Mathematical Sciences

Scheduling of Courses in Mathematics

To help students make long-range curriculum plans, the department attempts to offer courses in a predictable fashion. Visit our website to view the most recent information about the mathematics curriculum.

Mathematics Placement Examination

Students planning to take their first IU South Bend mathematics course must take the placement examination. The examination is designed to help determine the level at which students should begin their mathematical studies.

The examination usually takes less than one hour to complete. Students should register at cf.iusb.edu/ss-placement/placementform.cfm to take placement examinations. Students can find information about math exam workshops and an online practice exam at www.iusb.edu/exams/workshops.php before taking the examination.

The test can place the student at one of the following levels:

Level 0 or Level 1

Students must successfully complete a developmental level course taught by Ivy Tech Community College instructors on the IU South Bend campus. It is a non-credit course and does not count towards degree requirements. To register for this course, students will see Holly Vinson in the Office of the Registrar (Administration Building, Room 139). Students are also encouraged to attend a math exam workshop (link above) and then retake the math placement exam to attempt to test at a higher level prior to the start of the semester.

Level 2

• MATH-A 100 Fundamentals of Algebra (4 cr.)

Students must successfully complete MATH-A 100 Fundamentals of Algebra (C or higher) to advance to Level 3.  MATH-A 100 Fundamentals of Algebra is a graded course. Consult with your advisor as to how it counts towards your major requirements. No IU South Bend student will be allowed to take MATH-A 100 Fundamentals of Algebra for credit if the student has already passed a 100-level math course.

Level 3

• MATH-K 300 Statistical Techniques for Health Professions
• MATH-M 107 College Algebra
• MATH-M 111 Mathematics in the World
• MATH-M 118 Finite Mathematics
• MATH-T 101 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 1
• Students must successfully complete MATH-M 107 College Algebra with a C- or higher to advance to Level 4.

Level 4

• MATH-M 115 Precalculus and Trigonometry (5 cr.)
• MATH-M 125 Precalculus Mathematics
• Students can move to Level 5 by successfully completing MATH-M 125 Precalculus Mathematics with a C- or higher. Students can move to Level 6 by successfully completing MATH-M 115 Precalculus and Trigonometry (or its two-semester equivalent, MATH-M 125 Precalculus Mathematics and MATH-M126 Trigonometric Functions), with a C- or higher.

Level 5

• MATH-M 119 Brief Survey of Calculus 1
• MATH-M 126 Trigonometric Functions (2 cr.)
• Students can move to Level 6 by successfully completing MATH-M 126 Trigonometric Functions or MATH-M 115 Precalculus and Trigonometry with a C- or higher.

Level 6

• MATH-M 215 Calculus I (5 cr.)
• Students at Level 6 have a solid mathematics background. Level 6 students can also enroll in MATH-M 118 Finite Mathematics or MATH-M 119 Brief Survey of Calculus 1 if these courses better fit their needs.