Studying Math and Science

Many students, especially pre-med students and those thinking about majoring in a science, should take science courses during their freshman year. Where you start will generally depend upon how much, if any, college credit you earn for your high school studies. Chemistry 101 is the starting point for most science-related majors and most premed students), while 171 (an accelerated class) is the starting point for students with stronger chemistry backgrounds. Students with especially strong backgrounds may earn credit for a full year of chemistry coursework. If this applies to you, be sure to talk with your adviser about your alternatives.

Even if you are not pre-med and do not plan to major in a science, taking one or two science courses as a freshman is a good idea. Try to choose courses that will fulfill your distribution requirements in Area I-Natural Sciences. Many departments in Weinberg College offer science courses designed for students who have normal high school science backgrounds and who have no intention of going on to studying science at an advanced level. So, look at the online list of distribution courses for each quarter and check the online course descriptions and course evaluations, all available through the registrar’s webpages. You can also talk with other students about science courses they have taken and enjoyed. Then, go ahead and make your choice.

You should also consider taking math as freshman. There are different versions of the basic calculus sequence geared toward students with different backgrounds. You can learn more about these sequences and about how you may be able to begin your math studies at a higher level through a placement exam; consult the math department's website. Some calculus is required for many science majors, for the math major, and for some other majors too. It is also recommended for all students who are premed, and it is required by some medical schools. If you have not earned college credit for high school courses in math, the usual starting point will be Math 220 (formerly Math 214-1) or Math 212 (for students with no background in calculus). Some students are not yet ready for Calculus and start at a lower level instead.

Even if you don’t plan to major in math or a science, and you are not pre-med, taking math as a freshman can be a good idea. For one thing, it's a way to fulfill your distribution requirements in Area II-Formal Studies. Modern methods in economics, political science, psychology, and certain areas of sociology are highly quantitative, and some social science majors (economics and psychology, for example) require coursework in math. If you think you might focus on a social science, begin math early in your college career and continue it for more than one quarter. This will help you to prepare for advanced work in these fields and for certain professions. And if you hope to earn a graduate degree in business someday, keep in mind that the schools you apply to may be looking for applicants with strong math backgrounds.

If you think you probably will take math courses at some point during your college career, freshman year is often the best time to do it—or to start doing it. You will remember more of the math you learned in high school, and you will be building a good foundation for future work in a range of academic areas.