I've noticed that my college offers Survey of Calculus in addition to regular Calculus. I'm not a math major, but I do need a math course for my requirements. What's the difference between these classes, and which one is generally better for a non-math major? Any input would be appreciated, thanks!
In general, Survey of Calculus and regular Calculus cover similar topics but differ in their degree of depth, focus, and pacing. The main differences are as follows:
Survey of Calculus, sometimes called "Calculus for Business" or "Calculus for Social Sciences," is a one-semester course designed for students not majoring in the maths or sciences. It offers a more practical, real-world perspective, with a focus on applying calculus concepts to business, economics, or social sciences.
The course covers elementary topics like limit, differentiation, and integration, but in less depth and complexity compared to a regular Calculus series. It is typically a good choice for non-math majors because it is less intense and more approachable for those seeking a basic introduction to calculus.
Regular Calculus, on the other hand, is usually a two or three-semester sequence covering topics in more depth and with a stronger theoretical emphasis, intended for students majoring in math, science, and engineering fields.
It dives into more advanced topics like multi-variable calculus and may require a stronger foundation in pre-calculus or trigonometry. This series is more demanding than a Survey of Calculus course, but it provides a deeper understanding of the subject for those pursuing a math-related major.
As a non-math major, the Survey of Calculus course is likely a better choice for you, as it’s tailored to those with non-STEM majors and should provide a sufficient level of understanding for your program requirements. Students usually find Survey of Calculus to be more manageable and relevant to their fields of study, while non-STEM majors in a regular Calculus course might struggle with the precision, depth, and pacing.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.