[bsder]

> This class seems to be a filter class.

"Linear Algebra for Engineers" is a bit late for an early filter class (Generally Calculus 102 or Physics 101/Chemistry 101 are those filter classes) and too early for a field filter class (ie. Thermodynamics, Electrodynamics, Organic Chemistry). Normally, linear algebra is a class in second term sophomore year (The sequence is generally->Calc 101->Calc 102->Intro to Vector Calc->Linear Algebra).

There are a couple of issues:

1) Never take the engineering version of math, physics, etc. if you want to learn. Engineering version of classes tend to emphasize "plug and chug" more than underlying understanding. The "math" version of linear algebra would presumably be pointing toward vector and complex analysis rather than PDEs and numerical analysis.

2) Linear algebra takes an AMAZING teacher to make relevant and interesting. Applying linear algebra is kind of like pointers to pointers in C--there is an extra layer of abstraction. Linear algebra is applied to something that is then applied to the application domain. Linear algebra is rarely the solution, itself.

3) Linear algebra really isn't a class to take without knowing why you are taking it. Motivation is significantly better if you've got something concrete you can apply it to.