Dear Linear Algebra class,

As you know, the final day of our course is reserved for student presentations of applications of Linear Algebra. These presentations are individual presentations. I encourage you to pick a topic in an area which you have independent interest. The area should make substantial applications of the tools and concepts we have learned in our course. Here are some details on these course projects--

Sources for your presentation

  • application areas you have encountered in other work or you choose to research
  • applications topics in our text (that we have not covered--for example, dynamical systems or computer graphics. )
  • topics from the applications section of Anton and Rorres or Bretschler (available in our classroom), web resources, and the like

Format of the presentation

Your presentation should last approximately 15 minutes, including time for brief questions.

You may wish to prepare a:

  • PowerPoint presentation
  • Google doc presentation
  • Mathematica Notebook

Or if you prefer low tech:

  • Pre-written material on our blackboard
  • Paper copies of presentation materials to distribute to the audience

Tips for a good presentation

  • Instead of just showing us a problem solution that is worked out for you by an author, show us a problem you have solved on your own
  • When appropriate, use of software tools (Calculator, Alpha, Mathematica) to tackle realistic-sized problems to augment your presentation is recommended
  • It is important that you carefully prepare and practice your presentation to be sure the whole class enjoys and benefits from this work
  • I normally invite departmental and other interested faculty to sit in on your presentations

Abstracts

  • Word processed
  • Including presentation title, the word "Abstract", and your name or group members names
  • One to two paragraphs describing what you have chosen to discuss
  • Submitted via Moodle

Summary paper

Submitted via Moodle. I keep these papers, so make a copy for yourself. 500 words is adequate. No longer than a few pages. Include careful attribution of your sources and a references page.  

Timeline

Abstracts are due by the end of the day on Friday, April 3.  Presentations will be held Tuesday morning April 7. Generally, I will schedule topics that use similar linear algebra techniques together. Topics that require later material (for example, eigenvalues and eigenvectors) are scheduled later.

Credit

Abstract 5 points; Paper 15 points, Presentation 20 points of your homework/quiz/presentations grade.

Last modified: Monday, March 30, 2015, 12:27 PM