
  • 4/9 -- 5.5 Lab Time
  • 4/14 -- Review
  • 4/16 -- Review

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late homework assignments and projects can be submitted up to 10 days late with a 10% deduction per day. Exams cannot be taken late unless given exception by the instructor. 

Attendance Policy

Attendance is expected but not required. If you miss class for any
reason, you are responsible for the material and information, including announcements,
presented during lecture. Office hours cannot be used to teach materials which were
missed from lecture. How to Best Succeed: Adequately prepared students should
expect to spend a minimum of 9 hours per week working on this course. This involves
attending all course lectures, engaging in online discussions, attending study sessions,
completing homework and other assignments, seeking assistance from the instructor,
tutors, or fellow classmates, and studying for and taking exams. This minimal time
commitment will likely lead to a passing grade of a C. Much more time may be required
to achieve a higher grade or for students with less than adequate preparation. Students
have great flexibility in how they schedule their time toward this course. They are
encouraged to utilize evenings and weekends if those time work best for their
schedules, but be aware that many study resources may only be available during
regular business hours. To maximize success in this course, each student is
encouraged to create an individual weekly study schedule for this course, with specifics
about days and times when one will attend class, complete homework assignments,
study, and take exams. Students should make concrete goals about viewing all lectures
and completing all homework assignments and should stick with their goals.

Course Fees

There is an $11 per credit course fee.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.