Pre-University Calculus from edX

Mathematics is the language of Science, Engineering and Technology. Calculus is an elementary mathematical course in any Science and Engineering Bachelor. Pre-university Calculus will prepare you for the Introductory Calculus courses by reviewing five important mathematical subjects that are assumed to be mastered by beginning Bachelor students: functions, equations, differentiation, integration and analytic geometry. After this course you will be well prepared to start your university calculus course. You will learn to understand the necessary definitions and mathematical concepts needed and you will be trained to apply those and solve mathematical problems. You will feel confident in using basic mathematical techniques for your first calculus course at university-level, building on high-school level mathematics. We aim to teach you the skills, but also to show you how mathematics will be used in different engineering and science disciplines.

Education method

This is a self-paced course consisting of 7 modules (or weeks) and 1 final exam. The modules consist of a collection of 3-5 minute lecture videos, inspirational videos on the use of mathematics in Science, Engineering and Technology, (interactive) exercises and homework.

The videos, practice exercises and homework are available free of charge in the audit track. In the ID-verified track, necessary if you pursue a certificate, you can additionally access the final exam.

This course has been awarded with the 2016 Open Education Award for Excellence in the category 'Open MOOC' by the Open Education Consortium.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand, visualize and manipulate different elementary functions, like power functions, roots, polynomials, trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions;
Understand, visualize and solve equations and inequalities involving these elementary functions;
Understand the concept of differentiation and calculate the derivatives of compositions of elementary functions;

Understand the concept of integration and to use some elementary integration techniques;
Understand, visualize and manipulate geometric objects in the plane, such as vectors, lines, circles and more general curves.

Understand, visualize and manipulate different elementary functions, like power functions, roots, polynomials, trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions;
Understand, visualize and solve equations and inequalities involving these elementary functions;
Understand the concept of differentiation and calculate the derivatives of compositions of elementary functions;
Understand the concept of integration and to use some elementary integration techniques;
Understand, visualize and manipulate geometric objects in the plane, such as vectors, lines, circles and more general curves.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops differentiation and integration skills, which are core skills for Engineering and Science

Taught by Bart van den Dries, Roelof Koekoek, Wolter Groenevelt, Fokko van de Bult, Iris Smit, who are recognized for their work in Mathematics

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in important mathematical subjects that are assumed to be mastered by beginning Bachelor students

Reviews five important mathematical subjects that are assumed to be mastered by beginning Bachelor students

Is self-paced, which offers flexibility for students to learn at their own speed

Is a pre-university Calculus course, which is meant for students preparing for higher-level Calculus courses

Reviews summary

Introductory calculus course

Learners say that this is a great Pre-University introductory Calculus course that largely positive reviews. One learner says "it teaches some useful concepts that I still remember." It is considered a basic introduction to Calculus. The course content is comprehensive and helpful for preparing for university-level calculus. The instructors are knowledgeable and supportive and the interactive exercises and quizzes help solidify concepts. However, some video lectures are rushed, which makes it hard to grasp some topics.

Exercises and quizzes help solidify concepts.

"The interactive exercises and quizzes helped solidify my understanding of the concepts."

Instructors are knowledgeable and supportive.

"The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive."

Some video lectures are rushed.

"However, some video lectures felt a bit rushed, making it challenging to grasp certain topics."

Career center

Learners who complete Pre-University Calculus will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Engineering Consultant

Engineering Consultants provide technical expertise to solve complex engineering problems. They help design and implement innovative solutions for a variety of clients. To succeed in this role, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics and problem-solving skills. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build these skills by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts such as functions, equations, differentiation, integration, and analytic geometry. These concepts are essential for understanding the principles of engineering and applying them to real-world problems.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical skills to assess risk and uncertainty. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare. To be successful as an Actuary, it is important to have a strong understanding of mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses improve their operations by analyzing data and making recommendations for change. To be successful in this role, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to solve complex problems in a variety of industries, including logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. To be successful in this role, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They work in a variety of industries, including government, healthcare, and market research. To be successful as a Statistician, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. To be successful as a Software Engineer, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use statistical and mathematical techniques to analyze data and extract insights. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. To be successful as a Data Analyst, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance by providing advice on strategy, operations, and technology. To be successful in this role, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. They work in a variety of industries, including investment banking, asset management, and hedge funds. To be successful as a Quantitative Analyst, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts conduct research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. They use this information to help businesses make informed decisions about their products and services. To be successful in this role, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They work closely with users to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. To be successful in this role, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

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Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors help individuals and businesses manage their finances. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. To be successful in this role, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

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Investment Analyst

Investment Analysts evaluate and recommend investments. They work in a variety of industries, including investment banking, asset management, and hedge funds. To be successful as an Investment Analyst, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. They work in a variety of industries, including investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance. To be successful as a Financial Analyst, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use statistical and mathematical techniques to extract insights from data. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. To be successful as a Data Scientist, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus. The Pre-University Calculus course can help you build this foundation by providing you with a comprehensive review of important mathematical concepts. This course can also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist