Math and Science for a student who wants a science-oriented major

[cathmom]

How far up do they need to go in math? I assume at least 4 years of science?

[Jane in NC]

Four years of math is usually expected for science oriented students (or those attending selective colleges). It seems that the standard for many students these days to go through the equivalent of first semester Calculus (Differential Calculus or AP Calculus AB.)

Again, your mileage can vary. Depending on the path that the student is taking, including statistics instead of calculus in high school may be a better choice.

Jane

[Janet in Toronto]

Universities in Canada require two maths in the senior year in high school: Calculus and Vectors ( I think this would be Algebra in the US) and minimum of two sciences (of three: Physics, Chemistry, Biology).

[fractalgal]

How far up do they need to go in math? I assume at least 4 years of science?

The more math, the better. ;)

[Sharon in MD]

I would anticipate working at least through Pre-calculus with trig and preferably 1 year of Calculus. The more strong the math background, the better prepared they will be. That said, the schools we have visited for our ds, now a senior, have indicated that most of the entering freshmen are taking the first level Calculus in the fall of their fr. year. There are some taking the second level and even a few taking pre-calc. All of them said he would have to take their placement test even if he had AP scores, so we are not going to bother with taking the AP test for calculus....seems like a waste of money to me.

For science, I'd plan to take it yearly through high school. If they are headed for life sciences, I would still do Bio, Chem, and Physics and then an advanced level life science. If they are headed toward engineering types of things, I'd do either adv Chem or Physics instead. Then I would consider doing an AP test for that. But....on the other hand, it might be nice to take the basic level as a freshman and do very well....especially if there are scholarship $$$ to protect. I know that Dr. Wile recommends NOT placing out of intro levels of the sciences if that is what you plan to major in. His opinion is that students should take the basic level at the college where they will be studying so that they will know the material that that particular school in emphasizing. He also seemed to think that getting a higher grade as a freshman because you already have some familiarity with the material is very helpful to most kids. I tend to agree with that thinking myself.

We also did a couple of basic programming classes through CTY for our ds and I think they were a good idea....kinda crossed between the math and sciences.

HTH

[ChemMommy]

Biology (pre-med): pre-calc in high school and Calc I in college. Most med/dental/PT/Pharmacy schools require one semester of calc at the college level. The better ones require two semesters. Competitive pre-meds have at least one semester in calc I in college.

Chemistry: minimum is pre-calc in high school and calc I in college. Far better is some calc in high school and through calc II in college. I'll push them to get a minor in math, though!

Physics/Engineering: minimum is calc in high school. They should be ready to hit the ground running in Calc I in college but it would be FAR better if they could start with Calc II. Expect to get nearly a math major with these programs.

[betty]

I think if you are looking to go right to university then you need 4 years of math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2/trig, PreCalculus). Some people are able to start the sequence in 8th or even 7th grade and get through 2 years of calculus. I wouldn't push a pace faster than the student can truly master the subject. Those 2 courses of Algebra are foundational and need to be solid.

For science I would think at least 4 credits. One each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and then an advanced credit in one of those or Geosystems. It would be nice to follow up the advanced year with an AP exam.

I majored in Chemistry at a competitive University. When I attended 50% of my class had taken Calculus in high school. Last spring the alumni magazine said that generally all applicants who were considered for this year's entering class had taken calculus. The school's website does not say this is required for admission, but clearly they are using that course to weed through the applicant pile.

Taking calculus in high school does not mean you don't take it at the university. It's a foundational class too. Unless you get a 5 on the AP exam, I think students in math or science should take it at the university to make sure they have that solid.

[Claire in NM]

One of the WTMers suggested Geometry. Very important to get one year of Geometry as this is usually a requirement for admissions to most colleges/university specializing in the sciences.

Claire in NM

[jonhsmith]

very informative posting for math and science students. well done.

[Karin]

Universities in Canada require two maths in the senior year in high school: Calculus and Vectors ( I think this would be Algebra in the US) and minimum of two sciences (of three: Physics, Chemistry, Biology).

In every province? They didn't even offer Calculus & Vectors when I went to high school in BC, Just Math 9, 10, 11 & 12 (plus Geometry in grade 10.) In know they used to have grade 13 in Ontario, but didn't they drop it? Have the schools changed? Just curious so I can update my "database." Oh, yes, and they had business math. Grade 12 math had no vectors or calculus when I took it (I was on the mathy track despite having been turned off math).

[LoriM]

I think the best thing to know about math/science majors is that you need to plan to start wherever the student is competent, and build in a field of science (or two) plus math skills every year of high school. Whatever level is reached in high school, start there, or one step back, in college, and then keep doing that. (c:

It's really not too complicated. As long as your student studies math and science every semester of their educational experience, there is no "absolute" level he must reach before graduation. Engineering majors can start at the CC with remedial math, and still go on to get an engineering PhD, simply by not giving up. Yeah, he might be 30 when that happens...or 42...but so what?

Don't sell your kid on the idea that unless they hit some specific threshold they have to give up their dreams for a science career. Or even just a science interest and a business career.

Lori M

[fractalgal]

As long as your student studies math and science every semester of their educational experience, there is no "absolute" level he must reach before graduation.

Don't sell your kid on the idea that unless they hit some specific threshold they have to give up their dreams for a science career. Or even just a science interest and a business career.

Lori M

You have some wise comments here which :iagree:with.

I would also stress the understanding of math above and beyond science because those who are weak in the sciences tend to struggle with the math within the science.

[Janet in Toronto]

The curriculum has changed considerably over the past few years, at least in Ontario. There are now (in Ontario) three Grade 12 university-prep courses offered: Functions, Calculus and Vectors, and Data Management. Plus other math courses aimed at college and workplace track students.

Here's a pdf file with the latest curriculum for Grade 11/12 (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/math1112currb.pdf).

[Karin]

I would also stress the understanding of math above and beyond science because those who are weak in the sciences tend to struggle with the math within the science.
:iagree: