Math
These courses have been used by PSEO students to fulfill high school graduation requirements. However, each high school individually determines which PSEO courses meet which requirements. Check with your high school counselor to confirm that your selected courses meet your graduation requirements.
4 college credits is generally equivalent to one year of high school instruction in a subject area
Course Search Tips
Common subjects that count for high school math requirements are MATH and STATS.
You can also use Schedule Builder and search for the Mathematical Thinking liberal education requirement.
Math Placement
In order to take a math class at the U of M, you either need to take a placement test or have prior college credit in a math class (AP, IB, etc).
College math is significantly different than high school math, even if the course titles are the same. The math placement or Advanced Placement exams, or coursework from another college are the only ways to confirm appropriate placement in a university math course.
Common Math Courses
Excursions in Mathematics (MATH 1001): Introduction to mathematical ideas having relevance to the contemporary world; practical applications of mathematics; good for students who are interested in math but who will never need more than one math course. This course is not an easy way out of taking math.
College Algebra and Probability (MATH 1031) [offered online]*: Covers linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; graphs of equations, including lines, circles, parabolas, composition, inverses of functions; transformations of graphs; linear, quadratic models; polynomials; exponentials; logarithms. The first few weeks of class are dedicated to counting and probability.
Precalculus I (MATH 1051) [offered online]*: Covers the same topics addressed in Math 1031, but does not include the counting and probability unit.
Short Calculus (MATH 1142) [offered online]*: NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PSEO STUDENTS. Students must place into this class via the math placement exam. Students must have advisor approval in order to register for this course.
Precalculus II (MATH 1151) [offered online]*: The second course in the pre-calculus sequence and covers trigonomic functions at the college level; placement or a passing grade in Math 1051/1031 is a prerequisite to this course.
Calculus and Dynamical Systems in Biology (MATH 1241) [For the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) students]: NOT RECOMMEND FOR PSEO STUDENTS.
MATH 1241 is not equivalent to MATH 1271 Calculus I. MATH 1241 is a terminal calculus course for students admitted to CBS only who do not need MATH 1272 Calculus II for their CBS majors. Students who take MATH 1241 and then later decide to take MATH 1272 will need to complete MATH 1271 with a grade of at least C- before moving on to MATH 1272.
Calculus I (MATH 1271) [offered online]*: The first semester of the calculus sequence; placement or a passing grade in Math 1151 or 1155 is a prerequisite to this course. Students who take AP Calculus AB in high school and score lower than a 3 on the exam should take the placement test prior to registering for calculus. Students who score a 3 on the AP Calculus AB exam will receive credit for Math 1271, but should consider taking the class for an adequate preparation for continuing in college level mathematics. (Math 1241 and 1371 are also variants of Calculus I; PSEO students cannot register for 1241, and 1371 is reserved for College of Science and Engineering (CSE) students only or those with department permission.) Math 1271 is a completely acceptable option if planning to be a College of Biological Sciences (CBS) or College of Science and Engineering (CSE) major.
Introduction to the Ideas of Statistics (STAT 1001)/Introduction to Statistical Analysis (STAT 3011): Limited seating. PSEO students often have a difficult time getting into these courses. If you need statistics for a high school requirement, we recommend taking it at high school or another PSEO institution.
Restricted Math Courses
Math 1142 and 1155 are not recommended for PSEO students.
College of Science and Engineering math courses (CSE 1371, 1372, 2373, 2374):
These classes are very comparable to the non-CSE versions. They utilize applications like Matlab and Mathematica. It is recommended to take at least one of the CSE versions at the sophomore level (2373 or 2374) if you are planning on an engineering major, since they use those applications in later engineering courses.
Both CSE and non-CSE versions count towards CSE majors.
These courses are difficult to get into. Seats are generally reserved for students in CSE and only available to PSEO students with department permission.
IF YOU STILL WANT TO TRY FOR A CSE MATH CLASS:
First, register for a non-CSE math class that works for you.
For a fall semester class, follow the closed math course process the week before the semester starts.
For a spring semester class, follow the closed math course process on or after the day PSEO students can register for spring classes.
If they grant permission, you can then swap that time from the non-CSE version to the CSE version.
*Typically, ONE online section (~30 seats) is offered per math course, per semester. PSEO students may have difficulty enrolling in these limited sections, especially during their first fall semester in PSEO.