Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Binghamton University calculus

How do I register for Calculus

2025-06-30T15:10:02-04:00

How do I register for Calculus

Math 223/224 - you need to register for the same section of each course. Section 01 of 223/224 is linked together.

Ex: Math 223-01, Math 224-01

Math 224/225 - you need to register for the same section of each course. Sections 20-26 are linked together.

Ex: Math 224-20, Math 225-20

Math 224 only – there are no Math 224 classes in the first part of the term that are not linked to Math 225 classes so you cannot take it until the second part of the term. There is one section on the schedule that meets the second part of the term - (224-50) e-mail mathoffice@binghamton.edu to be registered for this course.

Math 225 only – there are 2 sections of Math 225 that are in the first part of the term. Once those are filled, you will have to take it the second part of the term. Go to this link to fill out a Google form: Signup form *YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED WHAT SECTION YOU WILL BE REGISTERED FOR UNTIL A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE COURSE STARTS*

You will be sent an e-mail sometime before the class starts telling you what discussion section to attend and you will then be registered for that class within a few days or week. You will not need to contact anyone regarding registration in these few days, it will be done automatically.

Math 225/226 - Sections 01-03 are linked together - you need to register for the same section of each course.

Ex: Math 225-01, Math 226-01

Math 226/227 - you need to register for the same section of each course. Sections 20-33 of 226/227 are linked together.

Ex: Math 226-20, Math 227-20

*Math 226 only – there are no Math 226 courses that meet the first part of the term that are not linked with Math 227 so you have to take it in the second part of the term - these courses are Math 226-50 and 226-51. They have restrictions on them so you have to e-mail the Math Department to request to be added. *

Math 227 only the first part of the term – section 40 is the only section that is not linked with Math 226. You need to have a C- or better in Math 226 to take this. If section 40 is full, please add yourself to the waitlist. *CHECK THIS* Once that is filled, you will have to take it the second part of the term. If that section is full then go to this link to fill out a Google form: Signup form *YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED WHAT SECTION YOU WILL BE REGISTERED FOR UNTIL A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE COURSE STARTS*

RESTRICTIONS

WATSON - For Watson students Only - After they are all registered, the restriction will be lifted for other students to register

If you have any issues, email the registrar's office at registrar@binghamton.edu or call them at 607-777-6088.

Math 223 Introduction to Calculus

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Math 223 (Introduction to Calculus) Homepage, Fall 2025

In order to enroll in Math 223, you must pass the Precalculus Screening Test (Placement Test). Click here for details. The Drop deadline for all 1st half semester calculus courses is Monday February 2 and the Withdraw deadline is Wednesday February 25.

Click here for the syllabus for Fall 2025.

Click here for a weekly schedule of topics, videos, and tests for Fall 2025.

Click here for the Help Room Schedules.

Previous Exams

Fall 2015 (midterm) – Solutions

Fall 2015 (final)–Solutions

Fall 2016 (final) –Solutions

Fall 2021 (final) – Solutions

Fall 2022 (final) – Solutions

Note: All videos for the course are located in WebAssign under the “Resources” tab located on bottom left, just click on “Stewart:: Precalculus-7e”. The specific precalc section video you are required to watch before lecture are listed in the weekly schedule. When you click on the specific precalc section in Resources there are two sets of videos offered, Kazmierczak videos and Mosley videos. You are only required to view the Kazmierczak videos.

Syllabus

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Math 223/224 – Introduction to Calculus and Differential Calculus – Fall 2015

Syllabus

This syllabus includes information common to all sections. Your own instructor will give you additional details.

Prerequisites

You need a good background in algebra and trigonometry, which is usually satisfied by a High School precalculus course or Binghamton University's Math 108. The Mathematics Department administers a Placement Test, which is designed to identify students who do not have adequate preparation for the course. The Placement Test is an absolute prerequisite for Math 224: you must pass it or you will not be allowed to take the course. See www.math.binghamton.edu/Calculus/Screening.html for details.

Textbook

``Calculus Single Variable'' by James Stewart, Eighth Edition (with WebAssign Access Code), Cengage Learning, 20 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA, ISBN: 978-1-305-26663-6. The version available in the University book store covers the material in Calculus II as well.

Logging into WebAssign for the first time you will need to self-enroll yourself with a “Class Key”. The “Class Key” will be provided to you by your instructor. You will also eventually need an access code. If you buy the book through the University book store then it comes with an access code. If you do not have an access code, then will need to purchase one on the WebAssign website. You will have temporary free access to WebAssign for 2 weeks into the semester without an access code. If you are repeating Calc 1 and bought a WebAssign Access Code for the course already, you don't have to buy it again. (Exception: if you only purchased one-semester access, you'll need to buy it again.) All information regarding how to log in can be found here WebAssign Student Quick Start Guide

A calculator is not required. In fact, their overuse is heavily discouraged. Neither calculators nor any other electronic item, e.g. a cell phone as clock, may be visible to you during tests (except as described below on Skills Tests). As an alternative to investing in a graphing calculator, you may wish to try Wolfram Alpha (www.wolframalpha.com), an online query engine that accepts input in informal mathematical language, such as “graph of sin$(3x)$ from $x=1$ to $x=5$”.

Objectives and Course Contents

MATH 224 and 225 covers the basics of differential and integral calculus, covering most of Chapters 1-5 of the text. The precise sections to be covered are listed in the schedule given on Blackboard. The objective of the course is to acquire mastery of the material covered in the course in the following senses:

1. Mathematical understanding, as demonstrated by the ability to solve appropriate mathematical problems.

2. Practical understanding, as demonstrated by the ability to solve appropriate word problems in the sciences, in engineering and in the social sciences.

Help outside of class

The Calculus Help Room room, located in Old Whitney Room 231, is staffed by some of the instructors and is open during most business hours. Students can walk in any time it's staffed and can ask questions of any of the instructors there, not just their own instructor. The Help Room schedule is found here http://www.math.binghamton.edu/dept/ugrad/help_room.html

There is free tutoring offered though University Tutoring Services. All information regarding tutoring can be found here http://www.binghamton.edu/clt/tutoring-services/index.html Also, if you have test anxiety the Discovery Program has helpful information regarding test taking strategies found here http://www.binghamton.edu/discovery/resources/index.html

Exams and Grading

The class will have two types of test:

Basic Skills Tests will cover basic computations that you absolutely must be able to do for any class that has Math 224/225 as a prerequisite. There will be two Basic Skills Tests for 224 and two Basic Skills Tests for 225. Because these skills are so important, you are required to pass each of the Basic Skills Tests with a 70% or higher in order to pass the class. These tests are administered by computer, with no partial credit, and you may take each test up to three times. (More details on this below.) You can find a Practice Test for each Basic Skills Test, with a large pool of practice problems, on WebAssign.

Midterm and Final will cover higher-level problems. These are paper tests, graded by your instructor, and you will not be allowed to re-take these. They will not include any of the sort of basic computational problems covered by the Basic Skills Tests, although of course you may be required to do some basic computations as part of a bigger problem. These exams are taken during normal class time.

Practice midterm and final are available on Blackboard.

Once again, you must pass all the Basic Skills Tests in order to pass the class. In addition, each Basic Skills Test counts for 15% of your final grade. The midterm and final exam will each count for 30% of your final grade. Quizzes (approximately one per week) will count for 5% of your final grade. Pre-class warmups and graded WebAssign will count for 3% of your grade. Homework and in-class work will count for 2% of your final grade.

Homework and in-class work

Before most class meetings, you'll be assigned one or more short videos to watch, as well as “warmup exercises” that are intended to check that you have watched and understood the videos. This is required homework, due before class starts. The videos will cover aspects of the material that you just need to listen to and understand. Covering these aspects on video allows you to re-watch, pause, or whatever works for you to learn the material best. It also frees up class time for more interactive work.

You will spend much of class time doing guided work, with your instructor coaching, answering questions, and leading discussions on examples as you complete them. Your instructor may grade your work, either by checking it in class or asking you to turn it in at the end of class. Grade will be based on participation and preparedness – it will not be stressful as long as you come to class prepared. If you do not view the videos in advance, you will probably not be adequately prepared for class, and you may not get a passing grade for that day. Class activities will expand on the video material, not review it.

If you need to miss class for a serious reason, contact your instructor as soon as possible (in advance if possible). Your instructor will give you an alternate assignment in lieu of the classwork.

The videos and in-class work will replace a lot of traditional homework. (The stuff you would be doing in homework in a more lecture-based class is now partially moved to class work.) Your instructor may assign some traditional homework.

We will be using the WebAssign system for class warmups, homework and for the Basic Skills Tests. There will also be many optional practice problems available on WebAssign. It is important that you buy the version of the textbook with WebAssign access code: otherwise your homework will not be graded and you will not be able to take the Basic Skills Tests. WebAssign is an online question answering program that comes with an e-book. Your instructor will be able to schedule assignments for you to complete online, and it will guide you and grade your answers. You will be given instructions on how to use WebAssign by your instructor.

More on the Basic Skills Tests

The Basic Skills Tests will be administered by computer in Old Whitney Room G18. They use the same software as the WebAssign homework. Thus, you must have a WebAssign key before you take the tests. For security reasons, you must use the computers provided. You are not assigned a particular time to take the test – you will reserve times for your tests via a link available on the homepage. For each test, you have a window of about 2 weeks to pass, and you may take the test up to 3 times. See the weekly schedule for the time windows for each test.

The computers are equipped with a very basic calculator to do arithmetic calculations. No other electronic devices are allowed.

The grading is as follows: a score of 90-100 is an A, a score of 80-89 is a B, a score of 70-79 is a C, and any score below 70 is failing. Remember, you must get a passing grade on each Basic Skills Test in order to pass the class. Only the letter grade will matter in calculating your grade for the course, and only your highest score on each skills test is counted.

Example 1. Student X scores a 90 on her first try at Basic Skills Test 1. Thus, she has an A, the highest possible score, so she has no reason to re-take the test.

Example 2. Student Y scores an 80 on her first try at Basic Skills Test 2. She decides to try and improve this, but on her second try she gets a 68, and on her third try she gets a 75. Since her highest score on Basic Skills Test 2 was an 80, she gets a B.

As noted previously, each Basic Skills Test counts for 15% of your course grade. Numerically, an A will count as 100%, a B will count as 89%, and a C will count as 79%. (Remember that you need at least a C on each Basic Skills Test in order to pass the class.)

It is essential that you show up for your test appointments! If you decide not to take a test you've scheduled, then you must cancel at least 3 hours in advance. The testing room is filled to capacity at popular times, and if you make an appointment and then fail to show then you're keeping someone else out. If you don't show up for a test you've scheduled, you will NOT be able to schedule another time that week, and 3 points will be deducted from your highest score for that Basic Skills Test. (For instance, if your highest grade was an A, then it will count as 97%, not 100%.)

You must have an appointment in order to take a test – no drop-ins will be accepted. Appointments can be made until immediately before the test time. However, popular test times tend to fill up well in advance, and you are strongly encouraged to reserve test times as soon as you know that you'll need them. (For instance, schedule your first try at each test at the start of the semester.)

If you need an exception to any of the Basic Skills Test rules above (for instance, an extension due to illness), speak to your instructor in advance. All exceptions are at the discretion of your instructor.

The point of the Basic Skills Tests is to keep you on track on the most essential material, and to save you from digging yourself into a hole too deep to get out of. The questions on the Basic Skills Test are, for the most part, much more basic than the questions on the paper tests, and they cover material you need to master in order to keep up with the class. So, you should always take the first possible try at each Basic Skills Test. If you get an A on your first try, then you should feel good that you have a solid foundation for studying the more sophisticated material, and you should charge ahead. If you don't get a grade you're happy with on your first try, this should set off alarm bells! It's time to drop everything and focus on getting the basics! Look at what gave you trouble on the test, and use the Practice Skills Tests, the Help Room, and your instructor to get your difficulties worked out. You might also contact the Discovery Program for tutoring or other academic support.

Make-ups

Make-up exams for the in-class tests will only be given for serious, documented reasons, and all make-ups must be approved by your instructor before the test date.

IF YOU HAVE A CONFLICT WITH THE MIDTERMS OR FINAL EXAM, YOU SHOULD TELL YOUR INSTRUCTOR ABOUT IT AT THE START OF THE SEMESTER.

Academic honesty

You are reminded of Binghamton University's Student Academic Honesty Code. Cheating on tests or quizzes will be dealt with severely and can result in suspension from the University for multiple semesters. Don't even think about it.

In-class exams will be returned after they are graded, and an answer key will be available. If you do not understand your mistakes, or you think your exam was not correctly graded, you should immediately bring the test to your instructor for re-evaluation. DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES OR WRITE NEW MATERIAL ON YOUR GRADED EXAM!! Turning in a modified exam for extra points is CHEATING. Instructors may be making copies of exams before they are returned, so if a student changes a graded exam, it will be clearly shown by comparison with the copy.

Any cases of cheating will be subject to investigation by the Academic Honesty Committee of Harpur College.

General Comments

The structure of this class may be different from what you are used to. In contrast to many courses, where the material is introduced in class, then analyzed in depth out of class in the homework, in this class you need to cover the basics before class (by watching the videos), then do the in-depth work actively in the classroom. We have found that most students come to greatly prefer this format to traditional lecture format (and they learn more too.) But it is absolutely essential that you come to every class prepared and participate actively.

Even if you've taken a previous Calculus course, this course is likely to be taught from a more sophisticated perspective, and if you think this class will be review you're probably mistaken.

You should expect to average about 8 hours per week studying outside of class.

In contrast to most high school math classes, if you don't understand the material being covered, you should NOT assume that your instructor will repeat the material until you get it. Ideally, you should ask questions at the time in class. Of course, you'll also probably need to spend time thinking things through on your own, but if you've tried that and are still confused, make use of the Help Room and office hours. Don't wait! The material in this course is very cumulative, so anything you don't understand now is likely to keep giving you trouble as the semester goes on.

The coordinator for the course is Dr. Alexander Borisov, borisov@math.binghamton.edu. Barring exceptional circumstances, queries about the course should be directed to your instructor, not to Prof. Borisov.

Obscure statement NY State requires us to include on this syllabus:

Students in M courses will demonstrate competence in an area such as calculus, symbolic logic, the logic of computers, the logic of deductive and inductive reasoning, or probability and statistical inference.

calculus:placementtest

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This page has been moved, the new location is The Calculus Placement Test.

The Calculus Placement Test FAQ

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The Calculus Placement Test FAQ

Do I have to take it?
Answer: Yes! You must take the placement test, and pass it, if you want to take Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220. The only exceptions are if you already received a grade of a “C-” or better in Math 223, have received credit for taking Math 224/220, or received a grade of a “C” or better in Math 108 within the past year.
I've never heard of the Placement Test before. Is it new?
Answer: No. Similar tests are used at many schools across the country. The Binghamton Mathematics Department has been using this Placement Test for many years.
I haven't taken (or I failed) the Placement Test. What will happen if I register online for Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220?
Answer: The Banner system will accept your registration before the first week of classes. However, you will be dropped from the class list at the end of the first week of classes.
I failed the Placement Test. Can I retake it?
Answer: You can take the Placement Test up to two times in any three-month period, but no more than three times for any one semester. If you are having difficulty passing, we strongly recommend that you take Math 108 to improve your precalculus skills.
How do I register to take the test?
Answer: I link to register for the test will eventually be located on the Placement Test Schedule page when the schedule is ready Click here to view the placement test schedule.
When should I take a Placement Test?
Answer: We encourage you to take the test early in the testing period before the semester in which you plan to take Calculus. This will let you know early whether you are prepared for the class. If you don't pass on your first try, or even if you pass but with a low passing score, you should consider taking a Precalculus course or getting other remediation before the semester starts. See the Placement Test Home Page for details.
I have a score of X on the Self-evaluation Test. Do I need to take the Placement Test?
Answer: All students who want to take Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220 must pass the Placement Test.
I have a score of 4 on the AP Calculus AB exam. Do I need to take the Placement Test?
Answer: No, you do not. We now accept a score of 4 or higher as a prerequisite to take calculus.

If your AP score satisfies the University's requirements for Math 224/225 credit then you will be given credit for Math 224/225 and you may not take Math 224/225 for credit, so you do not need to take the Placement Test. The University policies for AP credit are different for the different schools of the University, so you should contact your school for the policies that apply to you.

If you do not yet know your AP score then you need to make a decision: Either take the Placement Test during the summer or wait until the end of the summer and take the Placement Test only if your AP score does not meet the University's requirements for Math 224/225 credit. The advantage to taking the Placement Test during May/June or early summer is that you can register for Math 224 if you pass (it is easier to drop a course later than to add one) and you can retake the test at the end of the summer if you fail.
I took Calculus I at another school. Do I need to take the Placement Test?
Answer: All students who want to take Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220 must pass the Placement Test.

Of course, if you receive transfer credit from the University for Math 224/225 then you may not take Math 224/225 for credit. In this case you do not need to take the Placement Test (unless you want to retake Math 224/225 for zero credit).

The Mathematics Department is not involved in the determination of transfer credit; such decisions are made by the advising offices in the different schools of the University. Look here for details.

If you do not yet know whether you will receive transfer credit for Math 224/225 then you need to make a decision: Either take the Placement Test during the summer or wait until the end of the summer and take the Placement Test only if you do not receive transfer credit for Math 224/225. The advantage to taking the Placement Test during early summer is that you can register for Math 224 if you pass (it is easier to drop a course later than to add one) and you can retake the test at the end of the summer if you fail.
I have transfer credit for Math 108 for a course that I took at another school. Do I need to take the Placement Test?
Answer: Yes, you need to take the Placement Test. All students who want to take Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220 must pass the Placement Test. If you took Math 108 at Binghamton University and received a grade of a “C” or better, then you do not need to take the Placement Exam if you took our course within the past year.
I have transfer credit for Math 108 for a course that I took in high school or at another school, but I failed the Placement Test. What should I do?
Answer: There is wide variation in precalculus courses at other schools, and many such courses are not adequate preparation for our Calculus courses. The University cannot evaluate whether such courses are suitable as preparation for Calculus, and usually grants transfer credit for Math 108 based on very general criteria. You should talk to your academic advisor and ask to have the transfer credit for Math 108 converted to “general math” transfer credit, so you can enroll in Math 108.
I passed Math 108 but I failed the Placement Test. What should I do?
You can't take Math 108 again for credit, so you should make an appointment with the Coordinator for Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220 to discuss your options.
Answer: If taking a Precalculus course is not an option, one online option for reviewing Precalculus is ALEKS. This is an automated system to pinpoint your weaknesses and get appropriate review questions. Keep in mind that ALEKS is a tool for review, not a teacher. If you need help understanding the material, then you need a Precalculus class, or at least a tutor.

Even if you pass a Placement Test with a low passing grade, you might want to consider strengthening your Precalculus skills before going into Calculus. Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry get used nonstop in Calculus, and getting thoroughly comfortable with these topics will pay off enormously.
I failed the Placement Test. Will I be able to take Math 224, Math 223 or Math 220 in a later semester?
Answer: We will give the Placement Test before each semester; you need to pass it before you can take Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220. The best way to improve your score on the Placement Test is to take our Precalculus course, Math 108.
I passed the Placement Test but I will not take Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220 next semester. Do I have to take the Placement Test again if I want to take these courses in a later semester?
Answer: Mathematical skills deteriorate rapidly with disuse. Your placement test score will be accepted as prerequisite for Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220 for the semester of the test and for the following semester, but after that you must pass it again.

More precisely: If you take and pass a placement test in the May-September period then that test is for the Fall semester, and it will also be valid for the following Spring. If you take and pass a placement test in the November-February period then that test is for the Spring semester, and it will also be valid for the following Fall.
Is the Placement Test a prerequisite for Math 220?
Answer: Yes.
Is the Placement Test a prerequisite for Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220 in the Summer and Winter Session?
Answer: Yes.
I am retaking Math 220, Math 223, or Math 224 for a better grade. Do I need to retake the placement exam?
Answer: If your grade was C- or better in Math 220, Math 223, or Math 224, you can skip the placement exam. Otherwise, you need to retake it.

The Placement Test Schedule

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The Placement Test Schedule

For Enrollment in Calculus I

The placement test will be given to students intending to take Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220 as indicated below:

This test must be taken and passed by all students planning to take these courses. There are NO exceptions. A placement test taken and passed at Binghamton within the past year before your first day of class will still count. It does not have to be taken again.

You can take the Placement Exam after you register for your course. However, you must pass the test to be allowed to actually take the course.

The box below gives the next round of scheduling for the Placement Test for students intending to take Math 224, Math 223, or Math 220.

The Placement Exam is offered online for free May 18-29 and June 1-12. Registration to take it will be available online sometime mid April, just click on the link below to register yourself.

There are two versions of the test: One, for students intending to take Math 220 and the other for students intending to take Math 223 or Math 224. Please make sure to take the test designated for the course you will be taking. You can inform the proctor at your appointment which exam you need to take.

Click here to make an appointment to take the Placement Exam.

DO NOT LEAVE THIS EXAM TO THE LAST MINUTE.

You will receive your score as soon as you submit your answers. If you fail the test you can take it again on a different day. Since the test can be repeated, nothing is lost by taking it at the earliest possible time.

calculus:room-status-data

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Placement Test -- Room Status (beta)

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Placement Test -- Room Status (beta)

During an on-campus calculus placement test, this page lists the number of available computers in each active test location. The list is updated every 5 minutes or so. You may need to reload this web page to see the current list.

This service is in beta testing. You can send feedback to: calcplacement@math.binghamton.edu.

calculus:scheduled-exams-footer

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(Also available: iCal feed and Google Calendar)

calculus:scheduled-exams

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No exams are scheduled at this time.