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PHYS 249Linear Algebra for Physics and Astronomy

Units
0.50
Faculty
Science
Subject
Physics

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 3 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. 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. Complex numbers. Applications to physics and astronomy, including use of Python libraries and implementation.

Prerequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
      • CS114 - Principles of Computing for Science (0.50)
      • CS116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2 (0.50)
      • CS136 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction (0.50)
      • CS146 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction (Advanced Level) (0.50)
    • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:

Antirequisites

  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • MATH136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)

Leads to

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 001731786 / 150MW 14:30–15:50
LEC 0027318114 / 150MW 13:00–14:20
TUT 1017427200 / 300W 17:30–18:50

Reviewed on UW Flow

54% liked it71% easy74% useful

From 65 ratings and 28 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    Sep 2023 · didn’t like it · 4 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Easily the best course of 2A term. Dr. Brenda Lee absolutely saved this course. Assignments are super fair, and exams are based entirely on homework and assignment questions. Make sure to do the homework even though it is technically optional. Absolute slay

    Nov 2024 · liked it · 3 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Dr. Brenda Lee is the best prof ever! To Dr. Brenda Lee's Mom: She has saved this course and everyone likes her :) The course is set up very well! The homework and tutorials really kept you on track for the course. Much better than CS 114 🤗

    Nov 2024 · liked it · 3 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Such a good course, Brenda Lee is easily the greatest prof I've ever had. She just genuinely cares a ton about how well her students do and making sure we're not overwhelmed but also understand the content. Thanks!

    Nov 2024 · liked it · 3 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Brenda Lee is the best Prof I have had. She did so much more than this course required of her. All content was relevant and constantly related to other courses and topics you will encounter during a Physics degree. If you are interested in advanced Lin Alg I still recommend taking MATH 114 to get more details but you learned more than enough here to have a good foundation.

    Nov 2024 · liked it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

9 posts and comments in 7 threads mention PHYS 249, February 2022 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

Easiest 3 year General Math Degree Courses 2 points, 4 comments

“Got a few terms left but all I care bout atp is getting a high grade, what courses would you consider the easiest to do? I’m taking only 3 courses next term, 2 math and 1 non math. …”

u/Kassaking777: “… (For these 2 courses I didn't even spend time learning and ended up with 98 for both) PHYS249 (just an easy version of CS371/370 but non-math :) They also waste some time teaching ppl MATH136 so really easy for math ppl)”

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2A math courses selection how doable is five major courses? 10 points, 13 comments

“Honours Math, for 2A courses selection I'm choosing between the following two plans Plan A: Math 237 Stat 230 CO 250 CS246 + CLAS104 Plan B: Math 237 Stat 230 CO 250 CS246 + Math235 given that i'm …”

u/Only-Software1631: “I did 230/235/237/250 along with a PHYS249 and it was doable. I am taking cs 246 this term and it seems like it will take quite a lot of time so I would not recommend taking all of those.”

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Connecting with a current Physics student at Waterloo 5 points, 6 comments

“I was wondering if there is a current Waterloo student studying physics who could answer some questions I've been having after being accepted to the program. …”

u/eranand04: “1.Research 2.There are research jobs for upper years. Your first coop is likely software/data stuff 3.If u want money go for condensed matter or quantum information/computing. …”

u/eranand04: “Most of my friends who got those roles have taken cs courses beyond cs114 & phys 249(required for all physics majors) A master is good enough for most industry jobs, they're looking for experimentalist($$$) most likely. And for that purpose many ppl I know go for IQC coops”

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Fall 2023

Fall 2022

Winter 2022

Is anyone in physics and astronomy? 3 points, 7 comments

“Hi, I'm a 11'th grader planning on pursuing a degree in physics and astronomy. Yes I know that it's hard and that I'd have to do a PHD but I'm ok with that. …”

u/kalashnikovgobrrrr: “Hey there! I'm a first year in my second semester rn doing Physics and Astronomy, so the opinion of someone who is in their 2nd-4th year is probably worth more to you, but nevertheless I'll state my …”

u/Waterloo_Astro_Alt: “… Also, /u/kalashnikovgobrrrr, you will learn more programming in second and third year in PHYS 249 and 349 if you choose to take it, as well as on co-op since a lot of co-ops focus on programming. …”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar