Calculus
Calculus is a fundamental part of math education and can be applied to many areas of life. Please read the information below to better understand the calculus offerings and resources available to you.
Sequences | Placement | FAQ | Calculus Café
Sequences
The Department of Mathematics offers three calculus sequences, with different entry points. We require that students do not skip any calculus courses, and that students start a sequence at the beginning unless they already have credit (such as AP or transfer credit) for prerequisite courses.
The sequences are:
- MATH 1200-1201 Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences. This single-variable calculus sequence introduces limits, derivatives, integrals, and their applications in disciplines such as the social and biological sciences. These courses are not intended for students who want to complete additional mathematics coursework. If a student wants to take additional math courses after this sequence, they must complete MATH 1301 (for a loss of credit due to overlapping content) before proceeding in the curriculum.
- MATH 1300-1301–2300 Single-Variable and Multivariable Calculus. This calculus sequence introduces the fundamental concepts of limits, derivatives, integrals, and sequences and series. It serves as a prerequisite for advanced coursework in math, physics, and engineering, exploring both practical and theoretical applications.
- MATH 2500-2501 Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra. These courses cover multivariable calculus and linear algebra with an emphasis on rigorous proofs and are an alternative to Math 2300 and 2600 for first-year students with a strong background and interest in mathematics.
Some of the courses overlap in content and credit. Students may not switch from one sequence to another without approval from the department as this will result in a loss of credit.
Placement
We require that students enter a calculus sequence at the beginning (MATH 1200 or 1300) unless they have appropriate AP or transfer credit. There will be a one-week period at the beginning of the fall semester when students can change from one level of calculus to another. Students should consult with their instructors and their advisers for assistance during this period.
AP Scores
Students with a score of 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam, or a score of 3 or higher on the AP Calculus BC exam may receive some course credit. The AP calculus credit policy and appropriate starting points for students with AP credit are outlined in the table below.
| A student with a score of | On the | Receives | Of credit for | Recommended Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or lower | AP Calculus AB exam | 0 credit hours | No Credit | MATH 1200, or MATH 1300, depending on major requirements. |
| 5 | AP Calculus AB exam | 4 credit hours | MATH 1300 | MATH 1301 or MATH 1201, depending on major requirements. |
| 3 or 4 with AB subscore 5 | AP Calculus BC exam AB portion | 4 credit hours | MATH 1300 | MATH 1301 or MATH 1201, depending on major requirements. |
| 5 | AP Calculus BC exam | 8 credit hours | MATH 1300 and MATH 1301 | MATH 2300 or MATH 2500 |
First-year students with test scores of 5 on the Calculus BC Advanced Placement examination, thereby earning AP credit for 1300-1301, may choose to enroll in 2500-2501. The combination of 2500-2501 is a blend of multivariable calculus and linear algebra, with an emphasis on rigorous proofs. These courses are alternatives to MATH 2300 and MATH 2600 for students with a strong interest in mathematics.
FAQ
Q. Can I take a course for which I already have AP credit?
A. Yes, but you will forfeit your existing AP credit for that course.
Q. I have credit for Math 1300, but my major doesn’t require Math 1301. Can I take Math 1201 instead?
A. Yes, but you must contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for enrollment, and the total credit hours from Math 1300 and 1201 will be capped at 5.
- If you earned Math 1300 credit at Vanderbilt, you will keep 4 credit hours from Math 1300 and only earn 1 credit hour from Math 1201.
- If you earned Math 1300 credit through AP, you will keep 2 credit hours from Math 1300 and earn 3 credit hours from Math 1201.
Q. I have taken Math 1200/1201, but now want to take higher-level math. What should I do?
A. Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for enrollment in Math 1301. You only earn 3 credit hours for Math 1301 due to overlapping content.
Q. I took Calculus I and II in high school, but not through AP. Can I start with Math 2500?
A. The Director of Undergraduate Studies will assess your readiness for Math 2500. If you start with Math 2500, you must compensate for the missed Math 1300/1301 credit hours by completing 8 additional credit hours of advanced courses within your major.
Calculus Café
Join us to study calculus over coffee! The Calculus Café is a space for drop-in calculus tutoring with graduate students and undergraduate course assistants.
Calculus Café is held:
- Mondays 2-7 p.m. in SC 3211 (Stevenson Library Classroom)
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. in Peabody Library 202
- Thursdays 4-7 p.m. in SC 3211 (Stevenson Library Classroom)
(Thursdays 4-5 p.m. is for Math 1200-1201 students only.)
Note: Calculus Café does not meet during Thanksgiving week or on Labor Day.