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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Solid foundation for university calculus

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation for preparing for university-level calculus. Many highlight the clarity of the lectures and the helpfulness of the exercises in reinforcing concepts. Students appreciate that the course builds effectively on high-school math, making the transition smoother. The self-paced structure is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, allowing flexibility. While some find the difficulty level appropriate for beginners, a few note that it might be too basic for those already comfortable with the fundamentals.

Flexible schedule allows learning at own pace.

"I really appreciated the self-paced nature of the course."

"Being able to go back and rewatch lectures was very helpful."

"The flexibility of the schedule made it easy to fit into my busy life."

"Learning at my own pace allowed me to truly understand the material."

Suited for those needing foundational review.

"Perfect course if you need to brush up on high school math before college."

"As someone who struggled with calculus before, this course was a great start."

"It's designed for those with some background but needing a solid review."

"The pace and level are perfect for beginners or those returning to math."

Exercises reinforce learning effectively.

"The exercises after each video module are really helpful."

"Working through the practice problems solidified my understanding."

"I found the homework assignments challenging but fair, really good for practice."

"The interactive exercises were great for checking my understanding immediately."

Concepts are explained clearly and concisely.

"The explanations are very clear and easy to follow."

"I liked how the instructor explained each topic step-by-step. It made calculus seem less intimidating."

"The video lectures were concise and the concepts were explained well."

"The clarity of the explanations really helped me grasp difficult topics."

Prepares well for introductory university courses.

"This course is an excellent preparation for university calculus."

"I feel much more confident starting my degree after taking this."

"It covered all the necessary prerequisites I needed for my first calculus class."

"Successfully bridged the gap between high school and university math."

May be too easy for those with stronger background.

"If you already have a strong calculus background, this might be too simple."

"I found some parts to be a bit of a review of what I already knew."

"For advanced students, it might not offer enough challenge."

"Could use more complex examples for those beyond the absolute basics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pre-University Calculus with these activities:

Read Calculus Textbook

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Reading a Calculus textbook can provide you with a deeper understanding of the concepts and theorems covered in class.

View Notetaking Guide for Stewart's Calculus: Early... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the required textbook for the course.
Set aside dedicated time for reading the textbook.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Complete the practice problems and exercises in the textbook.

Watch Online Calculus Lectures

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Watching online Calculus lectures can help you learn at your own pace and reinforce the concepts covered in class.

Browse courses on Calculus

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Find reputable online sources for Calculus lectures.
Set aside dedicated time for watching the lectures and taking notes.
Pause the lectures when necessary to take breaks or review the material.
Take quizzes or practice problems to test your understanding.

Solve Calculus Problems

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Practicing Calculus problems will help you strengthen your understanding of the concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Calculus

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Review the course materials and identify areas where you need more practice.
Find online resources or textbooks with practice problems.
Start solving problems regularly, aiming for at least 30 minutes per day.
Check your answers and identify any errors.
Seek help from your instructor or classmates if you get stuck.

Two other activities

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Join a Study Group

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Joining a study group can provide you with support, accountability, and opportunities to discuss and clarify concepts.

Browse courses on Calculus

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Find classmates who are also taking the course and are interested in forming a study group.
Decide on a regular meeting time and place.
Set goals for each study session and prepare accordingly.
Work together to solve problems, review material, and quiz each other.

Create Calculus Mind Maps

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Creating Calculus mind maps can help you visualize the relationships between different concepts and improve your understanding.

Browse courses on Calculus

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Start by identifying the main topics in each chapter or module.
Use different colors, shapes, and images to represent different concepts.
Draw arrows and lines to show the connections between concepts.
Add notes and examples to provide more detail.

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineering Consultant

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems 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

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

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

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

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

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Advisor