01:640:488 Mathematics of Short-Term Risk Models
- Course Code: 01:640:488
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Probability (Math 477)
Note on "Semester(s) Offered"
Please note that the "Semester(s) Offered" entry does not guarantee that the course will always be offered in that semester. Please consult the online Schedule of Courses to verify whether a course will be offered in an upcoming semester.
01:640:490 Topics in Mathematical Finance
- Course Code: 01:640:490
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 485 or B+ or better in Math 477
01:640:489 Computational Finance
- Course Code: 01:640:489
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 485 (or B+ or better in Math 477) and Intro Programming (CS 107 or CS 111 or 14:332:252)
01:640:130 - Business Calculus
- Course Code: 01:640:130
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 111 or Math 115 or placement
01:640:158 - Calculus II for Mathematical and Physical Sciences Practicum
- Course Code: 01:640:158
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 1
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: This is a support course for students currently taking Math 152
01:640:157 - Calculus I for Mathematical and Physical Sciences Practicum
- Course Code: 01:640:157
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 1
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: This is a support course for students currently taking Math 151
01:640:125 - Methods of Mathematical Problem Solving
- Course Code: 01:640:125
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 2
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: None. Typically taken in parallel with a Precalculus or Calc I course.
Undergraduate Honors Committee
Chair: Michael Beals
Members: Janos Komlos, Jian Song
Planning Your Honors Track Program
The formal requirements for students in the honors track are divided into three main groups of courses:
- 100-200 level courses. There are five required courses: Calculus I (151), Calculus II (152), Multivariable Calculus (251 or 291), Differential Equations (252 or 292), and Linear Algebra (250, or covered via 291-292). Many honors students will receive AP credit for one or more of the calculus classes. Honors track students should take honors sections of the calculus courses. Honors track students should, if possible, choose one of the MATLAB sections of 250.
- The seminar requirement
- Courses at the 300 level or higher. Students are required to take 9 upper level courses. As described below, each student's program of study must be approved by the honors track committee.
A major part of the program is the requirement to take two rigorous semesters of Real Analysis (411-412, though 501-502 may be substituted with permission) and Algebra (451-452, though 551-552 may be substituted with permission). Honors track students will normally aim to take one (or, with permission, both) of the sequences 411-412 and 451-452 during their junior year. Also, on rare occasions, a student may take one of these sequences in their sophomore year. Students will receive individual advice from their advisors and the honors track committee about when to take these.
Students should prepare for these sequences during their 2nd year The standard preparation is to take 300H, the honors section of 300, in the fall. (Students who begin with 291 in their 1st year may consider taking 300H in the spring of their 1st year, along with 292.) This course is designed to prepare students for all subsequent honors courses. It is followed by the freshman/sophomore honors seminar 196 in the spring of the 2nd year, as well as 311H or 350H (or both). Typically, 311H is prerequisite for 411-412, and 350H (or 351-352) is prerequisite for 451-452.
The appropriate course plan for a student depends on a number of factors, and each student should discuss their plans with the chair of the honors committee, and/or their honors track advisor if that person is other than the committee chair.
Students should also normally take a semester of complex analysis (403 or 503) and a semester of probability (477). Students planning to go to graduate school should also normally take Topology (441) since it is a prerequisite for many graduate classes.
The honors track is designed so that students will be prepared to take some of graduate courses in mathematics in their senior year. Taking some graduate courses (suitably chosen) is generally encouraged, though not required for the program.
The honors track is designed so that students will be prepared to take some of graduate courses in mathematics in their senior year. Taking some graduate courses (suitably chosen) is generally encouraged, though not required for the program.
Preparing and your Plan of Study During the semester following their acceptance into the honors track, the student and their honors track advisor would prepare a tentative plan of study. It outlines the courses the student will take as part of the honors track. Of course, it is generally impossible to make a full plan since the courses a student will take may depend on what they learn from their current courses. So the initial plan can be somewhat vague about the future, and revised as needed, subject to committee approval. The plan of study can be fairly informal. After preparing it and reviewing it with your advisor you should email it to the chair of the honors committee. Here is a suggested format.
- Your name
- Your expected graduation year
- Your major(s) (Mathematics or Mathematics +…)
- Your plans/goals beyond Rutgers (e.g. graduate school in Math or some other field, employment in some field)
- A list of all courses in Mathematics at the 300 level or higher that you have taken already (including the semester the course was taken and instructor)
- A list of Mathematics courses you plan to take with the given semester. This list may not be final. Your plan for the coming semester should be close to final. For subsequent semesters the plan will be less final, in which case you may want to include some possibilities you are considering (with a few sentences of explanation, if needed).
- Any courses in other departments with significant mathematical content that you think may be relevant.
01:640:492 - Junior-Senior Honors Seminar
- Course Code: 01:640:492
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 1
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Honors track only
- Prerequisites: Special permission only. Topics and prerequisites vary.
01:640:196 - First and Second Year Honors Seminar
- Course Code: 01:640:196
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 1
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Honors track only
- Prerequisites: Special permission only. Students should have completed at least Calc II.
01:640:491 - Mathematics Problem Solving Seminar
- Course Code: 01:640:491
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 1
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Honors track only
- Prerequisites: Special permission only. Students should have completed at least Calc II.
01:640:495 - Selected Topics in Mathematics
- Semester(s) Offered: Occasional
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Topics and prerequisites vary.
General Information
Content varies widely.
In Spring 2026, there will be three sections of Math 495:
- Section 01: AI Tools for Mathematics
Course Description: see Syllabus
Prerequisites: Background in proof-based mathematics, 640:300 Intro Math Reasoning is strongly recommended. Programming experience will be beneficial but is not essential. - Section 02: Combinatorial Game Theory
Course Description: A combinatorial game is ordinarily a two-player game with no hidden information, ending when there are no possible moves remaining. These games have a tendency to break down into smaller pieces, which can be analyzed independently. Dots and Boxes is perhaps a familiar example; one core objective of this course is to seek awesomeness at Dots and Boxes. Combinatorial Game Theory has also been applied to Go, but that is way beyond the scope of this course.
This course will cover both impartial games (in which both players have the same options) such as Nim, and partizan games, such as Hackenbush. A balance will be sought between deep dives on specific games (such as Sprouts or Hey! That's My Fish!) and general theory. The space of combinatorial games has a rich structure, with many surprising connections.
(Please note that this topic is essentially disjoint from "game theory", as studied by von Neumann, Nash, etc. No one will earn a Nobel prize based on knowledge from this course.)
Prerequisites: Math 300 or Math 428 or Math 454, but the website will list 244 and 250 as the prerequisites. In such case, please fill out the Prerequisite Override Form for assistance with registration. - Section 03: Introduction to Topological Data Analysis
Course Description: see Syllabus
Prerequisites: Math 251 and Math 250, but the website will list 244 and 250 as the prerequisites. In such case, please fill out the Prerequisite Override Form for assistance with registration.
In Fall 2025, there were three sections of Math 495:
- Section 01: AI Tools in Mathematics
Course Description: see Syllabus
Prerequisites: Background in proof-based mathematics, 640:300 Intro Math Reasoning is strongly recommended. Programming experience will be beneficial but is not essential. - Section 02: Tensor Networks as a bridge between Neural Networks and Quantum Physics
Course Description: see Syllabus
Prerequisites: Linear Algebra (Math 250) is the only prerequisite for this course, - Section 03: An Introduction to Machine Learning
Course Description: see Syllabus
Prerequisites: A course in Linear Algebra
In Spring 2025, there were two sections of Math 495:
- Section 01: A Mathematical Invitation To Machine Learning
Course Description: This mathematics course covers topics related to machine learning. Some of these are multivariable calculus applications in neural networks, linear regression, principal component analysis and support vector machines. Emphasis will be on the mathematics aspects and connections.
Textbooks: The pre-print versions of both textbooks are freely available for download for personal use. The primary textbook: "Mathematics For Machine Learning" by Deisenroth, Faisal, Ong. (Cambridge University Press). Secondary textbook: "Foundations of Data Science" by Blum, Hopcroft, Kannan. (Cambridge University Press).
Pre-requisites: Math 152 or equivalent. Further courses such as linear algebra, multivariable calculus, probability or statistics, are a plus. Prior exposure to machine learning is not required. (If you have completed Math 152 but not the official prerequisite courses Math 244/252 and Math 250, fill out the Prerequisite Override Form for assistance with registration.) - Section 02: From Gravitational Waves to Supersonic Flows: An Introduction to Hyperbolic PDEs
Course Description: The sonic boom of jets, the rippling of ocean waves, and even the gravitational waves detected by astronomers are all described by Hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). This course offers an introduction to the mathematical theory of hyperbolic PDEs, focusing on simplified models in fluid dynamics and linear wave propagation. While the emphasis will be on mathematical rigor, no prior knowledge of PDEs will be assumed.
Textbook: Hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations, Serge Alinhac.
Pre-requisites: Multivariable calculus (Math 251), elementary ODE theory (Math 244/252), intro linear algebra (Math 250).
Assignments: Final presentation on a topic of the students' choosing (a list of suggested topics will be provided). Optional weekly homework will be available for extra credit.
In Spring 2024, there were two sections of 495:
- Section 01: Proofs from THE BOOK
Prerequisites - Math 300
Syllabus - Section 02: Mathematical Adventures in One-Dimensional Physics
Prerequisites - (244 or 252 or 292) (ODEs) and (250 or 291) (Lin. Alg.)
Syllabus
In Spring 2018, there were two sections 01 and 02 of 495. Here are their subtitles:
- Section 01: Mathematics of Cancer
- Section 02: Supervised Research in Bio-Mathematics
See the archives for details.
Archives
- Spring 2009: Connections Seminar, Prof. Cohen
- Spring 2008: Connections Seminar, Prof. Retakh
- Fall 2007 Financial Mathematics, Professor Rodriguez.
- Spring 2007
- Fall 2006 (Financial Mathematics)
Schedule of Sections:
01:640:486 - Mathematics of Life Contingent Risk Models I
- Course Code: 01:640:486
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 285 and Probability (Math 477 or Stat 381)
01:640:487 - Mathematics of Life Contingent Risk Models II
- Course Code: 01:640:487
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: C or better in Math 486
01:640:350 - Linear Algebra
- Course Code: 01:640:350
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III and a C or better in Math 300
01:640:351 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra I
- Course Code: 01:640:351
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 4
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III and a C or better in Math 300
01:640:354 - Linear Optimization
- Course Code: 01:640:354
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250
01:640:356 - Theory of Numbers
- Course Code: 01:640:356
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 300 and Calc III
01:640:357 - Topics in Applied Algebra
- Course Code: 01:640:357
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III
01:640:361 - Set Theory
- Course Code: 01:640:361
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 300 and either Math 250 or Calc 3
01:640:373 - Numerical Analysis I
- Course Code: 01:640:373
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc IV
01:640:325 - Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
- Course Code: 01:640:325
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc IV
01:640:403 - Introduction to Theory of Functions of a Complex Variable
- Course Code: 01:640:403
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc IV
01:640:411 - Mathematical Analysis I
- Course Code: 01:640:411
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Special permission only. Typically students have already taken Math 311.
01:640:412 - Mathematical Analysis II
- Course Code: 01:640:412
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 411
01:640:421 - Advanced Calculus for Engineering
- Course Code: 01:640:421
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc IV. No credit for both Math 421 and Math 423. This version of the class is aimed at engineers and physics majors.
01:640:423 - Elementary Partial Differential Equations
- Course Code: 01:640:423
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc IV. No credit for both Math 421 and Math 423. This version of the class is aimed at math majors.
01:640:428 - Graph Theory
- Course Code: 01:640:428
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III
01:640:432 - Introduction to Differential Geometry
- Course Code: 01:640:432
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring (frequently)
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 311. Material from prior courses (Math 250 and Calc III) will also be essential.
01:640:435 - Geometry
- Course Code: 01:640:435
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall (frequently)
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III and Math 300
01:640:437 - History of Mathematics
- Course Code: 01:640:437
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III
01:640:441 - Introductory Topology
- Course Code: 01:640:441
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc IV and Analysis (Math 311 or Math 411)
01:640:442 - Introductory Topology II
- Course Code: 01:640:442
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring (frequently)
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 441
01:640:451 - Abstract Algebra I
- Course Code: 01:640:451
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Special permission only. Typically students have already taken Math 350 or Math 351.
01:640:452 - Abstract Algebra II
- Course Code: 01:640:452
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 451
01:640:454 - Combinatorics
- Course Code: 01:640:454
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc II
01:640:461 - Mathematical Logic
- Course Code: 01:640:461
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 300 and Calc III
01:640:477 - Mathematical Theory of Probability
- Course Code: 01:640:477
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc III
01:640:478 - Introduction to Stochastic Processes
- Course Code: 01:640:478
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III and Probability (Math 477 or Stat 381)
01:640:481 - Mathematical Theory of Statistics
- Course Code: 01:640:481
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Probability (Math 477 or Stat 381)
01:640:485 - Introduction to Mathematical Finance
- Course Code: 01:640:485
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc IV and Probability (Math 477 or Stat 381 or 14:332:226)
01:640:348 - Cryptography
- Course Code: 01:640:348
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and one of Math 300, Math 356, or Math 477
01:640:338 - Discrete and Probabilistic Models in Biology
- Course Code: 01:640:338
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250, Calc III, and Probability (Math 477 or CS 206 or Stat 381)
01:640:336 - Dynamical Models in Biology
- Course Code: 01:640:336
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc IV
01:640:321 - Introduction to Applied Mathematics
- Course Code: 01:640:321
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc IV
01:640:312 - Introduction to Real Analysis II
- Course Code: 01:640:312
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring (frequently)
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 311
01:640:311 - Introduction to Real Analysis I
- Course Code: 01:640:311
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 4
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc IV and a C or better in Math 300
01:640:300:H - Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning (Honors)
- Course Code: 01:640:300:H
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Special permission only
This is a special honors section of Math 300. Math 300 is a course required for all mathematics majors which teaches fundamental skills, especially the reading and writing of mathematical proofs, that are needed for future mathematics courses. The honors section of math 300 covers more material and is significantly more challenging than the normal sections of 300. It is intended for highly motivated students who have demonstrated strong mathematical ability.
One of the main purposes of Math 300 H is to serve qualified students who are interested in joining the Department of Mathematics Honors Track. Students who do well in math 300 H are good candidates for acceptance into the track. However, interest in the honors track is not a requirement for being accepted into 300 H.
Special permission is required for admission to 300 H. When applying for special permission, be sure to include your reasons for applying. Requests for admission to 300 H are evaluated based on the student's prior achievements, level of interest, and potential for success in the course.
Schedule of Sections
01:640:300 - Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
- Course Code: 01:640:300
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 or Calc III or special permission
01:640:292 - Honors Calculus IV
- Course Code: 01:640:292
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring
- Credits: 4
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 291. Students who have taken Math 250 as well as Math 251 may also apply.
01:640:291 - Honors Calculus III
- Course Code: 01:640:291
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall
- Credits: 4
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Special permission only. Most students in Math 291 are incoming freshmen who scored a 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam.
01:640:285 - Introduction to Interest Theory for Actuarial Science
- Course Code: 01:640:285
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Actuarial track only
- Prerequisites: Calc III
01:640:252 - Elementary Differential Equations
- Course Code: 01:640:252
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III
01:640:251 - Multivariable Calculus
- Course Code: 01:640:251
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 4
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc II
01:640:250 - Introductory Linear Algebra
- Course Code: 01:640:250
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 112 or Math 115 or placement
01:640:244 - Differential Equations for Engineering and Physics
- Course Code: 01:640:244
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 4
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Minor and some double majors only
- Prerequisites: Calc III
01:640:152 - Calculus II for the Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Course Code: 01:640:152
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 4
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Calc I (Math 135 or Math 151, not Math 130)
01:640:151 - Calculus I for the Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Course Code: 01:640:151
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 4
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 112 or Math 115 or placement
01:640:135 - Calculus I for the Life and Social Sciences
- Course Code: 01:640:135
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 4
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
- Prerequisites: Math 112 or Math 115 or placement
01:640:110 - Algebra for Middle School Teachers
- Course Code: 01:640:110
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring (even years)
- Credits: 3
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 107
01:640:109 - Geometry and Measurement for Middle School Teaching
- Course Code: 01:640:109
- Semester(s) Offered: Spring (odd years)
- Credits: 3
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 026 or Math 107 or placement
01:640:107 - Number and Operation for K-8 Teaching
- Course Code: 01:640:107
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 025 or placement
01:640:106 - Mathematics of Money
- Course Code: 01:640:106
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 025 or Math 103 or placement
01:640:104 - Introduction to Probability
- Course Code: 01:640:104
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 025 or Math 103 or placement
01:640:115 - Precalculus College Mathematics
- Course Code: 01:640:115
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 4
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 026 or placement
01:640:123 - Preparation for Calculus I
- Course Code: 01:640:123
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 2
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: By application only. This is a half-semester course for students switching out of Calc I.
Course Description
Math 123: Preparation for Calculus I is a half-semester course. It is designed for students currently enrolled in Calculus I (Math 135 or Math 151) that need additional preparation to successfully complete the course. Rather than continuing to struggle in Calculus I, these students can switch to Math 123. This course is an opportunity for a productive second half of the semester and for students to best set themselves up for future success in calculus.
Students in this course will work through a review of algebra and precalculus topics. This is not simply a shorter version of existing precalculus courses. Rather, the course is designed specifically to include only material that is important for success in calculus.
In order to enroll in Math 123, students must drop Calculus I (which will be done so that students do not get a W in Calculus I). This course is 4 credits - 2 are academic credits (counting toward graduation) and 2 are E credits (counting toward your registration total). Thus students who switch from Calculus I to Math 123 will maintain the same registration total.
If you have questions about the course, send an email to the Math 123 coordinator.
Course Format
This course meets twice a week. This course is taught in a flipped format, where students are introduced to the material before class through videos and online homework, then spend the majority of class time working on problems in groups.
Most class meetings will include a quiz and there will be two exams (midterm and final).
Textbook
Students in this course must purchase access to the online homework system Knewton Alta for the duration of the course. All other course materials, such as videos or textbook readings, will be available in Knewton Alta or on the Canvas site.
Spring 2026 Sections
Section 3: Mon, Wed, 9:20-10:40pm (Busch)
Section 4: Tues, Thurs, 9:20-10:40pm (Liv)
Enrollment in Math 123
Students can only enroll in this course if they are currently enrolled in Math 135 or Math 151. Enrollment in Math 123 is by application only.
Applications will be processed in three rounds. Students who apply during an earlier round have a higher chance of being approved over those applying in a later round.
Round 1: ends Thursday, February 19 at 11:59pm, students will be notified by Monday, February 25.
Round 2: ends Thursday, February 26, at 11:59pm, students will be notified by Friday, February 27.
Round 3: ends Monday, March 2, at 11:59pm. Students will be notified as soon as possible to attend the relevant section.
The first day of class is Monday, March 2.
If you have questions about the application, send an email to the Math 123 coordinator.
Students whose applications are approved will be enrolled in Math 123 and dropped from Calculus I. You should not submit an application if you do not want to drop Calculus I.
FAQs
How do I decide if I should switch to Math 123?
Math 123 will review prerequisite material, such as algebra and trigonometry. Students who are struggling with this aspect of Calculus I could benefit from a review of this material and should consider switching to Math 123. Students may also discuss their performance in Calculus I so far with their instructors to get a more accurate assessment of whether they should consider switching to Math 123.
Can I take Math 123 without dropping Calculus I?
No, in order to enroll in Math 123, students will be dropped from Calculus I. The courses may not be taken simultaneously. You should not submit an application if you do not want to drop Calculus I.
Will I receive a W for Calculus I when I switch?
No. Students who switch into Math 123 from either Math 135 or Math 151 will not receive a W for their calculus enrollment. Instead, Calculus I will be removed from the student's schedule.
If I take Math 123, do I get credit for Calculus I?
No. You will get credit for Math 123. To get credit for Calculus I, you must retake it in a later semester.
Are my exam scores in Calculus I a part of my grade in Math 123?
No. None of the scores from Calculus I affect your Math 123 grade. Your Math 123 grade is based solely on your performance in Math 123 starting in week 7.
If I retake Calculus I, do my exam scores carry over?
No. If you retake Calculus I, you will start with a blank slate. No scores from a prior semester will be used during a later semester.
Course Schedule
| class meeting | topic |
| 1 | Introduction, 1.2, 1.3 |
| 2 | 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 |
| 3 | 1.6, 2.2 |
| 4 | 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1 |
| 5 | 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1 |
| 6 | 5.2, 5.5, 6.2 |
| 7 | 6.3, 6.4, 6.5 |
| 8 | Review |
| 9 | Midterm |
| 10 | 6.6, 6.7 |
| 11 | 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 |
| 12 | 7.4, 8.1, 8.2 |
| 13 | 8.2, 9.1, 9.5 |
| 14 | 14.1, 14.2 |
| 15 | 14.2, 14.3 |
| 16 | 14.4 |
| 17 | Review |
1.2 - Exponents and Scientific Notation
1.3 - Radicals and Rational Exponents
1.4 - Polynomials
1.5 - Factoring Polynomials
1.6 - Rational Expressions
2.2 - Linear and Rational Equations in One Variable
2.5 - Quadratic Equations
2.6 - Other Types of Equations
2.7 - Linear Inequalities and Absolute Value Inequalities
2.8 - Inequalities Requiring Factoring
3.1 - Functions and Function Notation
3.3 - Domain and Range
3.4 - Rates of Change and Behavior of Graphs
3.5 - Composition of Functions
4.1 - Linear Functions
5.2 - Graphs of Polynomial and Power Functions
5.5 - Rational Functions
6.2 - Graphs of Exponential Functions
6.3 - Logarithmic Functions
6.4 - Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
6.5 - Logarithmic Properties
6.6 - Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
6.7 - Exponential and Logarithmic Models
7.1 - Angles as Rotations and Arc Length
7.2 - Right Triangle Trigonometry
7.3 - The Unit Circle
7.4 - The Other Trigonometric Functions
8.1 - Sine and Cosine Graphs
8.2 - Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions
9.1 - Fundamental Trigonometric Identities
9.5 - Solving Trigonometric Equations
14.1 - Finding Limits Using Numerical and Graphical Approaches
14.2 - Finding Limits Analytically
14.3 - Continuity
14.4 - Derivatives
Schedule of Sections:
01:640:112 - Precalculus II
- Course Code: 01:640:112
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 2
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 111
01:640:111 - Precalculus I
- Course Code: 01:640:111
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 2
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 026 or placement
01:640:026 - Intermediate Algebra
- Course Code: 01:640:026
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Math 025 or placement
01:640:001 - Computational Skills
- Course Code: 01:640:001
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 1.5
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Placement
01:640:025 - Elementary Algebra
- Course Code: 01:640:025
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: Placement
01:640:103 - Topics in Mathematics for the Liberal Arts
- Course Code: 01:640:103
- Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- SAS Core Certified: QQ, QR
- Counts toward math major/minor?: No
- Prerequisites: none
Disclaimer: Posted for informational purposes only
This material is posted by the faculty of the Mathematics Department at Rutgers New Brunswick for informational purposes. While we try to maintain it, information may not be current or may not apply to individual sections. The authority for content, textbook, syllabus, and grading policy lies with the current instructor.
Information posted prior to the beginning of the semester is frequently tentative, or based on previous semesters. Textbooks should not be purchased until confirmed with the instructor. For generally reliable textbook information—with the exception of sections with an alphabetic code like H1 or T1, and topics courses (197,395,495)—see the textbook list.