Solid Foundations Program
Q&A about Math 1: Foundation of Lower Division
Sample of the Math 1 Curriculum Offered in the Summer
Introduction
Mathematics is a critical skill set for success in various majors, with about 80% of Berkeley undergraduates enrolling in a math course. However, many students arrive underprepared and struggle with gateway courses, which can deter them from pursuing STEM fields. This issue is particularly pronounced among underrepresented students, who face a two-thirds dropout rate in these areas.
To address these challenges, our department, with the generous support of the Eustace-Kwan Family Foundation, has launched several initiatives. In Summer 2020, we introduced Precalculus Essentials, a comprehensive asynchronous online resource that serves as the foundation for a three-week online summer course, equipping students with the essential skills they need to thrive.
Building on this foundation, we rolled out Math 1: Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics in Fall 2023. This 2-unit course is specifically designed to prepare students from diverse mathematical backgrounds for UC Berkeley’s lower division courses. It emphasizes the fundamental concepts necessary for success in Math 16A/16B, 1A/1B, 10A/10B, and beyond.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide all incoming students with the support they need to excel in their early mathematics courses and beyond. We are committed to offering opportunities for those with limited exposure to quality mathematics instruction, particularly students from underrepresented minorities. Our goal is to help them revisit key foundational topics that may not have been explicitly covered in their earlier education.
We strive to create a welcoming environment where incoming students can establish an academic peer support community, fostering collaboration and connection as they navigate their educational journey. Through innovative programs such as Precalculus Essentials and Math 1, we offer comprehensive resources and targeted support designed to equip students with the foundational skills necessary for success in mathematics and STEM disciplines.
Our commitment extends to establishing a robust support system that operates throughout the academic year, providing students with continuous opportunities to reinforce their foundational knowledge and ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic challenges.
Q&A about Math 1: Foundations of Lower Division
How is Math 1 structured differently compared to other courses?
Math 1 will be offered twice during the semester, with each session lasting approximately seven weeks. Despite this structure, the course will adhere to the standard enrollment calendar. This setup allows all students interested in Math 1 to choose between enrolling in the first half or the second half of the semester, providing flexibility to accommodate different schedules and learning needs.
What is the difference between Math 1: Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics and Math 32: Precalculus?
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Math 1 covers much of the same material as Math 32 but at a faster pace.
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Math 1 is designed to be taken alongside other lower-division mathematics classes. It’s ideal for students who need real-time support with foundational material but don’t require a full semester of precalculus instruction.
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Math 32 is intended for those who need comprehensive preparation before enrolling in introductory calculus classes.
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Generally, Math 1 is for students who are relatively prepared for calculus but still need foundational support, while Math 32 is for those who require more extensive preparation.
How is Math 1 different from other Math Adjunct Courses?
Adjunct math courses are typically designed to closely align with the curriculum of courses such as Math 1A and others. However, Math 1 offers the flexibility to extend beyond this standard curriculum. This approach allows for a deeper emphasis on foundational concepts, ensuring that students can truly master the basics and build a solid mathematical foundation for their future studies.
Sample of the Math 1 Curriculum Offered in the Summer
Math 1 Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics ( Sample lecture videos can be found under Daily Schedule)
Student Testimonials
Here’s what students who have enrolled in Math 1 have to say about their experiences:
Engaging Lectures
“I really appreciate this course being brought to life. I think it is a great stepping stone for students.”
Reinforcement of Concepts
“In the first three weeks of my actual calculus class, we were going over the same topics we were learning in Math 1, so it was really helpful to learn everything twice, in parallel with each other.”
Understanding the Fundamentals
“I found that going over basic rules and truly understanding why they work made me grasp the content much better. When Paulin would not skip steps, it helped my comprehension. I also appreciated when we were given problems to solve during class, as it allowed me to apply what we had just learned and ask questions before moving on.”
Collaborative Learning
“The most helpful aspect of Math 1 was discussing lecture topics in depth through step-by-step solutions to worksheet problems. I enjoyed working with my peers and the GSI to better understand the content we were learning.”
Emphasis on Understanding
“I really appreciated how, when each topic was taught, we learned about why we were using different formulas instead of just memorizing and regurgitating information.”