The Mathematics Department offers a
set of courses, the 50s Sequence - MATH 51 | 52 | 53 - that
integrates several topics in multivariable mathematics. This sequence
of three 5-unit courses will cover multivariable calculus, linear
algebra and (ordinary) differential equations. A main feature of
this sequence is that linear algebra will be introduced at an early
stage and integrated throughout the year, emphasizing applications
to both multivariable calculus and differential equations. The sequence
supplies much of the mathematics needed by science, engineering,
computer science, and economics majors.
INCOMING FRESHMEN WITH 10 UNITS
AP CREDIT, THIS IS THE SEQUENCE FOR YOU!!
A large number of entering freshmen
come with 10 units of advanced placement credit in calculus
(for example, by scoring a 5 on the AB exam or a 4 or 5 on the BC
exam).
For those of you who fit this category
we strongly recommend taking Math 51, 52, and 53 during your Freshman
year, or the honors version of this sequence, Math 51H, 52H, and
53H. Placement into the honors sequence requires a 5 on the BC Advanced
Placement exam or permission of the instructor. Either of these
sequences will supply you with the necessary mathematical background
for most majors in science and engineering. Having finished the
50 sequence, you will be able to complete the requirements for a
Minor in Mathematics by taking only a few more Mathematics courses
during your time at Stanford. Of course this sequence will be an
excellent base for either a Mathematics Major or a Mathematical
and Computational Sciences Major.
Math 51 will cover the basic
geometry and algebra of vectors, matrices, linear transformations
and differential calculus of several variables.
Math 52 will cover integral
calculus of several variables, and in particular vector analysis.
This will make use of some of the algebra learned in Math 51.
Math 53 will integrate further
topics in linear algebra with ordinary differential equations. These
further topics include eigenvalues and eigenvectors, which are then
used to solve systems of differential equations.
