Mathematics Placement

Six categories of mathematics courses are appropriate for students taking their first college level mathematics course.

  1. Elementary Statistics (Math 112), a beginning course in mathematics which is especially suitable for Business and Policy and Social Science majors and is required of Business Management and Accounting majors. Three sections are planned for each semester, with the "Intensive" evening sections meeting once a week restricted to CCE students.

  2. Elementary Functions (Math 115), a pre-calculus course for those students needing more mathematical background before taking calculus. Math 115 is taught in the Fall semester only.

  3. Calculus Courses at two levels:
    1. Math 121, a "regular" beginning calculus course requiring pre-calculus study of algebraic, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions (the subject matter of Math 115 above). One section is taught each semester and Math 122, a continuation of Math 121, so students should have completed a semester of calculus before enrolling in Math 122. One section is taught in the spring.
    2. Math 123, an "accelerated" calculus course, requires previous study of calculus. Though listed as restricted to students in the Honors Program, other students may register for Math 123. Math 123 and Math 121 meet at the same time, so it is possible to switch from one to the other (even well after classes begin) without creating other scheduling conflicts. It is also possible for students who are supremely confident of their understanding of high school calculus to take Math 225 (Multivariable Calculus), but a conversation with mathematics faculty should precede that choice.

      Majors in the natural sciences require mathematics. Physics and Chemistry majors require calculus. Biology and Geology recommend calculus.

  4. Math for the Liberal Arts (Math 110) considers the structure and development of mathematics from conceptual, historical and cultural viewpoints and is thus oriented toward humanities and fine arts students. One section is taught each semester.

  5. Math for Elementary School Teachers (Math 103) required of and restricted to Education Studies majors preparing to teach in elementary schools.

  6. Foundations of Mathematics (Math 231) involves students in constructing proofs and examples in an axiomatic system. Though not having particular technical mathematics as a pre-requisite, Math 231 is not designed for students who have weak mathematical backgrounds. Math 231 is offered in the spring semester only.

    Completing any of the mathematics courses listed above with a passing grade satisfies the Quantitative Literacy Requirement for a Guilford degree. Many students satisfy this requirement by passing a Quantitative Literacy Test. Performance on such a test might be helpful in placing students in mathematics courses, particularly in determining whether or not a student is prepared for a Guilford College mathematics course. Abilities at the level of the QL Test are assumed in all math courses, except for Math 110, which includes some instruction in such skills. Information about scores on a test is obtained from the Quantitative Literacy requirement coordinator.

    When questions arise about appropriate placement of students in mathematics courses, consult a member of the Mathematics Department.

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