MATH 105 (Math in Modern Society) or PHIL 110 (Logic
and Critical Thinking) or any three-unit mathematics course numbered above
MATH 105 is required of all students. The appropriate course for an individual student will depend on the
student's major and the corresponding math strand chosen (see the
descriptions of the math strands below).
Registration in all MATH courses below MATH 129, as well as MATH 160, MATH
263, and PHIL 110, requires all students to take the UA
Mathematics Readiness Test (MRT). Test scores are valid for one year. This requirement includes transfer students
with or without mathematics credit and students with credit by examination,
such as Advanced Placement, CLEP, or International Baccalaureate. The
MRT is administered by the University Testing Office in Old Main, Room 223,
(520) 621-7589.
Students may register only for a course at or below
the level placed into by their MRT score. Transfer credits in
mathematics may be used in conjunction with the MRT score for placement
purposes. In this case, students must contact the Mathematics Department
for advising about placement. Transfer credits in mathematics and credit
by AP, CLEP or IB do not exempt a student from taking the MRT in order to be
eligible for the courses listed above. New freshmen with a reported RSAT
1 mathematics score of at least 670 or an ACT mathematics score of at least 29
may register for MATH 120R or lower, as well as MATH 160 and MATH 263, without
taking the MRT. This waiver is only valid if the student begins taking
mathematics courses during their freshmen year.
If you would like more information about the Math
Readiness Test, math placement, or eligibility issues, visit the 
Math
Placement site. If you have questions, you can also contact the
Mathematics Department (520) 621-6892 or email the MRT Coordinator at mrt@math.arizona.edu.
Math Strands:
Entry-level mathematics students should choose one of three strands
according to their interests, preparation, and intended major. All strands
presume that students will have completed the high school math required for
entry to the University.
The three strands are:
G (General Knowledge) -- This strand involves a general
understanding and appreciation of how mathematics is used to solve problems
in everyday life; for example, the mathematics of voting and elections, or
of networks and paths. The G-strand does not prepare a student for any
further mathematically-based work: it is a terminal course. Only those
students whose major requires the most general knowledge of mathematics
would take this strand. The options for this strand are MATH 105
(Mathematics in Modern Society) and PHIL 110 (Logic and Critical Thinking).
To satisfy the mathematics requirement G-Strand, students must attain a
certain minimum score on the MRT. Each of these courses requires a
different score (see the chart provided on the
Math Placement Homepage).
M (Moderate Knowledge) -- The M-strand is for students
who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH
110
(Collegiate Algebra). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra
and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose
the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may
include MATH 114 (Finite Mathematics), MATH
113 (Elements of Calculus), or a
statistics class from outside the mathematics department.
S (Substantial Knowledge) -- This strand involves skill
and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus
options - MATH 124 (Calculus I with Applications) or MATH
125 (Calculus I).
Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH
129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the
S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.
Each major indicates the mathematics strand that is most appropriate for
its students. It is important to note that each strand provides a different
level of mathematical training, but students can satisfy the mathematics
requirement in their major by completing a more advanced mathematics course.
Because the S-strand presumes the M- strand and the M-strand presumes the
G-strand, students will have the most flexibility in their major choice by
aiming for the S-strand. A student who chooses to meet the general education
mathematics requirement with the G-strand will have the most restricted set of
major choices.
All questions about Mathematics Requirements and Math placement should be directed to:
Math Readiness Test Coordinator
Mathematics Bldg., Rm. 108
617 N. Santa Rita
Phone (520) 621-6892
Fax: (520) 621-8322
Email: mrt@math.arizona.edu
Math
Placement
Math Department
Other Foundations requirements include:
Related Information:
