<p>We read that Math 150 used to be a bear of a class (even if you had taken AP Calculus AB in high school and done fine) because of the "standardized" exams in the course . . . BUT that things had changed this past year (2013-14) and that the exams were no longer going to be standardized. Can anyone who took Math 150 this past year comment on that? Trying to decide which calculus to take (assuming no AP credit). Thank you. </p>
<p>Thank you for asking this! :)</p>
<p>Math 140 is a pretty easy calculus course. If it counts for your major, I’ve never seen any reason not to take it.</p>
<p>Hopefully some rising Sophomores are around to answer-- if not, try asking on the Facebook page and post back here with the response you get.</p>
<p>I took 150 this year, and took AB in high school. I got A’s and B’s in high school and A’s both semesters in college. It should be doable. The class requires studying but isn’t impossible. I ended with a 97ish in the second semester </p>
<p>Thank you, @Pancaked and @cincinnatikid. Cinci – Did they indeed change the types of tests given in 150 this past year? Also, nice grade – are you studying something like math/engineering (asking as someone who is not)?</p>
<p>Is there a big difference between 150 and 155 math levels? I see that 155 is a 4 credit course. </p>
<p>It’s similar to the difference between AP Calc AB and BC. Math 155a/b is an accelerated course that covers the material from Math 150a/b and Math 170. If your major requires higher level math courses, the Math 155 route saves you from taking an additional course. </p>
<p>If your major only requires basic calculus, I don’t really see any benefit to taking 155 over 150 (or 150 over 140, for that matter), assuming the standardized testing issue has been resolved-- based on Cincinattikid’s post, it does seem to be more fair now. </p>
<p>@concinnatkid question if you had the AP credit for AB why did you repeat 150 and not continue to 155? </p>
<p>I’m actually not sure. First semester the tests were definitely not standardized, but i’m pretty sure they were second semester. Anyway, it shouldn’t matter if it is or not. The professors still teach to the test either way. I’m studying Econ, and am decent at math. I would not recommend 140 at all. It is simply too easy, and you won’t learn that much. I took 150 because 155 is just too hard and I wanted an easier course load my first year. But i didn’t take 140 because i plan on taking multivariable eventually which I wouldn’t able to do with 140</p>
<p>My DD took AP Calc AB this year but doesn’t think she got a 5 on the exam. She was going to sign up for 155, but this sounds much harder than 150? Maybe she should sign up for 150 instead. She got A’s in the course so I think 140 would be too easy for her? She is a neuroscience major so I was under the impression that the science kids should take 155. </p>
<p>IMO, “science kids” should just take whatever their major requires.</p>
<p>For Neuro:</p>
<p>Mathematics (One of three options):</p>
<p>Option 1: MATH 140 and either BSCI 270 or PSY 209 or PSY-PC 2101
Option 2: MATH 150a and MATH 150b
Option 3: MATH 155a and MATH 155b</p>
<p>To me, Option 1 seems like the obvious choice. “Too easy” is a phrase you need to forget immediately. Your DD will be taking a lot of difficult courses and in my opinion there’s no particular reason to choose a harder courses when she could choose an easier one. If DD really enjoys calculus and would like a challenge, by all means, enroll in 155. If DD enjoys calculus and wants to basically take AB Calculus again, enroll in 150.</p>
<p>Calc 140 is specifically designed for “students who do not plan further study in calculus.”</p>
<p>DD’s adviser should be able to provide more insight. The Math website also has several sample tests from Math 150. <a href=“Calculus Preparation and Placement | Math Department | Vanderbilt University”>http://as.vanderbilt.edu/math/undergraduate/calculus-preparation-and-placement/</a></p>
<p>@cincinnatikid I plan on studying econ as well. I do not enjoy calculus however and would like to take it as little as possible. Does 140 satisfy the requirements for econ or do I need additional calc classes?</p>
<p>Thank you, @Pancaked!</p>
<p>I too don’t have any AP credits ( they aren’t even offered where I live! ). So I wrote to Professor Rafter in the math department, asking him what I should take considering the fact that I have already learnt the following in high school ( and the fact that I want to major in Econ)</p>
<p>1) Limits ( graphical and analytical)
2) Derivatives ( chain rule, implicit , second order , exponential, parametric and logarithmic differentiation , tangents and normals, rate of change, ,maxima and minima)
3) Integration ( by substitution, trigonometry , by parts and partial fraction method , using identities , definite integrals and its properties, applications of integration in area problems)
4) Differential equations- homogenous , linear and variable separable methods</p>
<p>He said that I should take 155 a. Hope that helps!</p>
<p>For those of you who are Econ majors, there are companies who will ask immediately if you took calculus and how you did. (Duke son/Econ major dropped first semester Calculus and started over when he had matured as a fall term sophomore) and had a competitive math team Duke star as a tutor. Also not sure what the GMAT covers, but if your goal is an MBA, take a look at the match between your semesters of Calc and the GMAT you may be taking as a senior or a year or two later. If you are heading towards a goal of Finance or hoping for a competitive consultation type job, be aware that some companies ask this immediately in interviews. Sorry to be a wet blanket. This was the first thing parents were told at Duke on Accepted Students day in a lecture from the Dean of Students. Vanderbilt students are just as much academic high school stars and Vandy grads are landing more berths in competitive companies than ever now. Be aware. Inquire more at Career Services, from upperclassmen and advisors. </p>
<p>^Just more reason to take the easiest calc class offered. If you take 150, Employers won’t even know/care that Vandy offers an accelerated version called 155. </p>
<p>Now, 140 is called “Survey of Calculus,” so that might not bode so well in an interview :P.</p>
<p>If you are an Econ major take 150 at least, and if you’re really good at calc (like really really good) take 155, don’t take 140, it is a joke. If you want to be successful (at anything really) you have to challenge yourself, calc is a good first step. </p>