Department of Mathematics and Philosophy

Mathematics Course Changes Beginning Fall 2021

Significant changes have been made to the beginning level mathematics courses at Western Illinois University. These changes were made in the 2020-2021 academic year and will go into effect in the Fall 2021 semester.

Creation of New Course Math 110 Introductory College Algebra

Description: Math 110 Introductory College Algebra (4) Algebraic techniques for and applications of linear, quadratic, rational, radical, and exponential expressions and equations, with extensions to College Algebra. Introduction to relations, functions, graphs, and logarithms and their use in real-world problems. Graded A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, or U

This course has no prerequisites. It serves a a prerequisite course for Math 101, 102, 113*, 123, 128; Stat 171.  Note: Students who need to take Math 128 or Math 113 (*formerly Math 103) should take Math 110.

Changes to Math 100 Core Competency in Mathematics

The following have changed for Math 100: (a) course description, (b) number of credit hours, (c) elimination of the prerequisite.

Description: Math 100 Core Competency in Mathematics (4) Application of algebraic models (linear, quadratic, exponential) in the study of diverse examples and cases of real-world problems. Interpretation of the models, drawing conclusions, making and verifying predictions. Graded A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, or U

This course has no prerequisites. It serves a a prerequisite course for Math 101, 102, 123; Stat 171.

Math 099N has been Eliminated

Math 099N Intermediate Algebra will no longer be offered, starting fall 2021.

Quicker Path to General Education

Incoming students with a beginning level mathematics placement will be placed into Math 100 or Math 110, depending on their major. By taking Math 100 or Math 110, the student may take general education math courses (Math 101, 102, 123; Stat 171). In addition, students who take Math 110 may also take Math 113 or Math 128. In the past, students often had to take two courses (099 and 100) before they could take general education math courses. Students with adequate mathematics skills and previous math coursework will be placed beyond the beginning level mathematics courses using our new (and improved) mathematics placement system.

Both Math 100 and Math 110 Satisfy the Math Competency Requirement

Beginning fall 2021, students may fulfill the math competency requirement for general education by taking Math 100 or Math 110 (or receive University credit for a mathematics course that lists Math 100 or 110 as a prerequisite). More information can be found here and in the catalog has more details.

Additional Minor Changes

  • Math 103 is renumbered to Math 113.
  • The prerequisite for Math 101, 102, 123 and Stat 171 becomes Math 100 or Math 110.
  • The prerequisite for Math 113 (formerly 103) and Math 128 will be changed to Math 110.