1. For those with little or no
Calculus background
The Math Department offers two one-variable Calculus sequences:
Math 19 | 20 | 21 and
Math 41 | 42
Math 41 and 42 forms the basic single-variable
Calculus course. It consists of two 5-unit courses that meet three
times per week in lecture and twice per week in small sections.
This sequence is recommended for future Engineering, Science, and
Economics students. If you have had some Calculus in high school,
but not enough to place out of these courses via the AP exams, we
would advise you to begin with Math 41. If you are comfortable with
your Calculus background but did not pass the AP exam, you may elect
to begin in Math 42 or Math 51 with the permission of the Math Department.
Students who begin with Math 41 should
plan on taking Math 41 in the Fall, 42 in the Winter, and 51 (multivariable
calculus) in the Spring.
An alternative to Math 41 and 42 is
the Math 19, 20, 21 sequence. These three courses cover the same
material as 41 and 42 but proceed at a slower pace. These courses
are 3 units each for Math 19 and 20, and 4 units for Math 21. After
completing Math 21, you will be prepared to take the multivariable
course, Math 51.
In deciding whether to take Math 19
or 41, you should consider how comfortable you are with your high
school algebra and geometry. Feel free to consult with a faculty
member in the Math Department for advice.
2. Students with Calculus background
a. Students who scored a 4 on the AB advanced placement exam
or a 3 on the BC exam:
These scores earn you 5 units of credit and place you out of Math
41. You should begin with Math 42 in the Fall and Math 51(multivariable
calculus) in the Winter. In the Spring you have two basic options:
- Take Math 52 (vector analysis, integration
of several variables)
- Take Math 53 (differential equations
with linear algebra)
(Math 52 and 53 are independent of each other)
If you are in this category but feel
confident of your background in one-variable calculus, you may begin
with Math 51 (and take Math 51, 52 and 53 throughout the year).
We advise you to consult with a Math Department advisor if you wish
to do this.
b. Students who scored a
5 on the AB advanced placement exam or a 4 or 5 on the BCexam:
These scores earn you 10 units of credit and place you out of
Math 41 and 42. You should take Math 51, 52, and 53, or the honors
version, Math 51H, 52H, and 53H during your Freshman year. These
are integrated courses in Multivariable Mathematics and were designed
specifically for students in your situation. After completing these
sequences you will have the Mathematics background for most Engineering
and Science majors.
SOPHOMORES AND UPPER CLASSMEN
The basic prerequisite for any of the
multivariable mathematics courses (Math 51, 104)
is one-variable calculus (completion of Math 42, 21, or the equivalent).
Students who have completed Math
42:
Take Math 51, 52, and 53 during this year. This is an integrated
sequence of multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential
equations, and will give you the necessary mathematics background
for most majors in Science, Engineering, and Economics.
Students who have completed Math
51:
A good program would be to take Math 52 (vector analysis) in the
Fall, Math 104 or 113 (linear algebra) in the Winter, and Math 53
during the Spring. These courses could also be taken in different
order. Consult the catalog and/or an adviser in the Math Department.
For students who have completed a basic
background in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential
equations, there is a wide variety of 100-level courses you may
take. Which courses to take and the order in which to take them
depends on your major and your general mathematical interests. Consult
the catalog, your major advisor, and/or an adviser in the Math Department.
Math Dept
Advisers