MATH PLACEMENT University Level (Revised 11/10/2011)

Fall 2011

 

This web page describes further mathematics placement once you have been placed in the category  "eligible for General Education level math courses."

 

Being eligible for General Education (university) level math courses allows you to take an HSU mathematics or statistics courses that will satsify the HSU General Education requirement.

However there are some HSU general education mathematics and statistics courses that have a prerequisite mathematics background beyond the minimum required for a basic General Education level math course.

Also some major programs require specific courses that have a prerequisite mathematics background beyond that required for General Education level math courses.

At HSU this prerequisite mathematics content is covered in MATH 115, Algebra and Elementary Functions.  [For example, Math 115 is a prerequisite for courses such as calculus (MATH 105 or MATH 109), PHYS 106, CS 111,  ENGR 115,and STAT 109.]

Majors that require courses with Math 115 as a prerequisite include the following:

  • Biology (all options); Botany, Environmental Science (Ecological Restoration and Energy and Climate), Fisheries Biology, Forestry, Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation (GIS Remote Sensing and Planning options); Rangeland Resource Science (all options); Geology (Education option only); Wildlife (all options); Zoology.
  • Chemistry (B.S. program, Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology options, B.A. program, Chemical Technology option), Computer Science, Environmental Resources Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Oceanography, Physical Science, Physics (all options).
  • Notes:Economics also requires Math 115(not GE) or 109 (GE). Environmental Science (Policy Option) and Industrial Technology also require Math 115 . Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation (Individual Design) offers a choice between Stat 108 and Stat 109. Math 115 is a prerequisite for Stat 109

Students who previously have taken courses beyond a second year of algebra typically called trigonometry, precalculus, or math analysis may have already mastered most of the trigonometry and algebra content of Math 115 and be ready for a subsequent course.

If you have not covered trigonometry in your previous course work the Mathematics Department recommends you take Math 115 as required by the listed majors.

BYPASS MATH 115:


The HSU Mathematics Department offers the HSU Math Diagnostic Placement Test (MDPT) once to students free on campus to determine if a student is adequately prepared  to enroll in any course that has Math 115 as a prerequisite without taking Math 115. Such a student is classified as being "calculus ready."

Passing the MDPT with a satisfactory score

  • is evidence of readiness for subsequent courses such as calculus,
  • will change your placement category to "calculus ready" and
  • will allow you to register for any course that has Math 115 as a prerequisite.
  • can decrease the number of semesters for programmatic required mathematics at HSU

The HSU Mathematics Department will schedule on campus MDPT tests during HOP Sessions in June and August (specific dates and locations are to be announced).

Students who do not pass the MDTP will be given a diagnostic report of the results and will be allowed to take the test a second time for a fee at a later date.

To change your math placement category to "calculus ready" you can prepare for the MDPT by following  these suggested steps:

  1. Visit On-line Sample Calculus Readiness Test (SCR) which has more information about the content of the test. Prepare and take the self assessment test.

    It is recommended that you take the SCR test prior to taking the MDPT.

    The on-line test includes a diagnostic scoring report to help you identify strengths and weaknesses in some topic areas. The 40 question multiple-choice test should be taken without a calculator. The recommended time needed for taking each test is approximately one hour, but there is no enforced time limit.

  2. Use the diagnostic analysis from the SCR Test to review further in preparation for the MDPT.

  3. Plan to take the MDPT during your participation at the Humboldt Orientation Program (HOP) or as soon as you are ready for the test before registration for the term in which you wish to take a course with a Math 115 prerequisite. [We recommend taking the MDPT early so you can plan your courses and register early.] There is no penalty or cost for taking the MDPT once.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the Math Diagnostic Placement Test  and for list of further resources for preparing for the MDPT.