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First Year Student Registration

First-Year Mathematics Courses

  • Mathematics 103 - Patterns and Order -- Mathematics can be viewed as a search for patterns and order.  This course gives an overview of the approaches used in various branches of mathematics to recognize and understand patterns.  Through reading, writing, discussion and problem solving, students explore such topics as number, shape, change and position, each of which has been central in the development of modern mathematics.
  • Mathematics 110 - Statistical Concepts -- An introduction to the concepts and reasoning underlying the interpretation of data and chance are presented.  Emphasis is on understanding the way statistical analysis is used to gain insight into a wide variety of areas of human interest.  Topics include descriptive statistics, design of experiments, and inference from a sample to a population.  (Students who may want to major in Economics and Business and other majors requiring Mathematics 186 should be aware that this course does not satisfy the statistics requirements of those majors.)
  • Mathematics 125 – Modeling and Differential Calculus -- An introduction to mathematical modeling and the use of differential calculus.  Topics include:  analysis and manipulation of elementary functions, including trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions; the differential calculus of such functions; and optimization.  An ongoing emphasis will be the use of elementary functions as well as the differential calculus to model phenomena in the natural, social, and life sciences.  Students who have credit for Mathematics 141 or 161 may not take Mathematics 125 for credit.  (Students who may want to major in Economics and Business should be aware that this course does not satisfy the calculus requirement of that major.)  If you are considering a major program that requires Mathematics 141 or 161 and you do not have a strong mathematics background, you may be advised to take Mathematics 125 to help prepare you.
  • Mathematics 141 - Differential Calculus and Economic Modeling – This course in the differential calculus of one and several variables is intended for students who plan to major in Economics and Business.  This course was specifically designed to help prepare you for the mathematics you will encounter as an Economics and Business major.  Mathematical concepts include exponentials and logarithms, limits, ordinary and partial derivatives, contours, and optimization in one and several variables.  Economics concepts and models include supply and demand curves, present and future value, marginal analysis, total cost, and optimization subject to a budget constraint.  Take the online Mathematics Placement Test A by June 30 if you are interested in taking this course.  Students who have credit for Mathematics 161 may not take Mathematics 141 for credit.
  • Mathematics 161 – Calculus I - An introductory calculus course required for all engineering majors, most science majors, and others who want or need to study calculus.  Previous calculus experience is not required for this course, but you should have a sound background in high school algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus.  In this course you will study limits and derivatives of polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, use derivatives to analyze graphs and optimization problems, and begin the study of integrals.  Take the online Mathematcs Placement Test A by June 30 if you are interested in taking this course.
  • Mathematics 162 – Calculus II - A continuation of Calculus I.  In this course you will study integrals, infinite series, some differential equations, parametric equations, and polar coordinates.  The prerequisite for this course is Mathematics 161. Take both the online Mathematics Placement Test A and the online Mathematics Placement Test B by June 30 if you are interested in taking this course. 
  • Mathematics 165 – Calculus I+ - This course covers the same topics and satisfies the same requirements as Mathematics 161.  This workshop version of Calculus I meets five days a week and offers more in-class practice with the concepts and techniques of calculus than does Mathematics 161.  Enrollment is by invitation of the Mathematics Department.
  • Mathematics 182 - Discrete Structures - An introduction to discrete structures and algorithms and some mathematical tools and methods of reasoning that aid in their development and analysis.  Topics include: sets, counting, algorithms, mathematical induction, relations, graphs, and trees.  Computer Science 102 and Mathematics 161 are prerequisites for this course. 
  • Mathematics 186 - Applied Statistics -The prerequisite for this probability and statistics course is Mathematics 125, 141, or 161. Take both the online Mathematics Placement Test A and the online Mathematics Placement Test B if you are interested in taking this course..

Contact Person: Chester J. Salwach, Associate Professor & Head of Mathematics, 610-330-5270, email: salwachc@lafayette.edu.

 

 
   
   
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