Science-Engineering Calculus Sequence:
- MATH 101 - Single Variable Calculus I (3 hours)
- MATH 102 - Single Variable Calculus II (3 hours)
- MATH 211 - Ordinary Differential Equations (3 hours)
- MATH 212 - Multivariable Calculus (3 hours)
These four courses should be taken in sequence, although 211 and 212 are interchangeable. Each of these courses is offered every semester.
The Math Department recommends that students enroll in as advanced a course as they might be prepared for, rather than repeating material, even if you do not have university credit for something. Many majors will allow students to substitute higher math courses in place of a course like Math 101 or 102. Check with your major department for more information.
Students who wish to register for Math 101 must take a pre-calculus diagnostic exam before registering. See this page for more details. Students registering for Math 101 who could use some extra review of pre-calculus concepts are encouraged to also enroll in Math 110. Concurrent registration in Math 110 is required for Math 111/112 students.
If you have learned the material in Math 101 prior to enrolling at Rice, but do not have credit for it via an AP Calculus Exam (or similar), you may be able to earn course credit by taking a Rice exam. See this page for more details.
Other Calculus Courses (for Distribution):
- MATH 111 - Calculus: Differentiation and its Applications (Fall) (3 hours)
- MATH 112 - Calculus: Integration and its Applications (Spring) (3 hours)
These courses emphasize problem solving, and do not go as far as 101-102. They are not intended for science or engineering majors, but a student may take 111, 112, and then 102 (or 111, 101, and 102).
Students who wish to register for Math 111/112 must take a pre-calculus diagnostic exam before registering. See this page for more details. Concurrent registration in Math 110 is required for Math 111/112 students.
Honors Calculus Courses:
- MATH 232 - Honors Multivariable Calculus (Spring) (3 hours)
- MATH 221/222 - Honors Calculus III/IV (Fall/Spring) (3 hours each)
Students should consider the honors calculus courses if they have a strong math background and are either considering a major in an area with a substantial math component, or just enjoy a challenge and want to go beyond just learning to solve problems. All of these courses will teach students how to prove mathematical statements.
Math 232 covers all of the material in Math 212, but also stresses theoretical aspects of multivariable calculus. It goes beyond Math 212 in that it covers calculus in arbitrary dimensions, not just 2- and 3-dimensions. Math 232 also has a linear algebra prerequisite. Math 354 is the ideal course to take before enrolling in Math 232, though Math 355 can also work, especially if enrolling in Math 290 (Mathematical Writing Seminar) concurrently.
Math 221/222 form a more advanced track than Math 354/Math 232 and is intended for those students who are very confident both in their mathematics background and in their desire to focus on pure mathematics. Topics covered in 221/222 but not 354/232 include manifolds, differential forms, and multilinear/tensor algebra.
- MATH 220 - Honors Differential Equations (Spring) (3 hours)
Math 220 is offered in the fall this year and satisfies requirements for Math 211. It covers the same material, but with more of an emphasis on theory.
Students enrolling in their first proofs course should also consider concurrently enrolling in Math 290 (Mathematical Writing Seminar), which is a 1-credit, half-semester course that aims to provide additional targeted feedback on students' mathematical writing.
Dropback Option:
Students may drop back from a more advanced math class to a less advanced one at any point in the first seven weeks of the semester, per the chart below. Contact your instructor or a math advisor for more information.
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Honors Multivariable (Math 232) | Multivariable Calc. (Math 212) |
| Honors Diff. Eqns. (Math 220) | Diff. Eqns. (Math 211) |
| Honors Linear Algebra (Math 354) |
Linear Algebra (Math 355) |
| Honors Calculus III (Math 221) | Honors Diff. Eqns. (Math 220) [or Math 212 or 211] |
| Honors Calculus IV (Math 222) | Honors Multivariable Calc. (Math 232) |
| Multivariable Calc. (212) / Diff. Eqns. (211) | Calculus II (Math 102) |
| Calculus II (Math 102) | Calculus I (Math 101) |
| Calculus I (Math 101) | Calculus: Differentiation (Math 111) |
More Advanced Courses
Students who have already taken some or all of the above courses should visit this page . Speaking to a MATH advisor may be the best way to decide which course to take.
