Linear algebra is a large branch of mathematics. It is arguably just as important and applicable as calculus, and in modern times, is arguably more applicable. From one perspective, it is the study of geometry from an algebraic perspective, and in particular only using algebra which is linear.
The concepts in linear algebra are equal in importance to the computation.
The pre-requisites for linear algebra are essentially just high-school algebra. That is, being comfortable with variables, equations, functions, and sets. In particular, calculus is not a necessary pre-requisite for linear algebra. However, typically linear algebra is taught at the university level, because it contains some higher levels of mathematical abstraction and mathematical reasoning.
