The Calculus Sequences
Prerequisites
For Math 115: Math 101, or Math 104, or two years of high school algebra and a score of 26 or higher on the ACT mathematics, or a qualifying score on the mathematics placement test.
For Math 116: Math 115, plus a course in trigonometry, or Math 121. Math 103 may be taken concurrently.
Purpose of sequence
This calculus sequence is intended for students who do not plan to take more mathematics courses. Many students take Math 115 by itself to satisfy the CLAS second-level mathematics requirement, or to satisfy a requirement for a biology major. Prebusiness students generally take Math 115 - 116.
Course content
Math 115 covers limits, derivatives, exponential and logarithmic functions, antiderivatives and applications. Trigonometric functions are not used in Math 115.
Math 116 covers integration, the calculus of trigonometric functions, partial derivatives, multiple integrals and infinite series.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is not a prerequisite for Math 115 and trigonometric functions are not used in Math 115. Trigonometry is a prerequisite for Math 116. Students without a good high school trigonometry course can take Math 103 Trigonometry (2 credits) in the fall semester or Math 118 Trigonometry and Calculus (5 credits) in the spring semester. Math 118 combines the material of Math 103 and 116.
Substitution for Math 121
The two courses, Math 115 - 116 (6 credits) can substitute for Math 121 Calculus I (5 credits) as prerequisite for Math 122 Calculus II. Math 115 - 116 cover most of the topics of Math 121 and a few topics of Math 122, but not in the depth of the math 121-122 sequence. For this reason, students considering taking Math 122 in the future are strongly encouraged to start calculus in Math 121.
Format
For Math 115 students can choose between a large lecture section (approximately 175 students) and small sections (under 40 students). All students in Math 115 take the same midterm and final exams. Consult the special exam schedule in the timetable.
Math 116 is usually taught only in small sections. The sections all use the same textbook and cover the same syllabus. Each section is conducted independently, however; there are no common exams.
Prerequisites
For Math 121: Math 104, or Math 103, or three years of college preparatory mathematics including trigonometry and a score of 28 or higher on ACT mathematics, or a qualifying score on the mathematics placement test.
For Math 122: Math 121 or Math 116.
Purpose of sequence
This calculus sequence is intended for math, science, and engineering majors. Anyone considering going beyond Calculus II should take this sequence.
Course content
Math 121 covers limits, derivatives, integrals, and applications, and uses exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions,
Math 122 covers conic sections, polar coordinates, infinite series, vector geometry, partial derivatives, and multiple integrals.
Note: At many colleges and universities, the material of Math 121 - 122 is covered in a three-term sequence (10 - 12 credits total).
Entering Math 122 from Math 116
The two courses, Math 115 - 116 (6 credits) can substitute for Math 121 Calculus I (5 credits) as prerequisite for Math 122 Calculus II. Math 115 - 116 cover most of the topics of Math 121 and a few topics of Math 122, but not in the depth of the math 121-122 sequence. For this reason, students considering taking Math 122 in the future are strongly encouraged to start calculus in Math 121.
Format
Math 121 and 122 are usually taught in small sections (under 40 students). All students in each course take the same midterm and final exams. Consult the special exam schedule in the timetable.
Prerequisites
For Math 141: Three years of college preparatory mathematics including trigonometry, plus either (1) a score of 34 or more on ACT mathematics and a cumulative high school grade-point average of at least 3.5, or (2) a score of 32 or more on ACT mathematics and a cumulative high school grade-point average of at least 3.7.
For Math 142: Math 121 or equivalent, and invitation of the Department of Mathematics.
Purpose of sequence
This calculus sequence is intended for strong students who wish to study mathematics in more depth and who are seeking mathematical challenge.
Course content
Math 141 - 142 cover the Math 121 - 122 syllabi, use the Math 121 - 122 textbook, and take the common Math 121 - 122 midterm and final exams. In addition, the instructors may choose to study calculus topics in greater depth or to incorporate enrichment materials from various areas of mathematics. Qualifying students are encouraged to choose Math 141 - 142 if they wish a greater mathematical challenge.
Format
Math 141 and 142 are taught in small sections (under 40 students). All students in each course take the same midterm and final exams as the Math 121 - 122 students. Consult the special exam schedule in the timetable.
Previously, two alternative sequences followed Math 122, covering the material of Multivariable Calculus, Introductory Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations. These are described below.
Beginning in Spring 2005, the sequences were reorganized into the following courses:
- Math 220 Applied Differential Equations (3 credits)
- Math 223 Vector Calculus (3 credits)
- Math 290 Elementary Linear Algebra (2 credits)
- Math 320 Elementary Differential Equations (3 credits)
The honors courses, Math 143 Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus: Honors (5 credits) and Math 321 Differential Equations: Honors (3 credits) remain unchanged.
For details see Changes in Sophomore Math Courses: Spring 2005
Math Majors: Old sequence
Math majors took Math 123 or 143 Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus (5 credits). B.S. candidates were also required to take Math 320 or 321 Elementary Differential Equations (3 credits). Math 143 and Math 321 were the honors versions of Math 123 and Math 320.
Engineering Majors: Old sequence
Engineering students generally took Math/Eng 250 Mathematics of Engineering Systems. This course covered Differential Equations and Introductory Linear Algebra. Those Engineering students needing or wishing Multivariable Calculus could take Math 124 after Math/Eng 250. Some Engineering students were permitted or encouraged to take Math 123 (and possibly Math 320) instead of Math/Eng 250.
Format
Math/Eng 250 was a 5 credit course that was taught jointly by a Mathematics and an Engineering Professor each semester. It was taught in a large lecture (up to 175 students). All of the other courses in this group were taught in small sections (under 40 students). These courses did not have common exams.
