Diff eq. and linear algebra concurrently and before calc III?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the scheduling of Linear Algebra (LA) and Differential Equations (DE) concurrently in an engineering program, specifically after Calculus II and before Calculus III. Participants explore the rationale behind this course arrangement and its implications for learning.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the logic of taking LA and DE before Calc III, suggesting it may complicate understanding of multivariable calculus.
  • Others argue that LA and DE are closely related, and studying them together could enhance intuition for Calc III concepts.
  • A participant shares that their experience indicates taking LA and DE concurrently would have made learning Calc III easier.
  • Another participant mentions that some institutions integrate these topics differently, with variations in course sequencing and content coverage.
  • One participant speculates that scheduling decisions may be influenced by faculty teaching loads, although this is not confirmed for the specific program discussed.
  • There is a suggestion that the arrangement may not pose a significant problem, with some expressing a willingness to adapt to the schedule.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed views on the appropriateness of the course sequence, with some supporting the concurrent approach and others questioning its effectiveness. No consensus is reached regarding the optimal order of these courses.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the relationship between LA, DE, and Calc III may vary by institution, and the effectiveness of the course sequence could depend on specific curricular structures and teaching methods.

huskerwr38
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So my engineering program has me taking LA and Diff. Eq. in the same semester, after Calc II and before Calc III. I don't understand why that is...what would be the idea behind this?
 
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Do you mind I ask what is the name of your alma mater? I think LA and Diff.eq is doable, it may just be more difficult.
 
Yea, no problem it's University of Nebraska-Omaha. Here is a link to a sample of classes,
http://www.ceen.unomaha.edu/undergrad/pre-ee-xfer.php"
 
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Do they offer LA and DE only in the fall, and Calc III only in the spring? If so, I can only speculate that it might be done that way in order to distribute the teaching load properly among X number of faculty within the math department.

If they do offer Calc III in the fall and LA/DE in the spring, I don't see any reason why you couldn't switch those courses around.
 
huskerwr38 said:
Yea, no problem it's University of Nebraska-Omaha. Here is a link to a sample of classes,
http://www.ceen.unomaha.edu/undergrad/pre-ee-xfer.php"

Hey wait...why is Calc III after both LA and Diff...? I can understand for LA, but really for diff too?
 
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This makes sense to me. Linear algebra and differential equations are closely related, and the intuition you gain from that connection will help with the perhaps more confusing multivariate calculus.
 
I really wish I could have taken Differential Equations and Linear Algebra at the same time. The classes fit very nicely together and it would have made learning calculus 3 much easier. I think depending on the school Differential is easier to take before because it uses very little Calculus 3 concepts. Only continuing courses uses more Calculus 3 in it.
 
Stanford's 50's sequence sort of integrate the topics of multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. (They are on a quarter system, and usually, 3 quarters = 2 semesters.) Math 51 covers some linear algebra and multivariable calc., Math 52 covers some more multivariable calc., and Math 53 covers some more linear algebra and diff. eq.

There are schools where you take multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations in two semester courses instead of three. Usually schools that do this will condense linear algebra & differential equations into a single, semester course, with multivariable calculus being the other semester course. Although in this format, (usually) multivariable calculus is taken before linear algebra + diff. eq.


69
 
jtbell said:
Do they offer LA and DE only in the fall, and Calc III only in the spring? If so, I can only speculate that it might be done that way in order to distribute the teaching load properly among X number of faculty within the math department.

If they do offer Calc III in the fall and LA/DE in the spring, I don't see any reason why you couldn't switch those courses around.

No, they offer all of those classes both spring and fall semesters.


So most of you guys are saying this is should not be a problem? I guess I'll just go with it because that is what my schedule says and I'll talk with my adviser about it too.
 

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