How to Place Yourself in a UC Denver Math Class

Please see your college advisor to determine which math class is appropriate for the degree you are considering. In general:

MATH 1010 (Mathematics for the Liberal Arts) is a math course taken by students who do not need any additional math courses. The prerequisite is three years of high school mathematics. This course will not help prepare you for other math courses.

MATH 1070 (Algebra for Social Sciences and Business) is a course required for all business majors. The prerequisite is intermediate algebra and a satisfactory score on the prerequisite exam. Please allow yourself up to 6 weeks to review material for this class. You cannot get credit for this class and MATH 1110 (the material is too similar).

MATH 1110 (College Algebra) is required for some degrees, and is needed as a prerequisite to get into calculus (MATH 1401). Normally MATH 1110 is followed by MATH 1120 (College Trigonometry). The prerequisite is intermediate algebra and a satisfactory score on the prerequisite exam. Please allow yourself up to 6 weeks to review material for this class. You cannot get credit for both this class and MATH 1070, and you cannot get credit for both this class and MATH 1130.

MATH 1130 (Precalculus Mathematics) prepares students for taking calculus (MATH 1401). Students who are not prepared for MATH 1401 take either (1) MATH 1110 followed by MATH 1120 or (2) MATH 1130. Because MATH 1130 covers the same amount of material as MATH 1110 and MATH 1120 in one 4-credit-hour class, it moves much more quickly. Students who take MATH 1130 have usually had a course in college algebra and trigonometry, but need to review this material. To review prerequisite material for this class we recommend purchasing ALEKS on-line tutorial software, which costs about $30 for access for 6 weeks. You cannot get credit for both MATH 1110 and MATH 1130, and you cannot get credit for both MATH 1120 and MATH 1130.

MATH 1401 (Calculus I) is the first of three courses in calculus and is required for engineering, math, and some science majors. Economics students who may obtain a graduate degree should also consider taking this course (see your academic advisor). The prerequisite is (1) MATH 1110 and 1120 or (2) MATH 1130, and a satisfactory score on the prerequisite exam. Please allow yourself up to 6 weeks to review material for this exam.