The basic techniques and ideas of linear algebra are applied in almost every discipline of both pure and applied mathematics. Important applications of linear algebra range from techniques for solving differential equations used in physics and engineering, to the simplex method used in business mathematics. Many computing applications are designed using linear algebra. MA341 would be a useful preparatory course for most upper-level mathematics classes. It should be useful for students planning to take MA375, Numerical Methods and Software, or MA411, Abstract Algebra.
Linear algebra provides a natural bridge to upper level mathematics.
There are many opportunities to illustrate how basic mathematical ideas can be adapted to many different purposes if the student's conceptual grounding is firm. The student should get a sense of how upper level mathematics concentrates much less on developing skills and techniques which one is to apply in predetermined situations, and more on making students familiar with a conceptual toolbox which has proven useful and which can be expected to be adapted to the future needs of the mathematical consumer. The student is expected to have completed MA204 with a C or better. The class size should be 20 or less. The course will be run on a lecture-discussion format.