The Mathematics Department in the College of Natural Sciences offers two different calculus sequences, each of which covers the same material, but at a different pace.  All courses consist of 3 hours of lecture/week and 2 hours of discussion.  Students are expected to attend all 5 hours.  The first semesters of these sequences have different ALEKS assessment requirements.  Please read on to see which might fit your circumstances as you begin your study of the calculus at UT.

• M408C is the first semester in the accelerated two-semester sequence (M408C/D).   This course moves approximately three times as fast as a high school calculus course.  In order to be successful in this intense class, you will need to be outstanding in your mathematical skill, and should have already taken calculus in high school.  Examples of such students include those who did well on their AP exams, but in order to solidify their understanding did not claim the calculus credit they earned, and students who have always excelled in and enjoy the challenges of mathematics.  Students have to be willing to put in the extra effort required to move at such a rapid pace through difficult material.  You must earn an 80% or better on ALEKS to take this course.

• M408N/ M408K is the first semester in the standard three-semester sequence (M408N/S/M for CNS students, M408K/L/M for non-CNS students).  This course moves approximately twice as fast as a high school calculus course.  In order to be successful in this class, you need to be confident of your algebra and trigonometry skills and your functions and logarithm skills. As the semester progresses, you need to independently strengthen any areas in which you find you are weak.  While we teach the course assuming you have not had calculus before, data indicates that those with previous calculus coursework are more often successful.  Examples of such students might include those who took calculus in high school, but scored low on the AP exam or did not take the exam; and students who have always enjoyed mathematics, and made excellent grades in all math classes, including an A in precalculus, but who did not take calculus.  You must earn a 70% or better on ALEKS to take this course.
  

No matter which calculus sequence you choose, you will find university-level calculus unlike your high school calculus courses in several ways.  Material is covered more rapidly, and you must spend 8-10 hours outside the classroom in order to learn the material.  It is expected that you precisely articulate the mathematics you are using.  It is expected that you understand the concepts as well as work problems.  Further, grades are determined almost entirely by 3-4 exams, and you must be capable of recognizing your own weaknesses and asking for assistance.  Perhaps most importantly, it is essential that you are self-motivated – you will not have anyone looking over your shoulders to ensure you are doing enough work to gain the skills and understanding required to do well in the course.