Choosing Courses

Choosing the First Math Course at U.C. Berkeley

Q:     WHICH MATH COURSE SHOULD I ENROLL IN?

A:     That depends on your math background and your intended major (see below). Math 16A-16B covers much of the same basic topics as Math 51-52 (formerly 1A-1B), but lacks in-depth calculus and so is less rigorous and demanding. Math 10A-10B covers calculus and discrete topics that are particularly appropriate for intended life science majors. Mathematics 3 (formerly 32), Precalculus, is designed to prepare students for Mathematics 51 or 16A. Prerequisites for Math 3 is 3 years of high school mathematics.

On a side note, Math 16A-16B are referred to as a “terminal one-year calculus sequence,” because they do not prepare you to continue in math. In order to take Math 53 or 54, you must pass Math 51-52 (or equivalent) with a letter grade of C- or better. The Math 10 series covers the calculus in the 51-52 series, but at a faster pace, since it also covers combinatorics and probability.

Q:     DO I HAVE TO TAKE A PLACEMENT EXAM?

A:   Students do not need to take a placement exam to enroll in their first math courses. 

• Please note that for Math 3, you should also have received:
  
  at least a score of 560 on the SAT I: Math or
  at least a score of 570 on the SAT II: Math Level I, or
  at least a score of 520 on the SAT II: Math Level II/IIC.