Guidelines for Math Placement
Below you will find descriptions of the first-year mathematics sequences, followed by the first-year mathematics requirements for each major. In general, it is recommended that the student the highest numbered mathematics course for which his or her high school preparation allows.
Descriptions of First-Year Mathematics Sequences
MA 17-19 Introduction to Probability and Statistics & Introduction to Calculus: An elementary statistics course and a brief conceptual introduction to calculus. These courses can be taken in either order. It is a terminal sequence, i.e., it is assumed that the student who completes this sequence will take no other mathematics courses. Neither course is prerequisite or preparation for any other course in mathematics.
MA 121-122 Applied Calculus I & II: A standard applied calculus sequence, with applications to business and the life and social sciences; preparation for additional courses in mathematics, including the minor in mathematics. Somewhat similar to an AP-AB calculus course. It is highly recommended that the student have a reasonable background in high school algebra and pre-calculus before taking this sequence. Students who have taken calculus in high school should consider selecting MA 122 instead of MA 121. By doing so, the student will be able to earn a mathematics minor with only four, instead of five, courses.
MA 125-126 Calculus I & II for Engineering and Physics: These courses provide the necessary preparation for the additional courses in mathematics required for a student majoring in Physics or Engineering. Please note that this sequence does not assume any previous background in calculus. However, the student should be very comfortable with high school algebra and pre-calculus.
MA 171-172 Calculus I & II (formerly Differential & Integral Calculus): A rigorous calculus sequence for those who have had at least a strong pre-calculus background from high school and an interest in and aptitude for mathematics; similar to an AP-BC calculus course; preparation for additional courses in mathematics, including the major and the minor in mathematics. Please note that this sequence does not assume any previous background in calculus. Students who have done well in a high school calculus course and, in particular, an AP-AB course, should consider selecting MA 172, instead of MA 171. By doing so, the student will be able to earn a mathematics major with only 13, instead of 14, mathematics courses, and a minor with only four, instead of five, courses.
MA 217 Accelerated Statistics: Similar to MA 17, but based on calculus, this course is a faster-paced introduction to statistics and gives one a solid foundation in applied statistics.
MA 271-272 Multivariable Calculus I & II: A two-semester sequence covering the concepts of multivariable and vector calculus. Students who have done very well in a strong high school calculus course, or who will be receiving college credit for two semesters of calculus, should consider enrolling in MA 271. By doing so, the student will be able to earn a mathematics major with only 12, instead of 14, mathematics courses, and a minor with only three, instead of five, courses.
College of Arts and Sciences
Majors in the Humanities and Social Sciences - BA
MA 17-19 |
Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Introduction to Calculus |
Majors in the Sciences and Social Sciences - BS (Biology, Chemistry, Economics-BS, and Psychology-BS)
MA 121-122 |
Applied Calculus I & II |
Major in Physics
MA 125-126 |
Calculus I & II for Engineering and Physics Majors |
Majors in Mathematics and Computer Science
MA 171-172 |
Calculus I & II |
Liberal Arts Undeclared
It is recommended that the student the highest numbered mathematics course for which his or her high school preparation allows.
Charles F. Dolan School of Business
Majors in the Dolan School of Business (Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, International Studies-International Business, Management, Marketing, Undeclared) are required to complete a three-course Mathematics Business Core: MA 121-122-217 or MA 171-172-217. If, as mentioned above in the course descriptions, a student wishes to begin with MA 122 or MA 172, then he or she need only follow that with MA 217.
MA
121-122-217 |
Applied Calculus I & II, Accelerated Statistics |
School of Engineering
MA 125-126 |
Calculus I & II for Engineering and Physics |
School of Nursing
Statistics is required of all students in the School of Nursing. The minimum requirement is MA 17. We recommend that stronger students, take either MA 121-122, followed by MA 217, or MA 171 followed by MA 217.
MA 17-19 |
Introduction to Probability and Statistics & Introduction to Calculus |
* If, after completing MA 121, the student finds that he or she may have a difficult time completing three mathematics courses, please contact the Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.
Students Who Are Still Unsure about Which Mathematics Sequence to Select
Contact: Dr. Matt Coleman, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, College of Arts and Sciences, (203) 254-4000 ext. 2512; mcoleman@fairfield.edu.