UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

MTH2021 Linear algebra with applications

Faculty of Science

MTH2021 Linear algebra with applications is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 11 units, leading on to 54 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 1 other task

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

Reviews

No reviews yet

No reviews yet. Be the first to review MTH2021.

Requisites

Overview

Vector spaces, linear transformations. Determinants, eigenvalue problems, matrix decompositions. Inner products, least squares approximation. Applications to areas such as coding, economics, graph theory, Markov chains, differential equations

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Continuous assessmentDemonstration
    50%
  • Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination
    50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Apply core concepts of vector spaces and linear transformations to model and solve mathematical problems;

  2. 2

    Analyse and compute eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and diagonalisation, and interpret their applications;

  3. 3

    Employ inner product methods, matrix decompositions, and computational tools to address applied problems such as least-squares approximation;

  4. 4

    Communicate mathematical reasoning clearly and effectively in both written and oral forms.

Workload and teaching

  • Seminars36 hours
  • Applied sessions22 hours
  • Three 1-hour seminars;
  • One 2-hour applied class (in weeks 2-12) and
  • 7 hours of independent study per week.

Learning resources

Technology resources

Mathematica software

Where it fits

MTH2021 is part of 10 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Associate Professor Tim Garoni
Chief Examiners
Associate Professor Tim Garoni

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MTH2021?

MTH2021 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after MTH2021?

MTH2021 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 11 units, including FIT2014, MEC3457, MTH2051, MTH2137, MTH2222 and MTH2232. Those lead on to 54 units in all.

When is MTH2021 offered?

In 2026, MTH2021 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

Does MTH2021 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.

Which majors and minors include MTH2021?

MTH2021 is part of Applied mathematics; Financial and insurance mathematics; Mathematical economics and econometrics; Mathematical statistics; and Mathematics, and 1 other area of study.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Mathematics
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 1
Study abroad
Available