Honors Calculus: MATH 375/376

Overview

Honors Calculus is a year-long sequence of two courses–MATH 375 and 376–which serves as a more theoretical and advanced alternative to multi-variable calculus (MATH 234), differential equations (MATH 319), and linear algebra (MATH 341). The goal of these courses is to provide highly motivated and well-prepared students with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of these fundamental areas of mathematics.

These courses are likely quite different from math courses you have taken before. They focus on the theoretical underpinnings of the subject, including abstract notation, proofs of theorems, basic logic, and difficult problem-solving techniques. It is not uncommon for students to be shocked by the amount of work that these courses take. However, those that stick with it gain valuable skills that cannot be obtained from our standard (and easier) courses.

After MATH 376, students are often ready to embark on 500-level mathematics classes, which are considered senior-level classes. If they continue in mathematics, they can go on to take a substantial number of graduate courses before the graduate, paving the way to a successful career in mathematics or a related field. If they do not continue in mathematics, they gain a mastery of the subject that allows them to learn more advanced techniques with ease.

Is this course right for me?

MATH 375/376 is a proofs-based sequence. It is a theoretical course designed to challenge students who have always done well in their math courses; if you have struggled in previous math courses, it might not be right for you.

Prerequisites: You need credit for Calculus 2 (MATH 222) to enroll in the course. Usually this is by taking MATH 222, transfer credit, or the Calculus BC exam. You must have one of the following to enroll:

a 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam
an A or AB in UW-Madison’s MATH 222
a grade of B+ or higher in a MATH 222-equivalent transfer course
a 6 or 7 on the IB Math with Further Math exam
a score of 88% or higher on the MATH 222 Calculus Credit Exam from the UW-Madison Math Department
If you established MATH 222 credit in some other way–such as through A-Level exams–please email placement@math.wisc.edu to discuss your eligibility to apply for the sequence.

However, even if you meet the prerequisites, MATH 375/376 might not be right for you. Because of its difficulty even some students who have done very well in previous math courses end up dropping Math 375/376. The minimal recommended background for taking the course is the following:

A 5 on the BC Calc exam or a 7 on the IB Math with Further Math exam
and/or a high A in your Calculus 2 course

If you do not have this recommended background, we strongly suggest you consider an alternative course. Students who take MATH 234, MATH 319, and MATH 341 satisfy all the same prerequisites for future courses as students who take MATH 375/376.

Non-Math Majors: If you are planning on majoring in a math related field (finance, economics, engineering, the sciences, etc.), then the problem-solving skills you develop in MATH 375/376 will be very useful. However, these courses are a lot of work and students wishing to focus on other aspects of their education might not be eager to put in the time required.

Topics Covered: The yearlong sequence MATH 375/376 covers multi-variable calculus (MATH 234), differential equations (MATH 319), and linear algebra (MATH 341).

Ineligibility

Due to significant content overlap, if you have credit for one or more of MATH 234, 319, 320, 340, or 341 then you are ineligible to enroll in the MATH 375/6 sequence. The Department of Mathematics will not be making exceptions to this. Please see our page on avoiding duplicated coursework for more information.

How to Enroll

Step 1: Review the Information

Make sure you’ve fully reviewed the information presented on this site. The info will give you a good understanding of what the sequence entails, who the course is right for, and so on. This is a rigorous and challenging sequence, and so students should consider whether this is right for them.

If after reading through these documents you have questions on the sequence, please see the FAQs below for info on who to contact.

Step 2: Check to See If You Do/Will Have MATH 222 Credit

Students are required to have established MATH 222 credit through some way. More information on enrollment requirements and warnings can be found above.

Note that you must be able to show on an unofficial college (not high school) transcript or unofficial score report that you have completed and passed a course or exam that will earn you credit for MATH 222. If you are still waiting on the final grade to be posted or your exam scores, you will not be able to complete the form to request permission until you receive the final grade or exam score. (If you passed a MATH 222 Calculus Credit Exam, you can include with your application a PDF copy of the email you received from the Math Department confirming your score.)

Step 3: Discuss Enrollment in the Sequence With Your Advisor

Students are encouraged to discuss with their advisors if enrollment into the sequence fits with their overall academic plans and goals.

Step 4: Complete the Enrollment Application

If after having reviewed the information presented you would like to enroll in the MATH 375/376, please fill out the Enrollment Application.

Note: to access the forms, you will need to use log in with your UW-Madison NetID.

You should include any and all documents that show college-level math coursework.

Note that you must be able to show on an unofficial college (not high school) transcript or unofficial score report that you have completed and passed a course or exam that will earn you credit for MATH 222. If you are still waiting on the final grade to be posted or your exam scores, you will not be able to complete the form to request permission until you receive the final grade or exam score. (If you passed a MATH 222 Calculus Credit Exam, you can include with your application a PDF copy of the email you received from the Math Department confirming your score.)

FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about the sequence, as well as contact information.

How do these classes compare to other math courses offered at UW-Madison? What if I only end up completing MATH 375?

The MATH 375/376 sequence covers content equivalent to MATH 234, 319, and 341. If you only complete MATH 375 then we consider that you have only a course in linear algebra (MATH 341) and not multivariable calculus (MATH 234) or differential equations (MATH 319).

I'm concerned about my GPA. Is it difficult to get an A?

These courses are significantly more difficult than MATH 234 and include some of our best students. However, a majority are able to get very good grades.

I already know some multivariable calculus and/or linear algebra. Will I be bored?

Probably not. MATH 375/376 is taught differently than traditional multivariable calculus courses. We cover theoretical concepts and proofs in addition to computations.

Due to significant content overlap, if you have credit for one or more of MATH 234, 319, 320, 340, or 341 then you are ineligible to enroll in the MATH 375/6 sequence. The Department of Mathematics will not be making exceptions to this. Please see our page on avoiding duplicated coursework for more information.

Do I need credit for MATH 222?

Yes. You need to have either taken the Calculus BC exam or have equivalent credit some other way. If you have questions about this, please contact your SOAR representative.

I'm not planning on majoring in math. Will this course be helpful in my major?

If you are planning on majoring in a mathematics-related field (finance, economics, engineering, the sciences, etc.) then the problem-solving skills you will develop in MATH 375/376 will be quite useful. Talk to you advisor at SOAR to see how this might fit with your plans for the future.

I have more questions!

Feel free to contact the faculty members in charge of the Honors program: Prof. Andrew Zimmer (amzimmer2@math.wisc.edu) or Prof. Mitch Keller (mitch.keller@wisc.edu).