Overview of the Calculus Courses
Below is an overview of the different calculus sequences (e.g., 221/222/234 vs. 171/217/222/234 vs. 211/213) as well as a chart with more advanced courses and their prerequisites. A full catalog of our undergraduate courses can be found on the Guide.
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The Standard Calculus Sequence (MATH 221/222/234)
The standard calculus sequence is MATH 221, 222, and 234. These courses cover all of the standard content of differential and integral single and multivariable calculus. The target student body for these courses are any student interested in any area of mathematics, engineering, and the biological, natural, and social sciences.
The Calculus With Precalculus Sequence (MATH 171/217/222/234)
Students who place into precalculus, but wish to be exposed to calculus concepts sooner may register for the MATH 171 and MATH 217 sequence. These classes together cover the content of our own MATH 221 with “just in time” precalculus review. Upon passing MATH 217, students can progress into MATH 222. Note that:
- MATH 171 is offered ONLY in the Fall.
- MATH 217 is offered ONLY in the Spring.
- For the purposes of program requirements and/or prerequisites, students who complete both MATH 171 and 217 will be considered to have completed MATH 114 (Algebra and Trigonometry) and MATH 221 (Calculus I)
- This means that a student who has passed only MATH 171 and not MATH 217 may not enroll in a class which has either MATH 114 or MATH 221 as a prerequisite.
The Honors Calculus Sequence (MATH 375/376)
The Honors calculus sequence MATH 375/376 covers the content of multivariable calculus (MATH 234), linear algebra (MATH 341), and differential equations (MATH 319), with an emphasis on theory, proofs, and proofwriting. Students who complete this sequence should be well prepared to enter into advanced math courses (those numbered above 500). The enrollment for these courses are usually well prepared first year students who already have the equivalent of calculus I and II on their record. For many freshmen, this means they received a 5 on both the AB and BC versions of the AP Calculus exam in high school, or a score of 7 on the IB Math with Further Math exam. Note that:
- MATH 375 is offered ONLY in the Fall.
- MATH 376 is offered ONLY in the Spring.
- For the purposes of program requirements and/or prerequisites, students who complete only MATH 375 will be considered to have completed MATH 340/1 (linear algebra) only.
- In particular, a student who has passed math 375 will NOT have credit for math 234 (calculus III).
The MATH 211/213 Sequence
This sequence of calculus courses cover several topics of use to those in some specialized programs. However, none of these courses can be used as prerequisites for further math courses or any of MATH 221, 222, and 234. Students who are not certain about their major or program interests but wish to take calculus should consider one of the other sequences above.
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Calculus Credit by Examination
Calculus Credit by Examination. Contains information on exams that can be taken by students wishing to obtain credit for MATH 221, 222 or 234 without taking the courses.
Calculus Course Materials: MATH 221/222/234 Students
All MATH 221/222/234 sections use Stewart Calculus 8e ebook with its associated homework software, WebAssign. The ebook and WebAssign package can be purchased online via a link that will be provided on your Canvas course site. You will also have the option to add on a paper copy of the book.
Calculus Course Materials: MATH 171/217 Students
The default textbook for 171 and 217 students is Larson – Calculus 1 with Precalculus, 3e ebook with its associated homework software, WebAssign. As part of the Engage Etext Pilot, you will be charged for the textbook and software package directly on your tuition bill. You will have access to the ebook and software via the course Canvas site.
Other Material
- The most basic trig properties on one sheet. Many students rely on their calculators to reproduce these properties. Students should understand the drawings and how they imply the stated identities. Note that the addition formulas or even the double angle formulas are not on this sheet.
- When not to use l’Hopital’s rule. A few examples of limits where l‘Hopital provides the kind of help we all can do without.