** The Spring 2021 deadline has been extended to Fri, March 5, 5pm. **
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, of which 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.
Course Format
This course meets twice a week. During Spring 2021, all class meetings will be online. 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 2021 Sections
Sec 01: Tues, Thurs 6:40-8:00pm
Sec 02: Mon, Wed 6:40-8:00pm
Sec 03: Tues, Thurs 8:10-9:30pm
Sec 04: Mon, Wed 4:30-5:50pm
Sec 05: Mon, Wed 1:40-3:00pm
Sec 07: Mon, Wed 3:20-4:40pm
Sec 08: Mon, Wed 5:00-6:20pm
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.
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.
Applications will be processed in three rounds. For Spring 2021, the important dates are:
Round 1: ends Sun, Feb 21, at 4pm, students will be notified by Tues, Feb 23.
Round 2: ends Tues, Feb 23, at 4pm, students will be notified by Thurs, Feb 25.
Round 3: ends Fri, Feb 26, 12pm, students will be notified by Fri, Feb 26.
Round 4: ends Tues, March 2, 12pm, students will be notified by Tues, March 2.
Round 5: ends Fri, March 5, 5pm, students will be notified by Sun, March 7.
Because of the limited number of seats, submitting an application does not guarantee a spot in Math 123. However, students who submit their application during an earlier round will have higher priority.
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.
Note that a passing score on the RU Ready Test shows a basic level of preparation for the course but does not necessarily indicate that a student is well prepared for calculus. Some students with a low passing score may also benefit from 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
