Mathematics Placement Exam
Level and Course Association Form

The Department of Mathematical Sciences is interested in ensuring all students have the appropriate mathematics background for their math course. The Math Placement Exam is part of the math placement process and was developed to assist students and advisors in making the appropriate math course decision.

Student performance on the Math Placement Exam is translated into one of six levels each of which is associated with a math course or courses. Which course to choose is based on the student’s major and should be discussed with an advisor who understands the student’s program and college requirements. A student should discuss with his/her advisor the appropriate course based upon prerequisites for the math course and course requirements for their major program of study.

The courses listed in lower levels than that which as student is placed are also appropriate. For example, if a student places into Level IV and just needs a one-hundred level math course, the student may register for MATH 113, MATH 127, MATH 114, or MATH 115. Again, the student should discuss with an advisor which of these courses would be best based on the student’s interests and possible future endeavors.

Please note the Math Placement Exam is just an indication of placement and only tests a subset of the many mathematical skills and understandings needed for a particular math course. The placement level does not imply that all skills in courses below the indicated level are mastered. For instance, placement in MATH 221 does not imply that all skills in MATH 115 have been mastered.

All students should consider reviewing their mathematics skills and understandings prior to beginning Math 010, Math 114, Math 115, Math 221, or Math 241. A list of topics considered pre-requisite material can be found at:

http://www.math.udel.edu/placement/pt_rev.html

A. For students who need to fulfill a “100 level” college math requirement including MATH 114 or MATH 115:

(Note: Many students who are interested in mathematics and place into the appropriate level can fulfill a college math requirement by taking a higher level math course such as MATH 221 or MATH 241. Students must check with an advisor before doing so as some “200 level” courses may not fulfill a college math requirement.)

Level Math Courses
I
 Introductory Algebra Course at a Community College (to prepare for MATH 010), OR
MATH 113 - Contemporary Mathematics, OR
MATH 127 - Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning
Note MATH 113 and MATH 127 may or may not satisfy the math requirement for graduation; students should check with their advisor.
II
 MATH 113 - Contempory Mathematics, OR
MATH 127 - Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning, OR
MATH 010 - Intermediate Algebra (Students who place into Level II and are required to take either MATH 114 or MATH 115 should take MATH 010 to strengthen algebraic skills and understandings. Note that MATH 010 is a non-college credit course and will not fulfill the math requirement)
III
 MATH 114 - College Mathematics and Statistics, OR
MATH 010 - Intermediate Algebra (Students who place into Level III and are interested in
MATH 115 should take MATH 010 to strengthen their algebraic skills and understandings. Note that MATH 010 is a non-college credit course and will not fulfill the math requirement)
IV
 MATH 115 - Precalculus
V
 MATH 221 - Calculus I
VI
 MATH 241 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus A

 

B.  For students who need MATH 221:

Level Math Courses
I
 Introductory Algebra Course at a Community College
II, III
MATH 010 - Intermediate Algebra
A non-college credit course. Its purpose is to strengthen algebraic skills and understandings prior to enrolling in MATH 115. Note that MATH 010 will not fulfill the math requirement.
IV
 MATH 115 - Precalculus
Students who place into Level IV should enroll in MATH 115 to strengthen their precalculus skills and understandings prior to taking MATH 221.
V

MATH 221 - Calculus I, OR

MATH 115 - Precalculus (if PHYSICS 201 needed).
Students who place into Level V and who are also are required to take PHYSICS 201 should enroll in MATH 115. MATH 115 is needed to strengthen precalculus and trigonometry skills and understandings.

VI
 MATH 221 - Calculus I

C. For students who need MATH 241:

Level Math Courses
I
 Introductory Algebra Course at a Community College
II, III
MATH 010 - Intermediate Algebra (non-college credit)
Students who place into Level II or Level III should enroll in MATH 010 to strengthen their algebraic skills and understandings prior to taking MATH 117.
IV
 MATH 117 - Precalculus for Scientists and Engineers
V

MATH 117 - Precalculus for Scientists and Engineers, OR

MATH 241 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus A with review of trigonometry
Students who place into Level V will not succeed in MATH 241 unless a review of trigonometry is completed. A test may be administered during the beginning of the semester in MATH 241 to ensure the appropriate skills and understandings are mastered. Failure on this test indicates a change in registration to MATH 117 is strongly recommended. Further information about a review program can be found at http://www.math.udel.edu/placement/pt_rev.html.

VI
 MATH 241 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus A