Examines the fundamental role that linear models play in science and engineering; and the role of linearization in understanding nonlinear phenomena. Models are considered along several conceptual axes: discrete to continuous, one-dimensional to multidimensional, and static to dynamic, with an emphasis on the former. Mathematical areas of coverage include matrix algebra, concepts from calculus of several variables, difference equations, and linear transformations. Prereq: MATH 426, permission. Lab.