MATH 114Linear Algebra for Science
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Mathematics
- Subject
- Mathematics
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
Vectors in 2- and 3-space and their geometry. Linear equations, matrices, and determinants. Introduction to vector spaces. Eigenvalues and diagonalization. Applications. Complex numbers.
Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following: 4U Calculus and Vectors
- Complete 1 of the following
- Enrolled in H-Geospatial Data Science, or JH-Geospatial Data Science
- Enrolled in H-Geomatics, or JH-Geomatics
- Enrolled in a program offered by Faculty of Science
Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
Leads to
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 6066 | 25 / 100 | MWF 09:30–10:20 |
| TUT 101 | 6067 | 25 / 100 | Th 10:30–11:20 |
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 5967 | 0 / 120 | MWF 08:30–09:20 |
| LEC 701 | 2340 | 64 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
77% liked it62% easy89% useful
From 102 ratings and 24 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Hard to grasp at first if you've never touched matrices (like me), but the volume of assignments helps to understand content. Very good for practicing mental math.
Apr 2019 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Fun and interesting material. The textbook is very useful for practicing content.
Nov 2016 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Being new to this type of mathematical thinking, the first month was a bit hard to adapt but overall this was an easy course, and it taught me what I think will be very important concepts down the line. Pay attention, this is good stuff!
Dec 2014 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Holy shit im smurfing in pisslow
Apr 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
took it W24. very good course, 2 midterms, final in person. had weekly quizzes. the whole course was run on computers, i enjoyed it. the linear algebra taught is what you'd expect in a first year course. equivalent to math 136, leads to math 235.
Jan 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
126 posts and comments in 93 threads mention MATH 114, August 2012 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Spring 2024
Easy physics courses for a minor in physics 1 point, 2 comments
“I am a SCIAVIA student looking to minor in physics. Currently in my 3rd year. Courses I have taken: Phys 121, 122, 225, 275, 234 Math 127, 128, 228, taking 227 next term. …”
u/Tea_and_cookiess: “Upper year physics courses tend to have some linear algebra in them so not having MATH 114 might be a struggle. I thought 263 was really fun with Dr Mann. 175 was also a lot of fun.”
can I get geomatics/GIS jobs with a GEM degree + is a computing minor a GPA killer? 2 points, 16 comments
“2 part qn here, for 1., I applied for, and was accepted into GEM (w coop), but after finding out more about the programs, I feel that Geomatics may be more suited for me VS a GEM degree w a …”
u/batson2002: “on transfers, see here: https://uwaterloo.ca/environment/undergraduate/current-students/transfers, geomatics might be a bit harder to transfer into as i’d assume it’s somewhat competitive given lots …”
u/applepill: “MATH 103 is the equivalent foundational course for students who didn’t take the required math courses in high school. You take MATH 103 > 106. Geomatics students are required to take either MATH 106 or 114, that’s a program requirement.”
fun second year phys astro elective ideas pls 3 points, 0 comments
“As the title says, id love to recommendations for any electrives phys astro students found enjoyable or beneficial in second year. Thanks in advance!”
u/Big_Steak7381: “… A linear algebra course like MATH114 would be beneficial for when you take PHYS234, quantum 1. …”
Winter 2024
Math 114 summary sheet/notes 1 point, 1 comment
u/Kooky-Painting-3857: “Hey alumni of Math 114, How did y'all study for this course? There seems to be a lot of theorems and stuff, and I am taking this course online this semester, did any of you make a summary sheet or had good notes? Could you share it? Thanks!”
Fall 2023
Is Math115 enough to succeed in Math235? 6 points, 6 comments
“Title”
u/zyxwvu28: “I took MATH 114 (Linear Algebra for the sciences) in 1st year, then MATH 235 in 2nd year. Here are my thoughts: TLDR: Yes, it's enough, but expect to quickly learn how to do math proofs. …”
Trying to switch into the faculty of math, what would be the easiest 3 math courses to take to make me eligible? 1 point, 20 comments
“My options rn are MATH 137, CS 115/135 and MATH 135. Are there any other easier options or is this it?”
u/Inferdo12: “Those are the required first year math courses”
u/ftgxttg: “I know that if you take MATH 114 before you transfer it will be considered to be MATH 136 after transferring”
Spring 2023
Math exam with no Math problems? 1 point, 1 comment
“I'm taking math 225 right now (Linear algebra 2). It's basically Math 235 but with less proofs. Our exam is going to have no calculations though? It's literally just definitions. …”
u/Big_Steak7381: “… consistent" or whatever and my MATH136 exam had multiple choice (around 10), however my MATH114 exam was entirely computation. …”
How to get into different physics fields? 1 point, 1 comment
“I'm going into second year as a new Knowledge Integration student. I was originally a Physics and Astronomy student during fall 2022, but it was way too much and I couldn't handle it. …”
u/Big_Steak7381: “… So taking a linear algebra class like MATH114 or MATH106 is nice to have in your skill set. However, if you aren't able to fit those into your schedule, feel free to reach out to me and I can send you some resources (I have taken both MATH114 and MATH136). …”
Winter 2023
Does math 114 count towards a credit for math 135 or math 136? (transferring from science to math) 1 point, 6 comments
u/djao: “MATH 114 will be credited as MATH 136 for transfer purposes. It's not actually credited as MATH 136 so if you are trying to take a class with MATH 136 as a prerequisite you can't just use MATH 114 instead, unless of course the prerequisites specifically allow MATH 114. …”
Spring 2022
Co-op Resume 6 points, 7 comments
“Hey guys, I’m going to be attending Waterloo this fall for Geomatics Co-op. I will try to apply for software based co ops and I just wanted to see if anyone had any examples of their resumes for …”
u/the-scream-i-scrumpt: “so what you're gonna need is: 1. proof that you understand how frontends talk to backends, and how websites work (i.e. build a project). …”
u/Appropriate_Fix_8347: “… Also I’m starting to watch introductory courses on CS 135 and math 114, perspiring as much as I can beforehand so hopefully I’m a bit ahead of the other people who want to switch!😂”
Winter 2022
Favourite first year classes? 5 points, 25 comments
“Title says it. Also mention prof please!”
u/Waterloonybin: “Phil 110A, Math 114, Math 128”
Math 235 without Math 136 2 points, 12 comments
“Hi, I have transfer credits for Math 136, but at my old university we didn't do any linear algebra proofs, just computaion, I'm looking to take Math 235 this term. would Math 235 be doable for me ? …”
u/NearquadFarquad: “235 is basically just 136 part 2. However, 135 was very focussed on how to write proofs, so you might struggle with 235 and future math courses if you didn't take 135 or a different proofs course”
u/Nk001337: “No, I took 135, I didn't take 136 I think what I took was similar to MATH 114 (Linear Algebra for Science)”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
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