Course Information

The Department of Mathematics has many introductory sequences to suit students' interests and goals. These are briefly described below. For more information students should consult the Department's Web site, which contains detailed course and program descriptions and the Official Bulletin: Undergraduate Studies.

Students interested in majoring in mathematics, physics, engineering, or other technical fields are encouraged to apply for entry into one of the Quest courses listed below. Initial math placements are made according to the following criteria:

Advanced Placement credit rules take precedence over SAT's ot ACT's, but in case discrepancy a student should consult with a member of the mathematics department.

Students with a score of 3 on the Advanced Placement Math AB exam or a 2 on the Advanced Placement Math BC exam should consider the Honors Calculus: MTH 171.

QUEST COURSES:

Students are encouraged to apply for entry into one of the Quest courses:

1. MTH 161Q-162Q (Quest Calculus IA-IIA for students desiring a strong foundation in calculus)

2. MTH 171Q-174Q (Honors Calculus, an honors sequence for talented students). Details on these courses are given below.

Traditionally, the different sections of the standard calculus sequences, MTH 141-143 and MTH 161-164, are coordinated with each other. They cover the same material, assign the same homework, have common exams, and are graded on a common scale. The Quest versions of these courses are taught individually with individual material, homework, exams, and grading.

CLUSTERS:

All of the courses below belong to various clusters in mathematics. MTH 141 and 161 are also both part of many clusters in the natural sciences.

COURSES:

130 Excursions in Mathematics. The nature of mathematics and its application are discussed. Emphasis is placed on concepts and understanding rather than techniques. This course is intended mainly for concentrators in the humanities.

140A-141A Calculus with Foundations. These courses integrate the learning of calculus with precalculus mathematics. They are intended for students who lack the algebra and trigonometry skills necessary to perform successfully in MTH 141. MTH 140A and 141A together cover all the material in MTH 141 together with a thorough presentation of the standard precalculus material. When taken alone, MTH 140A covers, in addition to precalculus material, the theory and techniques of the differential calculus, but no material from the integral calculus. Note: Both these courses are 4 credit courses.

141-143 Calculus I; II; III. This sequence covers the material of MTH 161-162 (see below) in three semesters. The same text is used in both 141-143 and 161-162. MTH 143 is an adequate prerequisite for MTH 163 and 164. This course is open to all freshmen.

161-164 Calculus IA; IIA; Ordinary Differential Equations; Multidimensional Analysis. This is the standard introductory calculus and differential equations sequence for students who intend to major in mathematics, a physical science, engineering, or another technical field. Emphasis is placed on learning applications and techniques. MTH 161 is open to all freshmen; MTH 162, 163, and 164 are open to freshmen with advanced placement.

161Q-162Q Quest Calculus IA; IIA. This is a Quest version of MTH 161-162. Emphasis is placed on understanding concepts as well as on learning techniques. Homework includes more challenging and occasionally more theoretical problems. Students contemplating majoring in mathematics as well as others desiring a strong foundation in calculus are encouraged to take this sequence.

171Q-174Q Honors Calculus I; II; III; IV. This sequence is an honors calculus sequence for talented students interested in mathematics or its theoretical applications to other fields. The sequence emphasizes the theoretical understanding of calculus in addition to teaching technical skills. Students completing the sequence will have acquired a deep understanding of the subject. The sequence satisfies all the basic mathematical prerequisites for majors and minors in mathematics, physics, and engineering. These include single variable calculus (MTH 161), multivariable calculus (MTH 164), differential equations (MTH 163), and linear algebra (MTH 235). Each semester of the sequence is granted 5 credit hours rather than 4. A high school calculus course or permission of the instructor is required to register for MTH 171. MTH 171 is usually entered with one semester of AP credit granted.