MATH 115A
Linear Algebra
Description: Lecture, three hours; discussion, two hours. Requisite: course 33A. Techniques of proof, abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, and matrices; determinants; inner product spaces; eigenvector theory. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
3 of 15
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Most Helpful Review
Spring 2017 - Professor Elman was a great professor. His handwriting on the board is messy and small at times, but he'd always answer his students when one would ask what he wrote. His lectures are very clear, thoroughly explaining all the proofs for the theorems. The exams involved recalling theorems and proofs from memory, a simple calculation (he even told us what we'd have to do in class), and giving examples of abstract concepts (this was the hardest part). However, simply memorizing everything from class would guarantee you about a 50-75% on the exam, and the class was curved pretty generously. The homework was very challenging, but came entirely from the textbook, so you could just copy the solutions manual's proofs if you wanted. Overall, a solid introduction to upper division math / proof-based math, and not too difficult of a course either.
Spring 2017 - Professor Elman was a great professor. His handwriting on the board is messy and small at times, but he'd always answer his students when one would ask what he wrote. His lectures are very clear, thoroughly explaining all the proofs for the theorems. The exams involved recalling theorems and proofs from memory, a simple calculation (he even told us what we'd have to do in class), and giving examples of abstract concepts (this was the hardest part). However, simply memorizing everything from class would guarantee you about a 50-75% on the exam, and the class was curved pretty generously. The homework was very challenging, but came entirely from the textbook, so you could just copy the solutions manual's proofs if you wanted. Overall, a solid introduction to upper division math / proof-based math, and not too difficult of a course either.
Most Helpful Review
Fall 2023 - Very good Professor, you need to be on top of everything so you can understand lecture, very passionate and knowledgeable professor. The only bad experience I had was the TA discussion sessions not being helpful at all; if the sessions were as good as lecture it would have been a fun class. I worked hard tho and I got the grade, make a good study group and you'll support each other to pass
Fall 2023 - Very good Professor, you need to be on top of everything so you can understand lecture, very passionate and knowledgeable professor. The only bad experience I had was the TA discussion sessions not being helpful at all; if the sessions were as good as lecture it would have been a fun class. I worked hard tho and I got the grade, make a good study group and you'll support each other to pass
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