UND Linear Algebra?

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Hey guys, I am currently in the process of strengthening my MFE application profile. I'm currently taking Calculus 3 from UND and I am wondering if UND's 2 credit Linear Algebra class is beneficial for me. It seems that 2 credits seem weaker than a 3 credit linear algebra class so I'm wondering if there's anyone that knows of any self paced linear algebra course I can take online for college credit.
 
Hey guys, I am currently in the process of strengthening my MFE application profile. I'm currently taking Calculus 3 from UND and I am wondering if UND's 2 credit Linear Algebra class is beneficial for me. It seems that 2 credits seem weaker than a 3 credit linear algebra class so I'm wondering if there's anyone that knows of any self paced linear algebra course I can take online for college credit.
Not a UND linear algebra taker, but I've taken linear algebra at another online university (IU Online) while getting a second BS in math for the same reason.

For linear algebra in particular, I'd find out as much as you can about what's actually covered in the syllabus. Linear algebra was the first course I took at IU, and it was pretty disappointing (this is a common gripe about the program in the math club group).

The UND syllabus says:

In the Introduction to Linear Algebra online course you will learn:
  • How to solve systems of linear equations by several methods
  • About the rules of arithmetic for matrices and vectors, including computing determinants and matrix inverses
  • How to find an LU-factorization for certain matrices
  • About the ideas of vector spaces and subspaces
  • How to compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices
Simple Syllabus

This sounds extremely similar to mine - computation-heavy with little to no theory or proof. If you can find a course somewhere that goes a step further, I'd go for that instead, especially if you haven't previously taken one such course. In my case, I still found it useful as a basic refresher (I had previously taken Berkeley's Math 54 in 2019 or so), but had to self-study the rest.

Also, if you don't need the transcript line, maybe just save yourself the money and self-study anyway (or take NLA pre-MFE).
 
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Thanks so much for your input Mitch.

I think I’ll try look into LSU’s online linear algebra course. It seems the PreMFE requires a Linear Algebra course as a prerequisite so I’ll need to get that done first.
LSU's also seems like it covers identical content. Maybe just do whichever one is cheapest!
 
This obviously doesn't give you a traditional transcript grade, but maybe this goes a little deeper than what we discussed?
 
Not a UND linear algebra taker, but I've taken linear algebra at another online university (IU Online) while getting a second BS in math for the same reason.

For linear algebra in particular, I'd find out as much as you can about what's actually covered in the syllabus. Linear algebra was the first course I took at IU, and it was pretty disappointing (this is a common gripe about the program in the math club group).

The UND syllabus says:

In the Introduction to Linear Algebra online course you will learn:
  • How to solve systems of linear equations by several methods
  • About the rules of arithmetic for matrices and vectors, including computing determinants and matrix inverses
  • How to find an LU-factorization for certain matrices
  • About the ideas of vector spaces and subspaces
  • How to compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices
Simple Syllabus

This sounds extremely similar to mine - computation-heavy with little to no theory or proof. If you can find a course somewhere that goes a step further, I'd go for that instead, especially if you haven't previously taken one such course. In my case, I still found it useful as a basic refresher (I had previously taken Berkeley's Math 54 in 2019 or so), but had to self-study the rest.

Also, if you don't need the transcript line, maybe just save yourself the money and self-study anyway (or take NLA pre-MFE).
That syllabus could be more ambitious. imho
No one really does determinants any more .. the advent of the digital computer put them out of business.
 
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One issue worth noting is that there are two main strands associated with matrices


1. Pure maths linear analysis/algebra ... paper models. Kind of academic-only focus.

2. Numerical linear algebra .. algorithms and getting stuff into the computer. And knowing what, why and how. numpy/scipy and Fortran forever.,


1 is seen a lot in university courses while 2 less so. One can conjecture why this is so. The consequence is being ill-prepared for work in in industry with only 1.


Here is a more balanced approach based on best practice imo


 
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