Free courses from MIT

[kberta]

Hi all,

I came across this resource and thought it'd be a good idea to share it here. Hope somebody finds it useful.

Any courses in particular that would be strongly recommended?

KB

 

[roni]

The linear algebra professor is the man !!!!!!

I am taking a linear algebra course right now and these lectures are really helpful.

 

[Sanket Patel]

The linear algebra professor is the man !!!!!!

I am taking a linear algebra course right now and these lectures are really helpful.

Ah yes...Dr. Strang is quite the pedagogue, to say the least.

 

[Daniel Duffy]

Not only in linear algebra, but Gilbert Strang is the inventor of Strang splittiing for the numerical solution of PDEs, a technique for multi-factor problems.

When you discretise PDE you end up with solving matrix systems and then all these techniques are used:

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Mathematics/18-06Spring-2005/VideoLectures/index.htm

 

[dstefan]

Also, Professor Strang contributed significantly to the development of the finite element method, the Fourier analysis of the FEM method in particular.

And he is a tremendous teacher!

 

[Daniel Duffy]

FEM, indeed. His book was the one of the first maths-based book on FEM. (his first PhD student was my own supervisor; I think GS was 24 at the time, amazing)

 

[mazinkaiser]

Wow, free courses!

This is good for me. I need to work on my maths skill prior applying to MFE


Are doing these free course good enough to apply for MFE? I mean, how can I prove ive got the knowledge?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

No.
It's the same as writing C++ on your resume does not prove that you will be able to program.
The benefit of taking a formal class at an establishment is that it can be verified that you have obtained some level of knowledge.

You can read a book, look at an online course but there is nothing to prove that you have passed some level of competence.

The MIT open courses are designed to bring free knowledge to the world. It's not designed to replace a formal courses that you can obtain credits for.

 

[roni]

It's the same as writing C++ on your resume does not prove that you will be able to program.

Hey,

By this statement you mean that it's a bad idea to study C++ on my own ?
From what I understood, C++ knowledge, as opposed to math, can be developed without any formal college courses.
And actually, I think you were one of the guys who said that self study is a good option....
or I got you confused with someone else :\

Thanks

Roni.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

All I said is you will have more convincing to do if you plan to meet prerequisites by self studying.

 

[roni]

oh right, makes sense.....
thanks.