Which Math or Stats Course Should I Take ?

STA 108 Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics helps you understand what is going on in today’s data-driven world around you. STA 108 will expose the students to the basic statistical rudiments necessary to be an informed member of society. STA 108 is a course that teaches how to collect, organize, analyze, and make sense out of collected data.

Take STA 108 if you want to learn how:

• the mean (or average) is not the most trusted measure that we should use in our daily lives.
• to read numbers/data correctly, make predictions, and draw your own conclusions from it.
• the result of a survey, poll, or study makes or doesn’t make methodological sense.

**Note: The Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test (SRDT) is no longer required to register for STA-108. However, for Summer 2025, the system has not been updated to reflect the discontinued SRDT. Please email mathstats@uncg.edu or the instructor of the course to obtain an override for registration. (The system should be updated to register for STA-108 courses offered in the Fall 2025 semester.)

MAT 112 Contemporary Topics in Mathematics covers basic math, from ancient Greek discoveries to modern applications.

Following Kronecker’s premise (see top right), we start with integers and the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The course shows how math is applied in real-world scenarios, especially in the digital age and liberal arts. It ends with a focus on public key cryptography. The content is thorough yet easy to understand for the intended audience.

Take MAT 112 if you:

• Have basic knowledge of addition, subtraction, and multiplication.Struggle with algebra.
• Want to explore surprising math applications and dive into interesting areas of mathematics.
• Are curious about how your computer securely connects to websites.
• Want to understand that public key cryptography isn’t magic.

To get a better idea of what this course is about check out:

MAT 118 Algebra with Business Applications is an introductory survey of algebra with emphasis on techniques and applications related to business. It also serves as a one-semester preparation for MAT 120 Calculus with Business Applications. It is not intended for students that plan to take MAT 196 Calculus A.

Take MAT 118 if you:

• Want to learn real-world applications of algebra to various subjects that you might use in your personal life or job.
• Are thinking of becoming a business major: MAT 118 is a prerequisite to MAT 120 Business Calculus which is a requirement of most degrees in the business school. MAT 118 teaches you the algebra techniques you need to master in order to succeed in MAT 120

In MAT 118 Students will complete projects in case studies to apply these techniques to real-world situations. Students will formulate decisions based on quantitative arguments and communicate these decisions in laymen terms.

MAT 120 Calculus with Business Applications provides students an opportunity to appreciate certain concepts in fundamental mathematics, especially functions, limits, derivatives, and applications of the derivative with emphasis on applications in business and social sciences. MAT 120 is a terminal course and not adequate preparation for MAT 296 Calculus B.

Take MAT 120 if:

• Your program requires you to take MAT 120 Calculus with Business Applications.
• You liked algebra and are interested in a brief overview of differential calculus.
• You want to learn how math can be useful for business & economics majors.

If you are required to take MAT 120, please take the placement test first. You may be able to skip the prerequisite to MAT 120, that is, MAT 118.

Biology students should take the math courses that are specifically tailored for Biology: MAT 183 and MAT 184

MAT 183 Mathematics for Life Sciences covers elementary mathematics topics with emphasis on applications in biology, including quantities and units, algebraic operations, linear equations, nonlinear equations, simultaneous equations, graphs and functions, basic trigonometry.

Take MAT 183 if you:

• Are a biology major (BA or BS) and you do not have transfer credit for MAT 190 Precalculus.

MAT 184 Calculus for Life Sciences introduces you to the applicability of calculus to the life sciences. You will also receive practical computational training suitable to upper level study in the biological sciences.

Take MAT 184 if you:

• Are a biology major (BS).

Calculus

MAT 196 Calculus A, MAT 296 Calculus B, and MAT 396 Calculus C are the main courses of our calculus sequence. They cover differential calculus (derivatives), integral calculus, and multi-dimensional calculus.

Take Calculus if:

• Your program requires Calculus.
• You need Calculus for a graduate or professional school.
• You want to strengthen your degree with a Mathematics or Statistics Minor.
• You like mathematics.

There are three entry points into the calculus sequence, namely:

• MAT 115 College Algebra or MAT 190 Precalculus or MAT 196 Calculus A

The course, MAT 115 College Algebra, prepares for MAT 190 Precalculus, and MAT 190 Precalculus gets you ready for MAT 196 Calculus A.  There is also a support course MAT 181 Foundations of Calculus which can be taken concurrently with MAT 196.

Before registering any of these you need to take the Math Placement Assessment to determine which is the best entry point into the calculus sequence for you.