Best way to pick up a linear algebra course, at own pace

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by ryoder, Jan 23, 2011.

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  1. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    I want to get a BA in Math from TESC. They require a linear algebra course that I haven't finished.
    Does anyone know of a straightforward distance learning course for linear algebra that is ACE or regionally accredited?

    Ideally I will be able to do the course at my own pace. Thanks!!
     
  2. major56

    major56 Active Member

  3. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Louisiana State University offers independent course on Linear Algebra.
     
  4. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Tekman’s LSU deal is a better cost at $364.00 it’s less than the BYU course offering.
     
  5. RKanarek

    RKanarek Member

    Greetings.

    I do not know if the "Game Mathematics" course offered by the GameInstitute.com (Game Development Tools, Game Mathematics, Physics For Game Developers) is sufficiently Linear Algebra'ish to satisfy your institution, but you might wish to consider it. I am (more accurately was) slightly familiar with the study guide for the course, or bits thereof, and it struck me as a work of the first quality.

    Good luck!

    Bonus: Linear Algebra textbooks made available for free by their generous authors (just in case it might be helpful):
    "Elements of Abstract and Linear Algebra," by Edwin H. Connell
    Edwin H. Connell: Elements of Abstract and Linear Algebra
    Linear Algebra--and other!--math books, quick reference guides, etc. by Paul Dawkins: Pauls Online Math Notes
     
  6. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    Thanks very much guys!
    I do know of the game institute course. I think Exelsior honors that as a comp sci prereq.
    I need either linear algebra or discrete math. I seem to have a block on some discrete math concepts so I thought linear algebra would work better.
    Its the proofs that get me.
     
  7. atrox79

    atrox79 Member

    You can see if TESC will take credits from CAL Campus (Accredited Distance Learning Courses--CALCampus Online). They have a linear algebra course for $860 that you can complete at your own pace and they don't require a proctor.

    I took a couple math courses at LSU (multidimensional calculus, linear algebra/differential equations). I found the homework to be ridiculously easy but the exams were definitely more difficult. Just something to be aware of...if you take them at LSU don't assume that simply studying the assigned HW problems is sufficient for the exams. I would do all the problems at the end of the chapters and chapter reviews. They didn't test on proofs at all, which makes linear algebra pretty basic and straightforward.
     
  8. RKanarek

    RKanarek Member

    Greetings.

    While I'm partial to CalCampus--particularly back when their courses were more cost competitive--none of their courses are likely to be accepted by a college except via portfolio/"life experience." Or am I missing something?

    Cordially,
    Richard Kanarek
    Who took his first CalCampus course via GEnie, a Turbo XT computer connected to his TV, and possibly a genuine 300 baud modem of lore, back in '88 or '89, and who has taken more than half a dozen courses since.
     
  9. Overseas

    Overseas New Member

    Does LSU require proctors?
     
  10. atrox79

    atrox79 Member

    Yes. 2 exams as well, so it's a little inconvenient but you can't beat it for the price.
     
  11. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

    They are RA correct?
     
  12. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    How about this CLEP? Would it fit your needs? You could just study the book and take the test and you are done. CLEP: College Algebra
    From their website "Learn about the College Algebra CLEP examination. ... The test includes questions on basic algebraic operations; linear and quadratic equations" It's a little below pure linear algebra, so it might be too low-level, but would be cool if it worked.
     
  13. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    SurfDoctor,

    The Linear Algebra level is higher than Calculus III or even Multidimensional Calculus. I don't think CLEP- College Algebra has a chance to replace the course. :)
     
  14. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Which is why I stated that "It's a little below pure linear algebra, so it might be too low-level" While I'm not a math person, it seems that linear algebra is a little too high-level to be required for entry into a bachelor's program. HOWEVER, now that I read the OP's post more carefully, I suspect that he/she is transferring in credit to complete a math degree, not trying to get into a math program. So a higher level class is understandable. My bad.
     
  15. atrox79

    atrox79 Member

    A while back I was looking into the University of Illinois - Springfield BA in Mathematical Sciences & I asked someone who worked at admissions/counseling if they would accept classes from Cal Campus and he said they definitely would. I don't know if they are more relaxed with transfer courses but Cal Campus says they're RA. They're just not really a college where you can earn a degree & they don't participate in financial aid. Some schools probably wouldn't take credits from them but UIS seems like a pretty decent school and they're cool with it.
     
  16. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    Thanks for the info its exactly what I was looking for.
    I didn't realize that these linear algebra courses relied on difeq. I haven't done any calc since 1997 and I escaped difeq with a hard fought c.
    I am almost done with a bsba cis at tesc and have a bunch of unused math credits so I thought maybe I could finish a math degree as well. The only core course I need is linear algebra so thats why i am asking. I could get a tutor and power through it if i needed to but I was hoping that the course would use basic differentiation and integration and steer far away from laplace transforms etc which give me heartburn just thinking about them.
    The lack of proofs is a good thing for me since I'm more into the calculation part. I do 3d game programming so basic linear algebra concepts are very easy for me.
     
  17. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Two things: The LSU courses can be accelerated or decelerated depending on your needs. Also, don't forget that Chadron State has a BS in Math through DL and I believe that you can sign up for individual courses without being matriculated.
     
  18. atrox79

    atrox79 Member

    No, there aren't any DE in Linear Algebra (at least not on the introductory level). I was just taking a course that LSU offered which is combined LA/DE (because LSU doesn't offer a pure DE course). However, LSU does have a straight LA course so you can just take that. I know that LA is placed after the calculus sequence but I have never seen any calculus used at all...maybe just in certain proofs. I think the reason is because the concepts are very abstract and hard to grasp fro someone who hasn't gone through the calculus sequence.
     
  19. carpboy

    carpboy New Member

    Sorry if double posted...

    Bumping in case you guys are still around and/or receiving email updates.

    I am concerned that the LSU course mentions no materials are allowed with you during the exams. I have an extremely bad memory and am very concerned about this. Can anyone who has had this course offer any insights in this matter?

    Thanks.
     
  20. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

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