Overview
Mathematics 260: Calculus for Social Sciences and Economics is designed to teach you to use a range of mathematical techniques to solve concrete problems in business and the social sciences.
Outline
MATH 260 includes the following seven units:
- Unit 1: Functions and Graphs
- Unit 2: Limits and the Derivative
- Unit 3: Additional Derivative Topics
- Unit 4: Graphing and Optimization
- Unit 5: Integration
- Unit 6: Additional Integration Topics
- Unit 7: Multivariable Calculus
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- demonstrate a foundational understanding of single- and multivariable calculus for social sciences and economics, with a focus on functions and graphing, optimization, differentiation, and integration.
- use single- and multivariable calculus methods for applied problem solving in business and social sciences.
- apply knowledge gained in this course to future learning in calculus or other calculus-based courses.
- communicate mathematical ideas and analyses in a clear and organized manner.
Evaluation
To receive credit for MATH 260, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent), including a grade of at least 50 percent on both the midterm and final assessments. You must also complete and submit all the course assignments to the satisfaction of your instructor. The weighting of the course composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 10% |
| Assignment 2 | 10% |
| Midterm Assessment | 30% |
| Assignment 3 | 10% |
| Assignment 4 | 10% |
| Final Assessment | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Barnett, R. A., Ziegler, M. R., Byleen, K. E., & Stocker, C. J. (2019). Calculus for business, economics, life sciences, and social sciences: Brief version (14th ed.). Pearson.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive creditfor the MATH 260 challenge registration, you must complete the two parts of the challenge exam and achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on both parts. The two parts of the exam must be written on the same day or on two consecutive days.
| Activity | Weight |
| Midterm Exam | 50% |
| Final Exam | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Challenge for credit course registration form