Math Requirements For university programs in Ontario (Sept. 2014 entry)

Problem:

› Many students and parents believe that grade 12 university level math is required for all university programs - and similarly believe that academic level math must be taken throughout high school to be eligible for university admission.

› Why is that a problem?

those beliefs are erroneous students in wrong courses students without aptitude in math become

frustrated, disengaged; affects entire education experience

The solution?

EDUCATE students and parents (and teachers!) about the realities of university admission requirements…

Gr. 12 University-Level Math Courses:

MDM4U1 – Data Management

MHF4U1- Advanced Functions

MCV4U1- Calculus and Vectors

Grade 11 Prerequisites:

MDM4U1 = MCF3M1 or MCR3U1

MHF4U1 = MCR3U1 or MCT4C1

MCV4U1 = MHF4U1 (or co-requisite)

Academic level gr. 9 & 10 math required for MCR3U1 only

What programs require math? Engineering Aviation Mathematics/Statistics Computer Science Science & science-related programs Nursing (some exceptions) Kinesiology (some exceptions) Business Education (some exceptions) Architecture (one exception – U of T) Some Design programs

Nursing exceptions:

Only MCR3U1 or MCF3M1 required:

› Ryerson University › University of Ottawa› Western University

No math required (but recommended):

› Brock University› Laurentian University› Nipissing University› University of Windsor

Kinesiology exceptions:

Only MCR3U1 or MCF3M1 required:

› Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo campus) – BA in Kinesiology & Physical Education

No math required:

› Western University (BA or BSc)› University of Windsor (BHK)

Education exceptions: Depends on program of study (BSc. vs BA)

Depends on university (eg. math required for all education programs at Brock University)

Depends on age level (P/J; J/I; I/S) – generally no math requirement for BA/BEd programs at I/S level

Must check math requirements on a case-by-case basis

Programs not requiring math (not exhaustive):

Gerontology English Fine Arts French

Geography History Peace Studies Music

Political Science Music Psychology (BA) Social Work

Sociology Child Health Criminology Public Health

Dramatic Arts Humanities Journalism Philosophy

Multimedia Film Studies Labour Studies Theatre

Community Development

Public Affairs & Policy

Women’s Studies

Bio-Resource Management

Landscape Architecture

Outdoor Recreation

Modern Languages

Community Health

Religious Studies

Native Studies 2D & 3D Design Physical & Health Education

Interesting cases:

› Cognitive Sciences @ Carleton University – no math or science requirements

› Bachelor of Business Administration @ Nipissing – no math requirement

› Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce @ Nipissing (Muskoka) – no math requirement

› Architectural Studies @ U of T – no math or science requirements (but calculus & physics required for Masters program)

› MIDWIFERY (anywhere) – no math requirement

MHF4U1:This course extends students’ experience with functions. Students investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. This course is the prerequisite or co-requisite for MCV4U1.

Required for these programs: Engineering Architecture (except U of T) Aviation Computer Studies Mathematics/Statistics Most Business programs Many Economics programs Most Science programs Some Kinesiology programs

MCV4U1:This course builds on students’ previous experience with functions and their developing understanding of rates of change. Students solve problems involving geometric and algebraic representations of vectors and representations of lines and planes in three-dimensional space; broaden their understanding of rates of change to include the derivatives of polynomial, sinusoidal, exponential, rational, and radical functions; and apply these concepts and skills to the modelling of real-world relationships.

Required for these programs: Architecture (Waterloo) Engineering Computer Science Mathematics/Statistics Many Science programs Some Business/Commerce programs, including Economics (2

maths usually required)

MDM4U1:This course broadens students’ understanding of mathematics as it relates to managing data. Students apply methods for organizing and analyzing large amounts of information; solve problems involving probability and statistics; and carry out a culminating investigation that integrates statistical concepts and skills.

This math is unlike all the other high school mathematics courses – past performance in math does not predict how a student will fare in this course. Pathway can include applied level gr. 9/10 – gr. 11M – MDM4U1.

This math is seldom specifically required but is sufficient when a program requires “one 4U math”.

Programs that accept MDM4U1 as a program prerequisite:Many Business programs (as the second 4U math requirement)Most Education programsAll Nursing programsSome Kinesiology programs

McMaster University Math Requirements by Program:

Arts & Science – MHF4U1 or MCV4U1 Bachelor of Technology – MCV4U1 Business – any two 4U maths Computer Science – MCV4U1 Engineering – MCV4U1 Environmental & Earth Science – MHF4U1 or MCV4U1 Health Science – any 4U math Integrated Science – MHF4U1 & MCV4U1 Humanities – no math Kinesiology – MHF4U1 or MCV4U1 Life Sciences – MHF4U1 or MCV4U1 Mathematics & Statistics – MHF4U1 & MCV4U1 Medical Radiation Sciences – MHF4U1 & MCV4U1 Midwifery – no math Music – no math Nursing – any 4U math Physical Science – MHF4U1 & MCV4U1 Social Science – no math (but recommended for some programs) Studio Art – no math

Other University-bound Considerations:

6 gr. 12 U/M courses required for ALL programs (co-op does NOT count); most programs require ENG4U1

BEST 6 including prerequisite courses to calculate admission average

If math is recommended but not required, consider taking it as a 7th course if math is a weaker subject

2 spares recommended in grade 12

Admission requirements – www.electronicinfo.ca and individual university web sites

Recap:

Grade 12 University-Level math is NOT required for all university programs.

Different math courses are required for different programs – not all similar university programs have the same admission requirements.

Students who are in the applied level stream of math can still take a grade 12 university level math (MDM4U1) if they take grade 11 mixed math (MCF3M1).

Research program requirements!