First-Year Calculus

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The standard prerequisite for freshman-level calculus is three years of high school mathematics (including trigonometry and logarithms) or a precalculus course (such as MATH 1000 in the fall, BTRY 1150 in the spring, or MATH 1009 in the summer).  None of these courses carry credit toward graduation in the Arts College.

Students with one semester of advanced placement or transfer credit are advised to take a second semester of calculus immediately rather than postponing it.  The material is fresher in mind, and the instructor will give more review in the fall than in the spring.

Calculus I

MATH 1106 is a one-semester introduction to calculus using examples from biology and the social sciences; it is taught at a somewhat more elementary level than MATH 1110, and the material emphasized in the two courses is different.  MATH 1110 is recommended for students who plan to take more calculus.  Students who do very well in MATH 1106 may continue with MATH 1120, but some extra study will be necessary between semesters.

Calculus II

MATH 1120 and 1220 cover essentially the same topics, but MATH 1220 does so in greater depth and at a somewhat more theoretical level.  MATH 1120 is a good choice for students who need a standard second-semester calculus course and may or may not continue with more advanced mathematics courses.  MATH 1220 provides a more thorough introduction to the foundations of calculus, especially with regard to certain important topics such as infinite series, and provides better preparation for MATH 2210 than does MATH 1120.

MATH 1910 is the first course in a specialized sequence designed for engineers (MATH 1910-1920-2930-2940) that assumes familiarity with differential calculus as taught in MATH 1110.  Students who take MATH 1910 may decide to continue with MATH 2130 or 2210 rather than 1920, but MATH 1910 is the best preparation for MATH 1920.

Building a Suitable Calculus Program

One or two semesters of calculus may be sufficient to satisfy college requirements, but many majors require some advanced calculus and/or linear algebra.  Students should consult their advisors and keep major prerequisites in mind when planning a suitable program.  The following are general recommendations.

  • Students who expect to major in mathematics or a science for which a strong math background is recommended, should take MATH 1110-1120 or 1110-1220 and continue with MATH 2210-2220 or 2230-2240.
  • Students who need to master the basic techniques of calculus should consider MATH 1110-1120-2130 if their major will not require a substantial amount of mathematics (e.g., chemistry or economics majors). 
  • MATH 1910-1920-2930-2940 is required for students in the Engineering College and recommended by some advisors in fields strongly related to the mathematical and physical sciences, such as astronomy, computer science, physics, and physical chemistry.
  • MATH 1110-2310 is an option for students who need some linear algebra but not a full year of calculus.
  • Students who have an aversion to mathematical theory might be happier with MATH 1910-1920-2930-2940, MATH 1110-1120-2130, or MATH 1110-2310.

Last modified:May 6, 2008