No Calculus Advising Notes

If you are not required to take calculus (either MATH 140 or MATH 110) here at Penn State, then you should talk with your advisor about a few issues. 

1. Does your program of study require you to complete any particular mathematics courses (such as college algebra)?  If so, and if your FTCAP placement is above or at that level of mathematics course, then we recommend that you take that course. 



2. Does your program of study require you to complete any particular quantitative course (outside of the Mathematics Department), such as statistics or some other course in the list of General Quantitative courses?  If so, then you should speak with your advisor about taking one of these courses at this time. 



3. If your program of study does not contain any specific requirements in relation to your quantitative courses, then we recommend that you choose an appropriate course from the list of General Quantitative courses.  If you are interested in a mathematics offering specifically geared for students who fall in this category, then you might wish to consider one of the following courses:


Math 17 – Finite Mathematics
Introduction to logic, sets, probability.  This course deals with enumeration topics (such as combinations and permutations) on a very accessible level and helps students understand the basics of probability theory.  

Math 18 – Elementary Linear Algebra
Linear functions; systems of equations; matrices; linear programming.  This course is geared for students who have a solid algebra background, or who enjoy algebra, but are not interested in a College Algebra course.  

Math 35 – General View of Mathematics
Survey of mathematical thought in logic, geometry, combinatorics, and chance.  This course deals with the interplay between culture, history, and mathematics, and how each of these impact, and are impacted by, one another.  

Math 36 – Insights into Mathematics
Examples of mathematical thought in various subject areas, which might include number theory, topology, theory of symmetry, and chance.   

Of course, the list of General Quantitative courses also includes a number of other courses offered at Penn State that will satisfy the General Education quantitative requirement.