Calculus, at its most basic, is the branch of mathematics studying the rate of change of quantities and the length, area, and volume of objects.  Calculus deals with continuous quantities.

An exponent  is a power, as in raising something to a power.  The 2 in x² is an exponent.

Finite math is also called discrete math.  It is the branch of mathematics dealing with objects which can assume only certain "discrete" values, as opposed to the continuous quantities studied in calculus.  Discrete objects can be characterized by integers, whereas continuous objects require real numbers.  Finite math does not require infinite sets or limits.  Finite/discrete math often includes probability, coding and cryptography, combinatorics, and linear programming.

A function is a rule which maps one set of numbers to another set of numbers.

A fractal is an object or quantity which displays self-similarity on all scales. The object need not exhibit exactly the same structure at all scales, but the same "type" of structures must appear on all scales. The classic example for a fractal is the length of a coastline measured with different length rulers. The shorter the ruler, the longer the length measured.

Linear programming is a method of optimization: finding the minimal or maximal value for a function, subject to certain constraints.  Linear programming has many economic, business, and engineering applications.

Logarithms are another way to express exponents.  Logarithms are used in many areas of science and engineering in which quantities vary over a large range.

Number theory is the study of the properties of whole numbers.

Trigonometry is the study of angles and of the angular relationships of two- and three-dimensional figures.

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Please, please, please emphasize to students that there is no such thing as an "easy A" math class!!  What are available are courses which require only basic math skills.  Far too many students equate "basic skill level" with "no effort required".

For students who have a decent background in high school algebra (2 years of algebra with at least B grades), and no interest in studying higher mathematics, MATH 1010 - Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Skills, MATH 1130 - Math from the Visual Artsor MATH 2380 - Math for the Environment may be good choices.

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The answer depends on how far from ready the student is; I know this can be difficult to gauge.  The following are some very rough guidelines for placements.

If the student has . . .	then consider the course(s). . .
only basic algebra experience (a single year in HS, or grades of C or below in HS or college)	MATH 1011 and MATH 1021 or MATH 1005, MATH 1011, and MATH 1021 (all with SASC)
2 years of HS algebra (or any in college) with gradesof B or better, but no trigonometry	MATH 1150 or MATH 1021
2 years of algebra and a semester of trigonometry in HS (or a semester of each in college) with grades of at least B, but not geometry	MATH 1150
all calculus prerequisites, but with grades of C or below (either HS or college)	MATH 1150
a precalculus course, but with a grade of C or below (either HS or college)	MATH 1150

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Course Suggestions by Area of Interest
Some very general suggestions for interests which could require a specific math background.
Note: these are intended as first semester courses; some areas will require additional math.

	MATH 1300	MATH 1310	APPM 1350	MATH 1110 and 1120	MATH 1410	MATH  2510	MATH 2380	MATH 1071
Architechture & Planning	X		X			X
Astrophysics	X		X
Biochemistry	X		X
Business	X							X
Chemistry	X		X
Economics	X							X
Education, Elementary				X
Education, Secondary (non-science)					X
Engineering	X		X
Environmental  Studies	X	X	X			X
E Biology	X	X	X
Geograpy						X	X
Geology	X		X
Integrated Physiology	X	X	X
Mathematics	X
MCD Biology	X	X	X
Physics	X		X
Pre-Health	X	X	X			X
	MATH 1300	MATH 1310	APPM 1350	MATH 1110 and 1120	MATH 1410	MATH 2510	MATH 2380	ECON 1078

The following courses are sometimes available through Continuing Education, either as an evening course or a correspondence course.  See the Continuing Education web site for details on current offerings.

MATH 1011 - College Algebra

MATH 1012 - Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematical Skills

MATH 1021 - College Trigonometry

MATH 1071 - Finite Math for Social Science and Business

MATH 1081 - Calculus for Social Science and Business

MATH 1300 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I

Always remind students: the best source for help with your math class is your math instructor!  Ask questions in class and visit office hours.

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MATH 1005 and any subsequent College Alegbra course
will only count for a total of 4 credit hours.

College Algebra
MATH 1000, 1010, 1020 (1-credit mods)
MATH 1001
MATH 1011
 

Trigonometry
MATH 1030, and 1040 (1-credit mods)
MATH 1021
 

Finite Math
MATH 1050, 1060, and 1070 (1-credit mods)
MATH 1071
 

Precalculus
College Algebra and Trigonometry
MATH 1150
MATH 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 (1-credit mods)
MATH 1001, 1021
MATH 1011, 1021
Note: students who have received credit for College Algebra but not for Trigonometry will receive only two additional hours of credit for MATH 1150.
 

Calculus 1
Introduction to Single Variable Calculus
MATH 1300
MATH 1310
MATH 1350
MATH 1081
MATH 1080, 1090, 1100 (1-credit mods)
APPM 1350
ECON 1088

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