Is Linear Matrix Algebra Really Hard?
Is Linear Algebra hard?Course Level | DMAT # |
|
|||
Freshman Core |
253 | Calculus I | 4 | ||
263 | Calculus II | 4 | |||
Freshman HONORS |
254 | HONORS Calculus I | 5 | ||
264 | HONORS Calculus II | 5 | |||
255 | HONORS Calculus I+II For Data Science | 5 | |||
Applied Calculus |
201 | Calculus for Business | 3 | ||
202 | Calculus for Life Science | 3 | |||
Before Calculus |
135 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | 4 | ||
125 | Introductory Statistics *Spring 2024 | 4 | |||
145 | Finite Mathematics *Spring 2024 | 3 | |||
225 | Discrete Mathematics *Spring 2024 | 4 |
Course Level | DMAT # |
|
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Sophomore Core |
355 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 | ||
321 | Differential Equations | 3 | |||
335 | Linear Algebra | 4 | |||
311 | Probability Theory | 3 | |||
Sophomore HONORS |
356 | HONORS Multivariable Calculus | 5 | ||
322 | HONORS Differential Equations | 4 | |||
336 | HONORS Linear Algebra | 5 | |||
337 | HONORS Linear Algebra for Data Science | 5 | |||
Upper Division |
431 | Abstract Algebra *Spring 2024 | 4 | ||
451 | Differential Geometry *Spring 2024 | 4 |
Linear Algebra from a textbook with traditional lectures can be challenging. Many students in traditional lecture courses do rate Linear Algebra as a more difficult course than Calculus I and Calculus II.
We believe that our curriculum in DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra in Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University, based upon an experimentation model using Mathematica, is the modern way of learning Linear Algebra - studying the geometry and computations in Linear Algebra using a modern computation engine. Our students have reported that our DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course is, in comparison to traditional lecture Linear Algebra courses, very much different in content, style, and difficulty. We have even had many students who were not successful in a classroom-based Linear Algebra lecture course, find themselves earning a much higher grade in our DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course, due to the drastically different approach, presentation, and student interaction.
Here is a video about our DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University:
Linear Algebra Course
Multivariable Calculus & High School
After AP Calculus for High School Students
Distance Calculus - Student Reviews





Date Posted: Apr 30, 2020
Review by: Hannah J.
Courses Completed: Probability Theory
Review: Probability Theory was a great course. Very very thorough. I thought it would never end :). I was very prepared for my coursework in economics. Excellent refereshher of derivatives and integrals - really forced me to remember that stuff from freshman cal.
Transferred Credits to: Boston University





Date Posted: Jan 19, 2020
Review by: William Williams
Student Email: wf.williamster@gmail.com
Courses Completed: Linear Algebra, Probability Theory
Review: I have difficulty learning calculus based math, akin to dyslexia when examining the symbolic forms, equations, definitions, and problems. Mathematica based calculus courses allowed me to continue with my studies because of the option of seeing the math expressed as a programming language for which I have no difficulty in interpreting visually and the immediate feedback of graphical representations of functions, equations, or data makes a huge impact on understanding. Mathematica based calculus courses should be the default method of teaching Calculus everywhere.
Transferred Credits to: Thomas Edison State College





Date Posted: Jul 12, 2021
Review by: Henry R.
Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus
Review: Fantastic and unique course, particularly good for visual/spatial thinkers. The course forces you to develop a real conceptual understanding of the math concepts, as opposed to just teaching math formulas like other courses tend to do. There is a steep learning curve early on to get used to the software and the kind of course this is. Ultimately, I feel like what I learned will allow me to actually use the math and build upon it in the future. If you care about learning, rather than just passing a requirement, this is a great course for you.
Transferred Credits to: Harvard University