Page 1.1: Introduction
Welcome to The Preparing for Calculus Boot Camp! The aim of this 8 day boot camp is to review the mathematical foundation needed to do well in your calculus courses (and beyond!).
Before we start learning math, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding your future math courses. Some students may already know this and so I apologize if this information is redundant. However, other students may find this information valuable and so allow us to discuss some general information regarding calculus and the different options which are available to you.
With regards to STEM majors, the book that our department uses for calculus is called Essential Calculus by James Stewart. A full coverage of single-variable calculus means that you have covered Chapters 1 through 8 in the above text. Here at Queens College, we have two different tracks that covers Chapters 1 through 8.
1) We first offer Math 141, 142, and 143. In Math 141, Chapters 1 - 3 are covered. In Math 142, Chapters 4, 5, and 7 are covered. In Math 143, Chapters 6 and 8 are covered. Each class is three credits and the meetings are twice a week for an hour and fifteen minutes.
2) We also offer Math 151 and 152. In Math 151, Chapters 1 - 4 are covered. In Math 152, Chapters 5 - 8 are covered. Each class is four credits and the meetings are twice a week for an hour and fifty minutes.
Thus, regardless of which track you select, you still cover all of single-variable calculus. The question now becomes, what are the differences among these tracks? For those who wish to have a more gentle introduction to calculus, I would personally advise them to take the Math 141, 142, and 143 option. Those who feel they have a strong command of mathematics may wish to take Math 151 and 152.
Please also note that the Math Department offers Math 131 and 132 which is calculus for non-science students. More information may be found here: https://qc-undergraduate.catalog.cuny.edu/courses/0112541 .
For a full list of all undergraduate math courses that the Math Department offers, please see here: https://www.qc.cuny.edu/academics/math/undergraduate-courses/ .
With that said, allow us to begin our mathematical journey!