Here are a selection of common questions that students ask, and the
more common answers to those questions. More specific issues should be
directed to the Advising Coordinator.
Question:
I'm new to the university, and I haven't
taken a math course yet. What should I do?
Answer:
If you are a transfer student who took a math course at a previous
institution and have not had the credits evaluated, you should first
contact the Transfer
Credit Center in Mitchell building about doing so. If you have
questions concerning the transfer of a specific course, or if the transfer
center was unable to make an evaluation, please contact the Advising
Coordinator about having this done. If the credits and coursework
transfer, you may not need to take a math course here. If you are not a
transfer student, you should have taken a math placement exam with your
orientation group. If you have not discussed your results with an advisor
in your college, you should do so as soon as possible.
Question:
Should I take MATH 113, MATH 115 or MATH 115B? What's the difference?
Answer:
You should contact your college first to see if they have a specific
requirement. If your college allows either, you should pick the course
based upon your math plcement and your own interests. MATH 113 is a
course in college level algebra, which prepares students for MATH 220, our
Elementary Calculus Course. MATH 115 is a more thorough precalculus
course, covering trigonometry also, which prepares students for MATH 140
our more technical Calculus course.
MATH 115B-140B is an integrated
one year sequence which is equivalent to MATH 115-140 and will often
be a better choice than MATH 115-140.
(MATH 115B already contains some calculus, while some MATH 115 topics
are postponed to the 140B semester where they are covered along with
their calculus applications.) MATH 115B also functions well as
the first half of a sequence MATH 115B-140.
Question:
Should I take MATH 220 or MATH 140? What's the difference?
Answer:
You should contact your college first to see if they have a specific
requirement for your major. If your college allows either, you should
pick the course based upon your math placement and your own interests.
MATH 220 is an Elementary Calculus course, designed to prepare students
for business and social science careers, whereas MATH 140 is our more
technical Calculus course, preparing students for studies in
fields such as Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics.
Question:
Help, I'm not doing well in my math course! What can I do?
Answer:
The first thing you should do is discuss the matter with your TA or
professor, and make sure you are going to office hours and the tutoring room.
In addition to this free departmental tutoring, the Undergraduate Office,
Rm. 1117, has a list of private tutors whose (paid) services are
available.
