<p>I’m a freshman in the College of L&S. In my junior year of high school I took Pre-calculus and then during my senior year I took Statistics. Because I haven’t taken any form of Calculus, is it advisable to take Math 1A my first year at Cal? I’m planning on majoring in MCB and Math 16A doesn’t satisfy the major prerequisites. What are my options?</p>
<p>Math 1A is calc…so if you’ve taken pre-calc, you should be able to handle the material. However (from what I hear), the course itself is a “weeder” course- it’s difficult and the curve is pretty hard to beat. I can’t speak from experience though, that’s just what I’ve heard. But I would say, you’ve taken pre-calc, so you’re as prepared for the class as any other entering freshman, and besides, 16A won’t work, so it seems the choice is a pretty clear one…</p>
<p>Since 16A doesn’t work for MCB, take Math 1A. But, if you think it will be challenging for you because you only took pre-calculus in high school, make sure to get help when needed. Just ask your GSI questions during section and office hours and work with other students to make sure you do well in this “weeder” course.</p>
<p>I believe you can get partial credit for 1A after having taken 16A. The advantage, in your case, of taking 16A first is two-fold: 16A is an applied course so you will see how calculus is used in business, social science and life sciences and the course will introduce you to the concepts without all of the theory. Another of the biggest differences between the two is 1A’s emphasis on transcendental functions. If you were not a super-whiz in trigonometry and geometry, you should try 16A first. 1A is extremely heavy on trigonometric functions and very theory-oriented. A fair number of your classmates in 1A will have already taken Calculus AB in high school whereas your classmates in 16A will likely have stopped at Pre-Cal. Good luck!</p>