Program Overview
Program Overview
The university program in question is the MAT104 Calculus II course.
Brief Course Description
The MAT104 Calculus II course is the second semester of the standard 3-semester calculus sequence. It covers topics including techniques and applications of integration, such as area, length, and volume, and introduces differential equations. The course also covers polar coordinates, analysis of convergence of infinite series and improper integrals, and approximation using Taylor’s theorem with remainder.
Importance of the Course
The topics in this course are of fundamental importance in the natural sciences, engineering, and finance.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for this course include MAT103 or equivalent, with expert familiarity in working with the standard library of functions, including polynomials, rational and root functions, logarithms and exponentials, trigonometric functions, and their inverses.
Target Audience
Most students in this course are first-year students planning to major in one of the natural sciences, engineering, math-track economics, or finance. Some math majors start with this course and then take 215 in the spring.
Placement Information
MAT104 covers similar topics to those covered in BC calculus or the mandatory calculus portion of Math HL in the IB program. However, standardized test scores do not give an accurate measure of 104 equivalence.
Placement Considerations
- A score of 5 on the BC exam or 7 on the IB Math HL exam or an A on the British A-levels exam is not equivalent to a passing knowledge of MAT104.
- Two years of high school calculus with good grades may be comparable, but it is difficult to say for sure, since programs can vary quite a bit.
- The math placement workshops at registration in the Fall are designed to help students think about whether they are ready for 104, regardless of standardized test scores.
Course Structure
The course emphasizes the development of mature problem-solving skills through problems that require sophisticated pattern-recognition and the ability to apply and adapt multiple techniques to solve a single problem.
Note on Computational Technology
No computational technology or internet resources are allowed on homework or exams in this class.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
- Your math placement says 104/175. What does that even mean? If you need to take 201-202 for your program (required for B.S.E), then you will need 104. If you want to do finance or math-track economics, then 104 is the right choice. 175 is a less intensive version of multivariable calculus and covers much less material than 201.
- You want to take 104 but it is probably a stretch based on your test scores. Your advisers are telling you to take 103 instead but that does not feel right to you. If you really believe that you belong in 104, you can try it. Switching classes is easy during drop/add. But be honest with yourself as you get more information throughout the drop/add period. MAT104 is significantly harder than 103, and you will pay a high price in stress and in GPA if you are not adequately prepared.
- You don't have any standardized test scores but you took calculus in high school. Try the sample problems for the calculus courses you consider. If the problems look mostly familiar and you can actually solve at least half of them, then it makes sense to try the next course up in the sequence and drop back if necessary during the drop/add period.
- You want to be an engineer and you are worried that you will be behind unless you start in 201. Your best path to completing the BSE program is to start in the course that is the best fit for your current knowledge. You can take courses over the summer to complete missing prerequisites. Taking courses that you can successfully complete is the most efficient plan in the long run. Many successful BSE students start in 103 or 104.
- What kind of calculator do you need for calculus at Princeton? The math department courses do not use calculators. If you normally rely on your calculator to translate a function or equation into a graph, to solve equations, or to find values of trigonometric functions at the standard angles, then 104 will be very challenging. Consider 103 instead.
General Advice
- Your interests will naturally evolve over the course of your first year at Princeton. Keep an open mind and seek advice to help you reach your goals!
- Lots of help is available if you run into unexpected difficulty. Early action can make a big difference!
- Take the course that matches your current knowledge. Trying to jump ahead can actually slow you down. You can catch up later, over the summer, if necessary.