Program Overview

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Course Overview

MATH 151 Algebra is a course that introduces linear algebra, motivated by its applications in science and engineering. The course maintains a practical approach using fundamental mathematical objects such as matrices and vectors.

Course Details

• Dates: 6 July 2026 to 8 November 2026
• Starts: Trimester 2
• Fees:
  • NZ$953.25 for domestic students
  • NZ$5,058.00 for international students
• Lecture Start Times:
  • Tuesday 12.00pm
  • Wednesday 12.00pm
  • Friday 12.00pm
• Campus: Kelburn
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 8.3 hours per week for 18 weeks
• Points: 15

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: (16 Achievement Standard credits NCEA Level 3 Mathematics) or (12 Achievement Standard credits NCEA Level 3 Mathematics excluding the statistics standards 91580, 91581, 91582, 91583, 91584) or MATH 132
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: None

Taught By

The School of Mathematics and Statistics — Faculty of Science and Engineering

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.

Key Dates

Important dates, including mid-trimester teaching breaks, can be found on the University's key dates calendar. Assessment dates will be announced once the course has begun.

About This Course

This course is designed for in-person study. Attendance at lectures on campus is strongly recommended. Tests and non-lecture classes (tutorials/labs) will only be available in person, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Understand and explain the nature of vectors and their algebraic properties and geometrical behaviour.
2. Carry out manipulations of matrices and determinants, and understand their various uses.
3. Solve systems of linear equations.
4. Understand and explain the arithmetic and algebra of complex numbers and polynomials.

How This Course Is Taught

There will be three lectures per week, and students should also attend one tutorial per week. Tutorials start in week two.

Assessment

• Final Exam Mark: 50%
• Weekly Assignments Mark: 30%
• Midterm Test Mark: 20%

Mandatory Requirements

To pass this course, students must achieve an overall pass mark of at least 50% and meet the following conditions:

1. Achieve at least 40% in either the Midterm test or the Final exam.

Lecture Times and Rooms

• 6 July 2026 to 16 August 2026
• 31 August 2026 to 11 October 2026

What You'll Need to Get

No specific texts or equipment are required for this course.

Past Versions of This Course

Older versions of this course may be accessible through the course archive.