On-Ramp to AP* Calculus from edX

Want to take an AP Calculus class, but aren’t sure you are ready? Want to review some of your precalculus topics before your AP class begins? Want a preview of the big ideas of AP Calculus and math? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this math course is for you.

We’ll preview the concepts behind both derivatives and integrals as well as review many of the precalculus topics most relevant to AP Calculus such as: Trigonometric functions, Exponents & Logarithms, Sequences & Series, Limits.

*Advanced Placement® and AP® are trademarks registered and/or owned by the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, these offerings.

What you'll learn

How to find rates of change
How to use areas to turn rates of change into totals
Review precalculus topics such as: Trigonometric Functions, Exponents & Logarithms, Sequences & Series, Limits

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to find rates of change
How to use areas to turn rates of change into totals

Review precalculus topics such as: trigonometric functions, exponents & logarithms, sequences & series, limits

How to find rates of change
How to use areas to turn rates of change into totals
Review precalculus topics such as: trigonometric functions, exponents & logarithms, sequences & series, limits

Syllabus

Lesson #1: Introduction

Lesson #2: Rates of Change

Lesson #3: Adding up the Changes

Lesson #4: Working with Exponents

Lesson #5: Review of Trigonometry

Lesson #6a: Limits at Finite Values – Graphical

Lesson #6b: Limits at Finite Values – Numerical

Lesson #6c: Limits at Infinity

Lesson #7a: Sequences and Series

Lesson #7b: The Idea of Convergence

Wrap up

Final Exam

Why Calculus?

Exponents & Logarithms

Using Trigonometry

The Concept of a Limit

Series Basics

Get Ready for AP Calculus

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a gentle introduction to AP Calculus for bright high schoolers

Covers important precalculus topics such as trigonometry, exponents, logarithms, sequences, and series

Taught by experienced educators in the field, Natalie Griswold and John Monz

Offers opportunities to practice finding rates of change and using areas to solve problems

Optional step-by-step guidance and interactive elements can aid in understanding

May need to supplement with additional resources for a more comprehensive preparation for AP Calculus

Career center

Learners who complete On-Ramp to AP* Calculus will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans. Calculus is a critical tool for oceanographers, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of the ocean currents. This course may be useful for aspiring Oceanographers, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Materials Scientist

Materials scientists develop new materials with improved properties, such as strength, durability, and conductivity. Calculus is a critical tool for materials scientists, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of materials under load. This course may be useful for aspiring Materials Scientists, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers design, develop, and operate chemical plants, which produce a wide variety of products, including fuels, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Calculus is a critical tool for chemical engineers, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of chemical processes. This course may be useful for aspiring Chemical Engineers, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers design, develop, and maintain medical devices and systems. Calculus is a critical tool for biomedical engineers, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of biological systems under load. This course may be useful for aspiring Biomedical Engineers, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Calculus is a critical tool for civil engineers, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of structures under load. This course may be useful for aspiring Civil Engineers, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear engineers design, develop, and maintain nuclear power plants. Calculus is a critical tool for nuclear engineers, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of nuclear reactors. This course may be useful for aspiring Nuclear Engineers, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and other related systems. Calculus is a critical tool for aerospace engineers, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of aircraft and spacecraft in flight. This course may be useful for aspiring Aerospace Engineers, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems, such as power plants, electrical grids, and telecommunications networks. Calculus is a critical tool for electrical engineers, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of electrical systems under load. This course may be useful for aspiring Electrical Engineers, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Astronomer

Astronomers study the universe beyond our planet. Calculus is a critical tool for astronomers, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of stars, planets, and galaxies. This course may be useful for aspiring Astronomers, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment. Calculus is a critical tool for environmental scientists, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of the environment. This course may be useful for aspiring Environmental Scientists, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design, develop, and maintain mechanical systems, such as engines, turbines, and robots. Calculus is a critical tool for mechanical engineers, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of mechanical systems. This course may be useful for aspiring Mechanical Engineers, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Physicist

Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature. Calculus is a critical tool for physicists, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of matter and energy. This course may be useful for aspiring Physicists, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physicist

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere. Calculus is a critical tool for meteorologists, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of the weather. This course may be useful for aspiring Meteorologists, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's history and structure. Calculus is a critical tool for geologists, as it allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of the Earth's crust. This course may be useful for aspiring Geologists, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, as well as a review of precalculus topics such as trigonometry and exponents. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Software Architect

Software architects are the masterminds behind many of the software systems we use today, from mobile applications to enterprise software. This course may be useful for aspiring Software Architects, as it provides a strong foundation in calculus, which is essential for understanding the mathematical underpinnings of software systems. By taking this course, you will gain the skills needed to design, develop, and maintain complex software systems.

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On-Ramp to AP* Calculus

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