MTH172Q: Honors Calculus II

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Cross Listed:
Offered:
Spring
Prerequisites:
MTH171Q
This course is a prerequisite or co-requisite for:
Nearly all math courses require the first year calculus sequence or equivalent (MTH141-143, MTH161-162, or MTH171-172). Two years of calculus are required to major in mathematics. Most science courses require between one and two years of calculus.
Description:
This sequence teaches calculus as an interesting subject in its own right. There is comparatively more emphasis on understanding why the calculus works and less on applications to physical sciences. The emphasis is quite different from most high school courses which bothers some students and excites others. Students completing this sequence successfully will earn 20 credits (5 credits per semester) and will have covered the material in MTH235. In addition it is possible to receive 4 credits for AP courses. Students completing the sequence will have completed all of the foundation requirements for a major or minor in mathematics. It is possible to switch from MTH171 sequence to the MTH161 sequence anytime in the first year without much trouble. It would be unusual to transfer from the MTH161 sequence to the MTH171 sequence.
Topics covered:
5 credit hours (instead of 4) for each course in this sequence. An honors sequence covering the material of MTH161-164 in greater depth from the standpoint of both theory and applications. Students completing this sequence successfully will have met the requirements of MTH235 and can begin taking upper level courses immediately.
Related courses:
The content of MTH141-143 matches the content of MTH161-162, but is covered at a slightly slower pace. While it depends a great deal on the individual class, the approach in MTH161-162 may be more in depth because the class is better prepared. Students with strong mathematical ability should consider taking the MTH171 calculus sequence which is an honors calculus sequence for talented students interested in mathematics. The MTH171 sequence places more emphasis on the theoretical understanding of calculus in addition to teaching technical skills. The MTH171 sequence carries 5 credit hours per semester rather than the standard 4 credit hours and covers all of the material on calculus and linear algebra contained in MTH161-MTH164 and MTH235. Students completing the MTH171 sequence have completed all of the foundation requirements for a major or minor in mathematics. Physics 121 uses many of the techniques and concepts from differential calculus taught in MTH141 and MTH161.