Mathematics & Statistics
Faculty of Science
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Choosing Mathematics Courses


At the 100 level for the Fall 2007 Semester, there are five kinds of Mathematics courses that students may take as part of their program requirements, or as electives:

· Access to Calculus
· Access to Algebra
· Linear Algebra
· Calculus
· Business Mathematics


1. Access to Calculus (62-101)

This course substitutes for Grade 12 Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus, or the previous OAC Calculus, as a prerequisite for the calculus or business mathematics courses that follow. Students with weak grades (60 or less) in Grade 12 or OAC Calculus may also take this course. Students should have the equivalent of Grade 11 Functions, however. This course cannot be used towards major or minor requirements in Mathematics.


2. Access to Algebra (62-102)

This course enables students to broaden their mathematical knowledge and skills related to the mathematical topics of vectors, intersections of lines and planes in three dimensional space counting techniques, and mathematical induction. Students will develop an understanding of proofs, using deductive, algebraic, vector and indirect methods. Students will use vector concepts to solve physical problems. (This course satisfies the prerequisite or admission requirement of secondary school Geometry and Discrete Mathematics 12 "U" or equivalent. May not be taken for credit by students registered in programs offered wholly or jointly by the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Engineering for which Grade 12 "U" Geometry and Discrete Mathematics, or equivalent, is required for admission.) (Antirequisites: 62-120, or 62-126, or a grade of 70% or greater in Grade 12 "U" Geometry and Discrete Mathematics (or equivalent).) (3 credit hours, one hour tutorial per week.)


3. Linear Algebra Courses

The courses 62-120 (Linear Algebra I) and 62-126 (Linear Algebra for Engineers) have essentially the same content, so they may not both be taken for credit. Both require previous credit in Grade 12 Geometry and Discrete Mathematics, or the previous OAC Algebra and Geometry, or the equivalent. Some programs require one of these courses. Linear Algebra is a good choice for a second course in Mathematics, as it is required for a minor in Mathematics, and provides, together with Calculus, the required background for many higher-level Mathematics and Statistics courses. Students who wish to take Linear Algebra as an elective should select 62-120, as 62-126 is restricted to Engineering students. 62-120 is offered in both Fall and Winter semesters.

If you do not have Grade 12 Geometry and Discrete Mathematics, or the previous OAC Algebra and Geometry, or the equivalent, contact the Greater Essex County District School Board, Adult and Continuing Education, at 253-5006. They will have some course offerings in the Fall, and can tell you about distance learning courses from the Ministry of Education.


4. Calculus

62-130 (Elements of Calculus) is designed for programs which require one semester of Calculus. Students see how Calculus is used as a modelling tool in a number of disciplines, and a selection of computational techniques are learned. This course does not provide prerequisites for 200-level courses, and it cannot be used towards major or minor requirements in Mathematics. Students must have prior credit in Grade 12 Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus, or the previous OAC Calculus, or its equivalent.


62-140 (Differential Calculus) is designed for programs which require more than one semester of Calculus, leading possibly to higher level Mathematics courses. It is not intended to be taken by itself, but rather as the first half of a two-semester sequence, the second half being 62-141 (Integral Calculus). The material of Grade 12 Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus is reviewed and strengthened, with emphasis on conceptual understanding as well as techniques and problem-solving. The material of single-variable Calculus is thoroughly presented. Students must have prior credit in Grade 12 Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus, or the previous OAC Calculus or its equivalent.

Which should you take? If your program only requires one semester of Calculus, and your are not interested in taking more than that, the 62-130 will provide the best overview of Calculus and its applications for you. If your program requires a full year of Calculus, or if you want to strengthen the Mathematics content of your program, then 62-140 in the Fall Semester 2004 followed by 62-141 in the Winter Semester 2005 will best meet your needs.


5. Business Mathematics

62-194 (Mathematics for Business) is the minimum Mathematics requirement for students in the Faculty of Business Administration. It may be taken by students in other programs as an elective, but cannot be used towards major or minor requirements in Mathematics. Topics covered include linear algebra and linear programming, and applications of calculus in business and economics. Students must have prior credit in Grade 12 Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus, or the previous OAC Calculus, or its equivalent. If not, they should take 62-101 (Access to Calculus) first. This course cannot be substituted for required courses in Calculus or Linear Algebra. Students in Business who wish a more substantial Mathematics preparation than this course provides can continue into any of the other Mathematics courses discussed here.