The calculus sequence Math 131–132 (and 233) is intended primarily for majors in  engineering, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, etc. By contrast, the calculus sequence Math 127–128 is intended primarily for majors in management and the life and social  sciences.

What’s the difference?

Math 127–128 does emphasize applications to economics, biology, economics, and some other life and social sciences. As with Math 131–132, Math 127–128 does cover the basic ideas of single-variable calculus. (And it covers a bit of multivariable calculus and an introduction to differential equations as well.)

For this breadth, Math 127–128 sacrifices depth. In a sense, Math 127–128 is “calculus lite”:  the technical level of mathematics is much lower. Specifically, the symbolic (algebra-like) skills involved in Math 127–128 are fewer and at a much more elementary level than those in Math 131–132. The kinds of problems attacked typically never reach the number of steps of reasoning and calculation common in Math 131–132.

Because of this difference in depth, Math 127–128 does not prepare you for many subsequent math courses, e.g.,  differential equations or a calculus-using probability and statistics course).

Math 131–132 involves applications relevant to engineering and the physical sciences. It covers only single-variable calculus (for multivariable calculus, you would take Math 233 after Math 132).

Math 131–132 requires significantly greater facility with algebra, and with correctly carrying out long chains of symbolic manipulations, than does Math 127–128. Math 131 uses trigonometric functions from the very start; Math 127 does not use trig. The  type of problems solved in Math 131–132 are often more difficult than those in Math 127–128.

Nonetheless, a mathematically well-prepared student from any major — especially one who might be taking more math beyond calculus — should consider Math 131–132 instead of  127–128.

If you are a major in management or a life or social science and still uncertain as to which one of these calculus sequences you should be taking, be sure to consult with an advisor in your major and/or an advisor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

But beware if an advisor in Management or one of the life or social sciences tries to tell you something like “Math 127–128 is just as strong a course as Math  131–132.” It's simply not true!

There’s one other difference between the two calculus sequences:  Math 131 and 132 are 4-credit courses taught in lecture sections of 30 to 60 students along with weekly recitation sections of 30 students. Math 127 and 128 are 3-credit courses taught in large lecture sections, with 250 students or more in a section.

Disclaimer:  Opinions offered on this page are those of the author, and not necessarily official recommendations of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

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