Stanford Root

Schedule

Stanford Root

Schedule

MATH 61DM

Modern Mathematics: Discrete Methods

UNITS:5
GRADING:Letter or Credit/No Credit
LEVEL:Undergrad
GER:WAY-FR

This is the first part of a theoretical (i.e., proof-based) freshman sequence in mathematics. Math 61DM covers linear algebra, differential calculus in multiple variables, and applications in combinatorics, data science and machine learning. The linear algebra topics include general vector spaces, linear maps, matrices, the inner product, projections, eigenvalues, the spectral theorem, and singular value decomposition. The multivariable calculus topics include limits, continuity and differentiability in R^n, open/closed sets, optimization and classification of critical points. Examples of applications: linear recurrences, least squares regression, error correcting codes, spectral clustering, and low-rank approximation. The linear algebra content is covered jointly with Math 61CM. The 60DM sequence provides the necessary mathematical background for majors in Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, and most Natural Sciences and Engineering majors. Those who plan to major in Physics are recommended to take Math 61CM.

Syllabus for selected term:
View Autumn 2026 Syllabus

Sections

1 Term
Lecture 1Open
ID: 7097
0 / 52 enrolled
DAYS:Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
TIME:9:30 AM – 10:20 AM
LOCATION:380-380W
INSTRUCTOR:
Vondrak, Jan
5units

MATH 61DM: Modern Mathematics: Discrete Methods

5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-FR

This is the first part of a theoretical (i.e., proof-based) freshman sequence in mathematics. Math 61DM covers linear algebra, differential calculus in multiple variables, and applications in combinatorics, data science and machine learning. The linear algebra topics include general vector spaces, linear maps, matrices, the inner product, projections, eigenvalues, the spectral theorem, and singular value decomposition. The multivariable calculus topics include limits, continuity and differentiability in R^n, open/closed sets, optimization and classification of critical points. Examples of applications: linear recurrences, least squares regression, error correcting codes, spectral clustering, and low-rank approximation. The linear algebra content is covered jointly with Math 61CM. The 60DM sequence provides the necessary mathematical background for majors in Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, and most Natural Sciences and Engineering majors. Those who plan to major in Physics are recommended to take Math 61CM.

Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.

Autumn 2026 sections

  • Lecture — Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM — 380-380W — Vondrak, Jan (Undergrad)

More MATH courses

  • MATH 51: Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, and Modern Applications
  • MATH 51ACE: Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, and Modern Applications, ACE
  • MATH 52: Integral Calculus of Several Variables
  • MATH 53: Differential Equations with Linear Algebra, Fourier Methods, and Modern Applications
  • MATH 56: Proofs and Modern Mathematics
  • MATH 61CM: Modern Mathematics: Continuous Methods
  • MATH 62CM: Modern Mathematics: Continuous Methods
  • MATH 62DM: Modern Mathematics: Discrete Methods
  • MATH 63CM: Modern Mathematics: Continuous Methods
  • MATH 63DM: Modern Mathematics: Discrete Methods
  • MATH 77Q: Probability and gambling
  • MATH 87Q: Mathematics of Knots, Braids, Links, and Tangles

All MATH courses · All departments