<p>I have to make my decision of whether to transfer to Duke TONIGHT, and am trying to figure out my academic plan. I want to obtain a B.A. in biology, and it says on the description for the department that it requires only through intro chem and <em>calc I</em> – this is ideal for me. On the course planning guide, however, it seems to show two semesters of calc. ([Duke</a> Department of Biology](<a href=“http://www.biology.duke.edu/undergrad/requirements/major2010.html]Duke”>http://www.biology.duke.edu/undergrad/requirements/major2010.html)) </p>
<p>Is 25/26 sequence the same as a high school AP calc course? Is there any way to just take one calc class for the A.B.? Which of the options are easiest? I have no background in calc and am not a strong math student since it’s been years since I’ve taken precal. Professor recommendations would help also.</p>
<p>Any suggestions on which courses to take/what the typical sequence is for someone in my position would be SO HELPFUL. Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m not a bio major, but I may be able to help. As you said, you only have to take Calc I for the A.B. At Duke, there are a couple ways you can fulfill the Calc I requirement. First option is to take Math 31L, which is the equivalent of AP Calc AB in a semester. The other option would be to take 25L and then 26L (each 1 semester long). 25L and 26L together amounts to the same class as 31L - so things will move at a slightly slower pace and I believe there is a longer review of functions, etc. at the beginning of the course. That is why it appears on the course planning guide that you have to take two semesters of Calc…if you choose the 25L/26L route you WILL have to take two semesters, but it’s still just Calc I. </p>
<p>So to answer your question: Yes, there is a way to take just one calc class for the A.B. if you take Math 31L rather than 25L and 26L. To be honest, I’d rather just get it done with in 1 semester, but if you feel like math really isn’t a strong point, you may want to consider 25L/26L. I took 31L with zero calc background and a year since I had taken pre-calc, and I did really well…but I tend to think of math as one of my strengths. If you take 31L, try to get Prof. Tomberg. He was fantastic, really helpful, and wanted to see his students succeed. I don’t think he’s teaching it in the Fall, but I believe he’ll teach it in the Spring. Prof. Blake is teaching it this Fall, and I’ve heard good things about him though I don’t have experience with him as a teacher. I would really strongly recommend trying to take the course with a “real” professor and not a grad student, as grad students tend to be more hit-or-miss. </p>
<p>Hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions!</p>
<p>Hey, thanks so much… that really helps! I appreciate it!</p>