Courses in the Calculus Sequence
The systematic study of mathematics begins with one of the following two alternative sequences:
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Calculus IV
or
Honors Math A and B
Honors Math A-B is aimed at students with a strong interest in and
aptitude for Mathematics who also
have a strong Calculus background from high school. This is a course for the best prepared and most able mathematics students. It covers the material of multivariable calculus and linear algebra from a thoroughly mathematical point of view as well as other topics chosen by the instructor. This course serves as an introduction to the upper level, undergraduate level mathematics courses offered by the Department.
Placement in the Calculus Sequences
For the Fall Semester 2009, students with questions about Calculus Placement should come to the:
Math Infosession, Wednesday September 2, 3:30-5:30 in 301 Pupin.
School of Engineering and Applied Science Students:
- with a score of 5 on the Calculus BC Advanced Placement (AP) exam must begin with Calculus III (or Honors Math A).
- with a score of 4 on the Calculus BC Advanced Placement exam, or a score of 5 on the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam must begin with Calculus II.
- with a score of 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Calculus exam or a B or A in A-Level Further Mathematics, or an A in a full year high school non-AP calculus course must take the placement test given at the Math Infosession (Sept. 2, 4:30-5:30, 301 Pupin) to determine placement in Calculus.
- with other AP scores, or less than A in a full year non-AP high school calculus course must begin with Calculus I.
Columbia College and other non-SEAS students:
- with a score of 5 on the Calculus BC Advanced Placement, or a score of 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Calculus exam or a B or A in A-Level Further Mathematics may begin with Calculus III (or Honors Math A).
- with a score of 4 on the Calculus BC Advanced Placement exam, or a score of 5 on the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam, or an A in a full year non-AP high school calculus course may begin with either Calculus II or Calculus III. The Mathematics Department recommends that these students begin with Calculus II, except those whose prospective majors don't require Calculus II.
- with other AP scores, or less than A in a full year non-AP high school calculus course must begin with Calculus I.
Calculus II: Those with a score of 4 or 5 on the AB exam or 4 on the BC exam may receive 3 points of AP
credit upon completion of this course with a grade of C or higher.
Calculus III: Upon completion of Calculus III with a grade of C or higher, those students with a score of 5 on the BC exam may receive 6 points of AP credit, and those students with a score of 4 on the BC exam or 5 on the AB exam may receive 3 points of AP credit.
Honors mathematics A: Students who want a proof-oriented theoretical sequence and have a score of 5 on the BC exam may begin with Honors mathematics A, which is especially designed for mathematics
majors. Upon completion of this course with a grade of C or higher, they may receive 6 points of AP
credit.
Contacts
For questions either contact your instructor or the relevant person below.
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Professor Patrick Gallagher
Undergraduate Administrative Assistant: Mary Young
WebWork
The department is using an on-line system for homework assignments called
WebWork in many of the introductory Calculus classes.
Sample Syllabi
Below are links to sample syllabi for the various Calculus
courses. They are meant to be
representative only. Each instructor will prepare his own syllabus, but they
will be similar
to the ones below.
Calculus
I sample syllabus.
Calculus
II sample syllabus.
Calculus
III sample syllabus.
Calculus
IV sample syllabus
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to switch between sections, levels and sequences of calculus?
A:
Students can always go to the first few lectures of one Calculus class and
then, if it seems appropriate, switch to another level or a different sequence. Such
transfers require the approval of the instructors and, after the drop/add date, the class
dean.
Q: I am not sure that, following department guidelines, the scores on my AP exam place me in the appropriate section. What should I do?
A:
These are guidelines only, but they are based on years of experience.
Q: How does Advanced Placement credit work?
A:
See the discussion under placement.
Q: What pocket calculator should I get?
A:
Calculators are not allowed in Calculus exams. You do not need a
calculator.
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