KOREA UNIVERSITY

To students deciding between
“Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab”and “Calculus with Lab I. 1”

“Calculus with Lab I,” a course offered by the Department of Mathematics for the past several decades, is intended for the following students.

** Category 1 :
Students who did not complete “Differentiation and Integration” at the advanced level of the high school program
** Category 2 :
Students who completed “Differentiation and Integration” at the advanced level of the high school program, but do not feel confident about the subject
** Category 3 :
Students who completed “Differentiation and Integration” at the advanced level of the high school program, and feel confident about the subject

Recently, students falling with Category 1 have been admitted to science and engineering colleges, and there has been an increasing number of successful candidates who sat for the Type B mathematics test (College Scholastic Ability Test). As such, the Department of Mathematics offers calculus courses at three levels to meet the diverse needs of students.

First year students may choose the appropriate calculus course depending on their level of understanding and the requirements of their (future) major. Students will be able to optimize their academic performance by choosing a course most suited to their knowledge of the subject.

The Department of Mathematics recommends the following courses for the three categories of students.

** Category 1 : “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab (Interdepartmental Class)”
** Category 2 : “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab”
** Category 3 : “Calculus with Lab I”

“Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab (Interdepartmental Class)” is intended for students who lack basic knowledge of calculus or who studied liberal arts in high school. This is also recommended for students who graduated from high schools outside of Korea. This is the easiest among the three calculus courses. Graduates of high school science programs are not allowed to take this course.

“Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab” is for students who studied natural sciences in high school, but lack confidence in calculus or mathematics in general. The characteristics of this course is described below.

“Calculus with Lab I” is for students who exceled in “Differentiation and Integration” in high school and have confidence in their mathematical skills. Chapters overlapping with the high school curriculum are omitted (necessary when considering the number of topics that can be covered in one year).

Characteristics of “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab”

1. This course uses the same textbook as Calculus with Lab I, but thoroughly covers the first section on assumption that students have no knowledge of calculus. Calculus with Lab I assumes that students have some knowledge of calculus through Differentiation and Integration in high school and accordingly covers the first section only briefly.
2. The course consists of four class hours per week and one practice session. Some lecturers may choose to teach for five hours and integrate the practice sessions as necessary. “Calculus with Lab I” consists of three hours of class per week and one practice session. Again, some lecturers may choose to teach for four hours and mix in practice sessions as necessary.
3. To successfully complete “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab,” students must possess a level of knowledge equivalent to those who have completed “Calculus with Lab I.” Students should have no problem taking “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab” in the first semester, and “Calculus with Lab II” in the second semester. Students who complete “Basic Calculus and Matrices” are considered as having completed “Calculus with Lab I.” Students required to take “Calculus with Lab I” fulfill all conditions by completing “Basic Calculus and Matrices.” However, students are advised to check with their respective departments or affiliated organizations as different regulations may apply outside of the Department of Mathematics.
4. The English textbook for “Calculus with Lab I and II” is Thomas' Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 11th edition. The official textbook is the English version, but students may choose to refer to the Korean translation as a reference. Students are expected to be familiar with English terminology, and the exam questions are written in English only. In “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab,” students are given more explanation on English terminology and expressions during class.

Grading for “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab”

“Basic Calculus and Matrices” and “Calculus with Lab I” have partially or wholly different midterm and final exams. Grading for the two courses is performed separately. That is, students who receive 80 points can earn a B in “Basic Calculus and Matrices” but a C in “Calculus with Lab I”

Course Recognition for “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab”

As described above, students who complete “Basic Calculus and Matrices” are considered as having completed “Calculus with Lab I.”

Basic Mathematics Self-assessment Test for “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab”

Students can decide whether to sign up for “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab,” based on the Basic Mathematics Self-assessment Test. Students can download this two-hour test online and grade themselves. The website of the Department of Mathematics offers an answer sheet to the test and makes recommendations for students based on their results.

Note on Studying Calculus

Many chapters in “Calculus with Lab I” overlap with the high school curriculum. First year students tend to pay less attention in class during the first month and end up failing to catch up on their own after the mid-term. Students are strongly advised to avoid being overconfident and complacent and pay close attention in the first month. “Calculus with Lab II,” offered in the second semester, is quite different from what students may have learnt in high school. To successfully complete this course, students must build a strong foundation in basic courses such as “Elementary Mathematics and Calculus with Lab” and “Calculus with Lab I.”

Courses under consideration by the Department of Mathematics include “Differentiation and Integration” at the high school level and Advanced Calculus for students who are very confident in calculus.

February 19, 2009 Department of Mathematics, Korea University