Selecting Stage 1 Mathematics courses
From MathsDept
The Mathematics department has a range of entry-level courses, for all levels of preparation.
Contents |
Which course should I take?
Also see the Pathways into Mathematics brochure
| Background | Course | Notes |
| Students who have at least 18 credits in Calculus at NCEA Level 3, including at least 6 credits at merit or excellence (or equivalent); or B or better in CIE A2 Mathematics; or B+ in MATHS 102, or a pass MATHS 108;or equivalent | MATHS 150
| The gateway to further mathematics courses, for students intending to major in mathematics, statistics, physics, finance and econometrics or mathematical biology. It gives an introduction to the use of careful mathematical language and reasoning applied to univariate optimisation, matrix methods for linear equations, integration techniques and the solution of differential equations, and builds a strong foundation for further mathematical study. Recommended preparation for MATHS 250.
Note: We guarantee that all students who qualify for entry to MATHS 150 will, on average, get equivalent or better grades in MATHS 150 compared with MATHS 108 grades of students with similar background. That is, we ensure that there is no grade disadvantage in taking MATHS 150. Recommended preparation for MATHS 250. |
| Students who have at least 12 credits in NCEA Level 3 Calculus, or at least 18 credits in NCEA level 3 Statistics; C or D in CIE A2 or C or better in CIE AS; or MATHS 102. May not be taken after MATHS 150 | MATHS 108
| A general entry to mathematics for commerce and the social sciences, following year 13 mathematics. Selected topics in algebra and calculus and their applications including: sets, real numbers, integers; linear functions, linear equations and matrices; functions, equations and inequalities; limits and continuity; differential calculus of one and two variables; integral calculus of one variable. These are studied in general settings using applications from science, commerce and information systems. |
| Students who are enrolled in or have completed MATHS 108 or MATHS 150 | MATHS 162
| In this introduction to mathematical modelling and scientific computing, students will learn how to formulate mathematical models and how to solve them using numerical and other methods. A core course for students who wish to advance in Applied Mathematics. |
| Students who have at least 18 credits in Mathematics at NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent) and fewer than 12 credits in Calculus or Statistics at NCEA Level 3; or less than C in Mathematics CIE AS. | MATHS 102 Functioning in Mathematics | This introduction to calculus focuses on the development of mathematical skills and concepts leading up to calculus, through active participation in problems using functions to model real life contexts. Prepares students for further study, for instance, MATHS 108 andMATHS 150. |
| Students with no Level 3 Mathematics or Statistics and fewer than 12 credits in Mathematics at Level 2. | MATHS 101/101G Mathematics in Society | Students will encounter the role mathematics plays in understanding and guiding human activity. The teaching is thematic and students experience how fundamental mathematical ideas occur in modelling diverse features of our society such as the environment (eg, air pollution) and medicine (eg,burns, drug dosages). |
| Students with no formal background in Mathematics | MATHS 190/190G Great Ideas Shaping Our World | Mathematics contains many powerful and beautiful ideas that have shaped the way we understand our world. This course explores some of the grand successes of mathematical thinking. No formal mathematics background is required, just curiosity about topics such as infinity, paradoxes, cryptography, knots and fractals. |
| High-school students with an excellent mathematical background. Enrolment requires permission from Department | MATHS 153/MAX Accelerated Mathematics | For Year 13 High-School students only. UoA students should take MATHS 150. |
Refresher course
Students with marginal preparation are recommended to enrol to Superstart a MATHS 108, and MATHS 150 preparation course.
General Education
Mathematics General Education Courses: Both courses below can be used to fulfill the General Education requirements and can also be taken as a regular part of a BSc, BA or other degree as required.
- MATHS 101G - Mathematics in Society
- A course designed to build confidence in Mathematics while demonstrating the role it plays in understanding and guiding human activity.
- MATHS 190G - Great Ideas Shaping Our World
- This course explores the development and uses of some of the big advances in mathematical thinking. No formal background is required, just a curiosity about topics such as infinity, knots, fractals and paradoxes.
More information
For more information and help with planning a degree involving Mathematics, contact the Department of Mathematics Undergraduate Advisor, n/a Rm n/a, Ext n/a, homepage or ugadvice@math.auckland.ac.nz
- Office hours: by appointment.
