A Closer Look at CORE Fundamental Studies

The University wants you to get off to a good start academically, to acquire and use the tools that will help you succeed in your studies and achieve your academic, professional, and personal goals. The CORE Fundamental Studies requirements in English and mathematics provide powerful tools for your success. We think they are so important that we want you to understand their intent and potential for you. It is well worth your time to heighten your awareness of these requirements and what you can get out of them by putting your best efforts into them right from the start.

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Fundamental Studies Mathematics

Undergraduates are required to attempt the Fundamental Studies Mathematics requirement within their first 30 credits, and successfully complete the requirement by 60 credits.

Permission of the Department of Mathematics is required to register for entry-level mathematics courses since statistics have shown that the majority of students who enroll in an entry-level math course beyond that indicated by their score on the Math Placement Test either withdraw from the course or earn D's or F's. The entry-level credit courses are listed below and course descriptions are available through the math department:

MATH 110: Elementary Mathematical Models

MATH 111: Introduction to Probability

MATH 112: College Algebra with Applications and Trigonometry

MATH 113: College Algebra with Applications

MATH 115: Pre-calculus

MATH 130: Calculus I for the Life Sciences

MATH 140: Calculus I

MATH 220: Elementary Calculus I

STAT 100: Elementary Statistics and Probability,

*Note* MATH 110 is a terminal course in mathematics, and does not lead to other mathematics courses. Students take MATH 110 if they need a Fundamental Studies mathematics course and do not plan to go on in a major that requires another math course.

Almost all students can be successful in MATH 110 if they attend class, do the homework, and do all the projects. If you have any questions about the coursework, then it is important to see your instructor and/or go to the MATH 110 tutoring hours right away - don't fall behind!

All students entering UM take the Math Placement Test with one exception: transfer students who have successfully completed a calculus course at a two- or four-year institution are exempt. The Math Placement Test is designed to aid you in successfully completing your University and major mathematics requirements. The Math Placement Test is not a means to earn math credit or to satisfy the Fundamental Studies Mathematics Requirement.

Using the results of this test the student is placed into one of the Mathematics Department's courses. Students who do not place into one of these credit bearing courses (MATH 110, 111, 112, 113, 115 or higher) will be placed into the Developmental Math Program.

Students needing extra help with mathematics may contact the Math/Stat Help Center, part of the Learning Assistance Service on the second floor of the Shoemaker Building, 301-314-7693.

Fundamental Studies Mathematics: Additional Information

AP credits: AP credits may indicate that a student is ready for Calculus I, II, III, Differential Equations, or Linear Algebra. Please discuss this with your advisor.

SAT Scores: If you have a Math SAT score of 600 or higher, you fulfill the University's Fundamental Studies Math requirement but you do not earn math credit. You should check with your department to see if math credits and specific courses are required for your program of study.

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