MAT 343: Linear Algebra
Undergraduate course, Southern Virginia University, 2026
Vectors, matrices, systems of equations, vector spaces, determinants, linear transformations, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
About the course
Linear algebra is, for many students, the first mathematics course where the concepts matter more than the computations, and where each concept rests on the ones before it. I teach it with that in mind.
Students prepare for class with a pre-reading guide and a short lesson quiz. Because so much depends on a small set of foundational definitions and theorems, students are given a list of “Toughloves,” facts to internalize deeply and know from memory. “Math the World” assignments and projects connect the theory to applications, and three midterm “Celebrations of Knowledge” and a final exam measure progress.
Textbook: Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 5th edition, by David C. Lay, Steven R. Lay, and Judi J. McDonald.
Prerequisite: MAT 241 (or concurrent enrollment), or consent of the instructor.
Syllabus (Fall 2026)
Helpful resources
- 3Blue1Brown: Essence of Linear Algebra. A short video series on the geometry behind the algebra. Watch it early, and again when we reach eigenvectors.
- MIT OpenCourseWare 18.06: Linear Algebra. Gilbert Strang’s complete lectures, with problem sets and exams.
- Khan Academy: Linear Algebra. Extra worked examples for the computational skills.
- My YouTube channel. Lesson videos I have recorded.