‘18.700: Linear Algebra’

Table of contents

1. Course Info
2. Realistic Prerequisites
3. Subject Matter
4. Course Staff
5. Lectures
6. Problem Sets
7. Exams
8. Resources
9. Grading
10. Advice to Future Students

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Course Info

Class Size	26
Hours/Week	10 (11 responses)
Instructors	Zhiwei Yun
Overall Rating	5.2/7.0

Realistic Prerequisites

• Experience with mathematical proofs was helpful but not required. Some students also appreciated previous exposure to linear algebra.

Subject Matter

• The subject matter was very theoretical.

Course Staff

• Students found the course staff caring and helpful.
• Some students didn’t find the lecturer very engaging.

Lectures

• Most students learned most from completing the problem sets and reading the textbook.
• Lectures mostly focused on introducing and proving theorems found in the textbook.

Problem Sets

• Many students found the problem sets difficult, but doable using content learned in the lecture.
• Problem sets required a higher level of mathematical maturity, and collaboration was helpful.

Exams

• Stressful and challenging.
• The exams were considered difficult to finish on time but not totally unreasonable.
• Students found that the lectures and problem sets did not prepare them enough.

Resources

• Most students found the textbook Linear Algebra Done Right by Sheldon Axler to be incredibly helpful.
• Recorded lectures were also available online.

Grading

• Students felt that grading was not transparent.
• Students with less proof experience found the grading to be harsher.
• Midterms were worth 40%, the final was 30%, and problem sets were 30% of the grade.

Advice to Future Students

1. “This is a cool class for anyone interested in the “why” of math!”
2. “Be ready to dedicate time to this subject if you want a good grade.”