Undergraduate Linear Algebra Courses: Difference between revisions

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In order to complete the [http://www.math.wisc.edu/undergraduate/BABS-math-major major in mathematics] you must take a course in linear algebra.  At [http://www.math.wisc.edu/ UW-Madison] we offer several versions of linear algebra. '''Note that in all versions of the major and certificate, only ONE of the following courses may be used to fulfill any of the requirements.'''  The purpose of this page is to describe the essential differences between the courses.
'''Note: the links to the course webpages are broken. You can find a short description of all of our courses at the [https://guide.wisc.edu/courses/math/ UW-Guide].'''


== [http://www.math.wisc.edu/320-linear-algebra-and-differential-equations Math 320] Linear Algebra and Differential Equations ==
Math 320 covers both some linear algebra and some differential equation theory.  As such, students who complete this course can consider themselves as also having completed [http://www.math.wisc.edu/319-techniques-ordinary-differential-equations Math 319] (introduction to differential equations).  This course also lends itself to the [http://www.math.wisc.edu/321-applied-mathematical-analysis 321]-[http://www.math.wisc.edu/322-applied-mathematical-analysis 322] applied analysis sequence.


This course is only available to those who are interested in the option 2 version of the major or certificate.  It is very useful in this form of the major since it allows a student to move into intermediate level coursework without having to complete an introduction to differential equations as well.


Students who have completed Math 320 are STRONGLY encouraged to take either 1) [http://www.math.wisc.edu/421-theory-single-variable-calculus Math 421] or 2) the applied analysis sequence [http://www.math.wisc.edu/321-applied-mathematical-analysis Math 321] and [http://www.math.wisc.edu/322-applied-mathematical-analysis 322] before moving on to the 500 level.
In order to complete the [https://www.math.wisc.edu/undergraduate/mathmajor major in mathematics] you must take a course in linear algebra.  At [http://www.math.wisc.edu/ UW-Madison] we offer several versions of linear algebra.  '''Note that in all versions of the major and certificate, only ONE of the following courses may be used to fulfill any of the requirements.'''  The purpose of this page is to describe the essential differences between the courses.
 
== [https://www.math.wisc.edu/320-Linear-Algebra-Differential-Equations Math 320] Linear Algebra and Differential Equations ==
Math 320 covers both some linear algebra and some differential equation theory.  As such, students who complete this course can consider themselves as also having some of the content of [https://www.math.wisc.edu/319-Tech-Ordinary-Differential-Equations Math 319] (introduction to differential equations).  The difference between this course and taking both 319 and 340 is that one will be able to see how theory and applications unite in a meaningful way.  This course also lends itself to the [http://www.math.wisc.edu/321-applied-mathematical-analysis 321]-[http://www.math.wisc.edu/322-applied-mathematical-analysis 322] applied analysis sequence.
 
Students who have completed Math 320 will need to complete  either 1) [http://www.math.wisc.edu/421-theory-single-variable-calculus Math 421] or 2) the applied analysis sequence [http://www.math.wisc.edu/321-applied-mathematical-analysis Math 321] and [http://www.math.wisc.edu/322-applied-mathematical-analysis 322] or [https://www.math.wisc.edu/node/786 Math 467] before moving on to the 500 level.


In summary math 320 is:
In summary math 320 is:
* Only acceptable to option 2 majors and the certificate.
* Useful for students interested in classical applications of mathematics (i.e., physics, engineering, continuous modeling, etc.)
* Makes Math 319 redundant and therefore '''credit for Math 319 cannot be applied to the math major or certificate'''.
* Covers material in Math 319 and therefore '''credit for only one of Math 319 and 320 can be applied to the math major or certificate'''.
* Not a good introduction to proofs and proofwriting.
* Not by itstelf sufficient for taking advanced math classes.
 
* Good introduction to how theory and applications support each other.
== [http://www.math.wisc.edu/340-elementary-matrix-and-linear-algebra Math 340] Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra ==
* '''Is offered with an honors(!) version.  This version is suggested for potential math majors and those in the [https://www.math.wisc.edu/amep AMEP] program'''.
Math 340 is a basic type of linear algebra course which focuses on vectors as ordered sets of real numbers and matrices as linear operators. In this course the focus is typically on computational aspects of the subject with some lighter treatment of the more theoretical points.
* Suggested further courses are
** The applied analysis sequence [https://www.math.wisc.edu/321-Applied-Mathematical-Analysis Math 321] - [https://www.math.wisc.edu/322-Applied-Mathematical-Analysis math 322] which covers more mathematics useful for traditional applications.
** Dynamical systems [https://www.math.wisc.edu/415-Applied-Dynamical-Systems-Chaos-Modeling Math 415] which includes both continuous and discrete models of changing systems.
** Theory of Calculus [https://www.math.wisc.edu/421-Theory-Single-Variable-Calculus Math 421] for an introduction to more formal mathematical arguments.


This course is accepted in both the option 1 and option 2 form of the major, however in both cases there may be a better choice.
== [https://www.math.wisc.edu/340-Elementary-Matrix-Linear-Algebra Math 340] Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra ==
Math 340 a basic linear algebra course which focuses on vectors as ordered sets of real numbers and linear operators as matrices.  In this course the focus is typically on computational aspects of the subject with some lighter treatment of the more theoretical points.


Students who complete this course and would also like exposure to differential equations should consider [http://www.math.wisc.edu/319-techniques-ordinary-differential-equations Math 319].
Students who complete this course and would also like exposure to differential equations should consider [https://www.math.wisc.edu/319-Tech-Ordinary-Differential-Equations Math 319].


Students who have completed math 340 are STRONGLY encouraged to take [http://www.math.wisc.edu/421-theory-single-variable-calculus Math 421] for an introduction to proofs and proofwriting before moving on to courses above the 500 level.
Students who have completed Math 320 will need to complete  either 1) [http://www.math.wisc.edu/421-theory-single-variable-calculus Math 421] or 2) the applied analysis sequence [http://www.math.wisc.edu/321-applied-mathematical-analysis Math 321] and [http://www.math.wisc.edu/322-applied-mathematical-analysis 322] or [https://www.math.wisc.edu/node/786 Math 467] before moving on to the 500 level.


In summary math 340 is:
In summary math 340 is:
* Accepted in both major versions and the certificate.
* Ideal for students who need functional knowledge of basic matrix algebra in particular those looking for applications featuring discrete mathematics (i.e., computer science and possibly statistics).
* Not a good introduction to proofs and proofwriting.
* Not by itself sufficient for enrollment in advance Math courses
* '''Not suggested for majors'''.
* Subsequent math courses:
* Best for students in other programs who need functional knowledge of basic linear algebra.
** [http://www.math.wisc.edu/421-theory-single-variable-calculus Math 421] for those interested in advanced undergradaute math courses above the 500 level.
** ODE [https://www.math.wisc.edu/319-Tech-Ordinary-Differential-Equations Math 319] for those interested in the applied analysis sequence.


== [http://www.math.wisc.edu/341-linear-algebra Math 341] Linear Algebra ==
== [http://www.math.wisc.edu/341-linear-algebra Math 341] Linear Algebra ==
Math 341 is a linear algebra course which is also meant to be an introduction to proofs and proofwriting.  The linear algebra content of the course is more robust than any of the others listed on this page.  Students who complete the course should be well prepared to move onto any upper level course, in particular [http://www.math.wisc.edu/521-advanced-calculus Math 521], [http://www.math.wisc.edu/541-modern-algebra 541], or [http://www.math.wisc.edu/551-elementary-topology 551].
Math 341 is a linear algebra course which is also meant to be an introduction to proofs and proofwriting.  The linear algebra content of the course is more robust than any of the others listed on this page.  Students who complete the course should be well prepared to move onto any upper level course, in particular [https://www.math.wisc.edu/521-Analysis-1 Math 521], [https://www.math.wisc.edu/522-Analysis-2 541], or [https://www.math.wisc.edu/551-Elementary-Topology 551].


This course is acceptable to both versions of the major.  It is the recommended linear algebra course for option 1 students.  It is also highly recommended for students in option 2 who may not want to complete the [http://www.math.wisc.edu/321-applied-mathematical-analysis 321]-[http://www.math.wisc.edu/322-applied-mathematical-analysis 322] sequence.
It is the recommended linear algebra course for majors interested in moving to advanced undergraduate courses quickly


Students who complete this course and would also like exposure to differential equations should consider [http://www.math.wisc.edu/319-techniques-ordinary-differential-equations Math 319].
Students who complete this course and would also like exposure to differential equations should consider [https://www.math.wisc.edu/319-Tech-Ordinary-Differential-Equations Math 319].


In summary math 341 is:
In summary math 341 is:
* Accepted in both major versions and the certificate.
* A good introduction to proofs and proofwriting.
* A good introduction to proofs and proofwriting.
* '''The preferred course for majors.'''
* Will give students access to advanced level math courses.
 
* Subsequent courses:
== [http://www.math.wisc.edu/375-topics-multi-variable-calculus-and-linear-algebra Math 375] Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra==
** [https://www.math.wisc.edu/421-Theory-Single-Variable-Calculus Math 421] for another exposure to formal mathematical arguments at the introductory level.
Math 375 is an Honors course which features the role that linear algebra has in multivariable calculus.  Students who have completed [http://www.math.wisc.edu/node/80 Math 234] (Calculus - Functions of Several Variables) may not take this course.
** Any math course above the 500 level (possibly assuming other prereqs).


This course is acceptable in both versions of the major.
== [https://www.math.wisc.edu/375-Multivariable-Calculus-Linear-Algebra Math 375] Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra==
Math 375 is an Honors course which features the role that linear algebra has in multivariable calculus.  Students who have completed [https://www.math.wisc.edu/234-Calculus-Functions-Several-Variables Math 234] (Calculus - Functions of Several Variables) may not take this course.


Students who complete this course and would also like exposure to differential equations should consider the sequel course: [http://www.math.wisc.edu/376-topics-multi-variable-calculus-and-differential-equations Math 376].
Students who complete this course are also expected to complete the sequel course: [https://www.math.wisc.edu/376-Multivariable-Calculus-Differential-Equations Math 376].


In summary Math 375 is:
In summary Math 375 is:
* '''Honors level.'''
* '''Honors level.'''
* Not open to students who have completed Math 234.
* Enrollment is by permission only.
* Accepted in both major versions and the certificate.
* Not open to students who have credit for Math 234.
* A good introduction to proofs and proofwriting.
* A good introduction to proofs and proofwriting.
* Students who complete Math 375 and not Math 376 are not considered to have completed the content of Math 234!  So by enrolling in Math 375 in the Fall, you should be prepared to enroll in Math 376 in the spring, or Math 234 in order to complete multivariate calculus.

Latest revision as of 18:21, 7 April 2022

Note: the links to the course webpages are broken. You can find a short description of all of our courses at the UW-Guide.


In order to complete the major in mathematics you must take a course in linear algebra. At UW-Madison we offer several versions of linear algebra. Note that in all versions of the major and certificate, only ONE of the following courses may be used to fulfill any of the requirements. The purpose of this page is to describe the essential differences between the courses.

Math 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

Math 320 covers both some linear algebra and some differential equation theory. As such, students who complete this course can consider themselves as also having some of the content of Math 319 (introduction to differential equations). The difference between this course and taking both 319 and 340 is that one will be able to see how theory and applications unite in a meaningful way. This course also lends itself to the 321-322 applied analysis sequence.

Students who have completed Math 320 will need to complete either 1) Math 421 or 2) the applied analysis sequence Math 321 and 322 or Math 467 before moving on to the 500 level.

In summary math 320 is:

  • Useful for students interested in classical applications of mathematics (i.e., physics, engineering, continuous modeling, etc.)
  • Covers material in Math 319 and therefore credit for only one of Math 319 and 320 can be applied to the math major or certificate.
  • Not by itstelf sufficient for taking advanced math classes.
  • Good introduction to how theory and applications support each other.
  • Is offered with an honors(!) version. This version is suggested for potential math majors and those in the AMEP program.
  • Suggested further courses are
    • The applied analysis sequence Math 321 - math 322 which covers more mathematics useful for traditional applications.
    • Dynamical systems Math 415 which includes both continuous and discrete models of changing systems.
    • Theory of Calculus Math 421 for an introduction to more formal mathematical arguments.

Math 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra

Math 340 a basic linear algebra course which focuses on vectors as ordered sets of real numbers and linear operators as matrices. In this course the focus is typically on computational aspects of the subject with some lighter treatment of the more theoretical points.

Students who complete this course and would also like exposure to differential equations should consider Math 319.

Students who have completed Math 320 will need to complete either 1) Math 421 or 2) the applied analysis sequence Math 321 and 322 or Math 467 before moving on to the 500 level.

In summary math 340 is:

  • Ideal for students who need functional knowledge of basic matrix algebra in particular those looking for applications featuring discrete mathematics (i.e., computer science and possibly statistics).
  • Not by itself sufficient for enrollment in advance Math courses
  • Subsequent math courses:
    • Math 421 for those interested in advanced undergradaute math courses above the 500 level.
    • ODE Math 319 for those interested in the applied analysis sequence.

Math 341 Linear Algebra

Math 341 is a linear algebra course which is also meant to be an introduction to proofs and proofwriting. The linear algebra content of the course is more robust than any of the others listed on this page. Students who complete the course should be well prepared to move onto any upper level course, in particular Math 521, 541, or 551.

It is the recommended linear algebra course for majors interested in moving to advanced undergraduate courses quickly

Students who complete this course and would also like exposure to differential equations should consider Math 319.

In summary math 341 is:

  • A good introduction to proofs and proofwriting.
  • Will give students access to advanced level math courses.
  • Subsequent courses:
    • Math 421 for another exposure to formal mathematical arguments at the introductory level.
    • Any math course above the 500 level (possibly assuming other prereqs).

Math 375 Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra

Math 375 is an Honors course which features the role that linear algebra has in multivariable calculus. Students who have completed Math 234 (Calculus - Functions of Several Variables) may not take this course.

Students who complete this course are also expected to complete the sequel course: Math 376.

In summary Math 375 is:

  • Honors level.
  • Enrollment is by permission only.
  • Not open to students who have credit for Math 234.
  • A good introduction to proofs and proofwriting.
  • Students who complete Math 375 and not Math 376 are not considered to have completed the content of Math 234! So by enrolling in Math 375 in the Fall, you should be prepared to enroll in Math 376 in the spring, or Math 234 in order to complete multivariate calculus.
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