The New Mathematics Curriculum

(Effective Fall 2019)

Why did the Mathematics Department make these changes?

  • Our primary goal was to improve success rates in our calculus courses.
  • All of the new courses are taught three days per week, whereas MATH 160, 170, and 210 were taught four days per week. This change should reduce student workload and scheduling difficulties.
  • Our new Calculus II course (MATH 152) covers multivariable differential calculus (previously covered in MATH 210 – Calculus III) with sequences and series being moved to MATH 270 (Optimization and Approximation). Covering multivariable differential calculus sooner is beneficial to natural science majors.

What are the changes?

The following courses are no longer offered at Allegheny:

  • MATH 157 (Calculus I for Social/Life Sciences) – Last offered:  Spring 2019.
  • MATH 158 (Calculus II for Social/Life Sciences) – Last offered:  Fall 2019.
  • MATH 159 (Precalculus) – Last offered:  Spring 2019.
  • MATH 160 (Calculus I) – Last offered:  Spring 2019.
  • MATH 170 (Calculus II) – Last offered:  Spring 2019.
  • MATH 210 (Calculus III) – Last offered:  Fall 2019.

The following courses have been added (course descriptions can be found here):

  • MATH 140 (Calculus I with Precalculus, Part 1) – First offered:  Fall 2019.
  • MATH 141 (Calculus I with Precalculus, Part 2) – First offered:  Spring 2020.
  • MATH 151 (Calculus I) – First offered:  Fall 2019.
  • MATH 152 (Calculus II) – First offered:  Fall 2019.
  • MATH 211 (Vector Calculus and Several Variable Integration) – First offered:  Spring 2020.
  • MATH 270 (Optimization and Approximation) – First offered:  Fall 2020.

If I matriculated prior to fall 2019, how will I complete my major or minor if a required calculus course will no longer be taught?

  • No student will be left unable to complete their desired major and minor.
  • The Mathematics Department has worked closely with other departments on campus to ensure a smooth transition to the new curriculum, including appropriate course substitutions. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor to discuss any required mathematics courses they still need to complete, as well as the recommended substitutions.

Recommended course substitutions:

Old Course Recommended Substitution
MATH 157 (Calculus I for Social/Life Sciences) MATH 140 (Calculus I with Precalculus, Part 1)
MATH 158 (Calculus II for Social/Life Sciences) MATH 141 (Calculus I with Precalculus, Part 2)
MATH 159 (Precalculus) MATH 140 (Calculus I with Precalculus, Part 1)
MATH 160 (Calculus I) MATH 151 (Calculus I)
MATH 170 (Calculus II) MATH 152 (Calculus II)