1. Course Search
  2. MATH MA5

An In-depth Introduction to Functions and Calculus I
MATH MA5

Course Information

Description

This is a version of Math Ma that meets 5 days a week. It is the first half of a full-year course that studies functions and their rates of change. Fundamental ideas of calculus are introduced early and used to provide a framework for the study of mathematical modeling involving algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions. In this semester, we will emphasize conceptual mastery of and computational fluency with the critical ideas of differential calculus.
 
There will be required workshops twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which focus on additional practice and core skills important for the course's content.
 
This course is appropriate for students with and without calculus experience. Techniques from high school algebra are used right away and students who have taken a break from mathematics can expect to spend extra time reviewing them. 

Course Notes

Note: This course is taught in small sections that run at different times throughout the day on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule (MWF) with a twice weekly workshop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Math Ma5 students will attend a Math Ma section MWF. Math Ma is taught in small sections throughout the day on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule (9:00-10:15 am, 10:30-11:45 am, 12-1:15 pm, 1:30-2:45 pm, and 3:00-4:15 pm with sufficient enrollment). NEW for 2025-2026: All students planning on enrolling in any mathematics course (Math Ma through Math 21b) for the 2025-2026 academic year are required to sit a skills check on Tuesday, September 2, in order to offer accurate course selection information beyond the June placement exam recommendation. Please see the course website for more information and logistics. After Math Ma5, students may take Math Mb (just like Math Ma students). Math Ma5 and Math Mb, can then be followed by Mathematics 1b. Mathematics Ma5 and Mb together cover all the material in Mathematics 1a (and more).

Class Notes

The QUIZ component of this course represents the designated time slot for your mid-term exams. While these exams do not occur weekly, it's important that this period remains on your schedule. If you encounter an academic conflict, you have the option to enroll in the TBA section. Students enrolled in the TBA section will be required to take all exams out of sequence.

School Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Credits 4
Cross Reg

Available for Harvard Cross Registration

Department Mathematics
Course Component Lecture
Grading Basis FAS Letter Graded
Exam/Final Deadline Dec. 15, 2025
General Education N/A
Quantitative Reasoning with Data N/A
Divisional Distribution Science & Engineering & Applied Science
Course Level Primarily for Undergraduate Students