<p>I will not be taking linear algebra for awhile, but I thought of this question. My university offers linear algebra 1 or computational linear algebra. Computational is in the 3000's vs the other in the 4000's. I am assuming if you meet the prereq for computational, which is programming knowledge, then it is easier. I mostly want to take the class for some required courses for grad school admissions. Does anyone know the differences between the two?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Linear algebra on it’s own is an essential course if you’re in engineering, science, cs, etc. because it teaches you the background you won’t really learn anywhere else.</p>
<p>In general, computational linear algebra courses will focus on three topics:
Solving linear equations (Ax=b), Solving least square problems, and eigenvalue/SVD problems. They avoid the majority of the theory you would learn in a linear algebra class to focus on things like stability, conditioning, #flops, various methods.</p>
<p>I would take both if you want to go into applied math or computational science.</p>
<p>Usually the first introductory linear algebra course is a sophomore-level course taken either after Calculus II or Calculus III. I cannot imagine a linear algebra course numbered 4xxx (assuming undergrad courses are numbered 1xxx, 2xxx, 3xxx and 4xxx) that does not have some lower-level linear algebra/theory of matrices course as a prerequisite.</p>
<p>Either way, you will have to know some linear algebra before taking computational linear algebra because the computational linear algebra will touch on the linear algebra topic for like 5 SECONDS (because you should already know it) then get right down to converting the concepts to algorithmic and programming language constructs.</p>
<p>If you have the name of the school, please post it because I am curious. Usually a computational linear algebra course has a prerequisite of linear algebra and MAYBE differential equations too because linear algebra and DiffEq can work together in solving some problems.</p>
<p>[Office</a> of the University Registrar](<a href=“http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/programs/courses/math.html]Office”>http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/programs/courses/math.html) - University of Florida</p>
<p>The courses are in this list. Both have similar prereqs and fill the same prereqs for further course advancement. Linear algebra I, which grants 4 credits, needs Calc III whereas computational linear algebra, which grants 3 credits, takes Calc II plus programming.</p>
<p>I will say that this “computational linear algebra” is probably not a true “computational linear algebra” course because computational linear algebra is usually a senior-level or graduate course that requires a earlier linear algebra course. This is what I THINK this particular UF course called “computational linear algebra” is…</p>
<p>Many of the big-enrollment schools will give different versions of a particular math course to target certain majors. When I was at Michigan State, you would sign up for Differential Equations or Linear Algebra BUT once you received the official “Schedule of Classes” you can read the fine print and find out if this particular professor is teaching the:</p>
<ul>
<li>Standard version of the course (for Math majors but engineering and CS can take it)</li>
<li>Engineering (more applied and geared to engineering majors)</li>
<li>Computer Section (where a significant amount of programming is required on assignments)</li>
</ul>
<p>Since this “computational linear algebra” does not require a prior linear algebra course, I would equate this to a standard introductory linear algebra course with more computer assignments. Things like this happen at the big-enrollment universities.</p>
<p>Actually, I did a search with “.edu” as domain and did see some schools with C.L.A. as an undergrad course. What is weird is that Florida gives a graduate version of it also…</p>
<p>[MAD</a> 6406 Numerical Linear Algebra](<a href=“http://www.math.ufl.edu/~jayg/teaching/mad6406/]MAD”>http://www.math.ufl.edu/~jayg/teaching/mad6406/)</p>
<p>You guys should learn avuncular topology combined with hexa-lineal algebra; these two are known to be the hardest topics offered in most colleges.</p>