Frequently Asked Questions

While ULC 147 provides a solid foundation for higher-level math courses, it does not satisfy the MQR credit required for the UB Curriculum.

ULC 148 is an approved MQR course for the UB Curriculum.  For some majors, it can serve as a terminal math course.  For other majors, additional math courses may still be required.  Please refer to your specific program for more details.

ULC 148 reviews precalculus algebra and trigonometry, emphasizing functions (transformations, combinations, and composite functions). Topics include graphing and applications of linear, inverse, quadratic, polynomial and rational functions; limits and the derivatives; exponential and logarithmic functions and applications; and trigonometric functions emphasizing sine and cosine.

Even if you receive an unsatisfactory mid-term evaluation, it may still be possible for you to pass the course.  First, you should talk to your instructor about your current standing in the course and see what he/she recommends to improve your grade.  Make a point to start attending your instructor’s office hours for additional assistance.  You should also attend tutoring at the Math Place for at least 2 hours per week to help you understand the material and work through your homework assignments.  

Under special circumstances, students may be allowed to retake ULC 148.  This is generally permitted when a student is trying to improve his or her grade for the course, or if significant time has passed since the original attempt.  Department permission is necessary as you will need to be force-registered into the course.  If you are interested in retaking a ULC course, please visit the main office in 217 Baldy Hall.

Under special circumstances, students may be allowed to take ULC 148 even if they have already attempted a calculus course.  This is generally permitted if a student performed poorly in calculus, or if significant time has passed since taking a math class.  Department permission is necessary as you will need to be force-registered into the course. If you are interested in taking a ULC course after already attempting a calculus course, please visit the main office in 217 Baldy Hall.

ULC 147: There is no departmental calculator policy for ULC 147.  Instructors can choose to allow calculators at their discretion.  Please contact your instructor for more information.  *No graphing calculators are allowed, under any circumstances!

ULC 148: A non-programmable, non-graphing calculator is a required purchase for this course.  Its use will be allowed and encouraged throughout all aspects of this course.  Any calculators more advanced, will not be allowed.  It is the responsibility of the students to check with the instructor that the calculator they have is appropriate for the course.  (Recommended:  TI-30Xa.  TI-30X IIS, Casio FX-300). 

*No graphing calculators are allowed, under any circumstances!

In most cases, students who purchased full access to MyMathLab for ULC 147 will be able to use the same account when taking ULC 148.  There is no need to purchase an additional access code.  Please visit MyMathLab for more information.

ULC 147 and ULC 148 use the same textbook.  If you purchased a textbook for ULC 147, you will not need to purchase a new textbook for ULC 148.

*EXCEPTION – Students taking ULC 147 prior to Fall 2017 may need to purchase a new textbook for ULC 148 as a new edition is now available.  Please contact your instructor for more information.

The Math Place offers tutoring for ULC and Calculus 1 and 2 courses.  These include ULC 147, ULC 148, MTH 121, MTH 122, MTH 131, MTH 141, and MTH 142.

The Math Place is open during the fall and spring semesters, starting the 2^nd week of classes and running through the final week of classes.  *We are NOT open during exam week, Thanksgiving week, Spring Break, or official UB holidays.

The Math Place is open Monday through Thursday each week, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tutors at the Math Place are fellow undergraduate students from a variety of programs including mathematics, physics, and engineering.  All of our tutors know how to be successful in these courses.  They are very patient, friendly, and knowledgeable!  Meet our tutors here!

The Math Place is a drop-in tutoring center.  You are able to come in for tutoring any time we are open and can stay for 10 minutes or 3 hours depending on your needs and availability.  You can work individually or come in with others from your class for a study group.  All students who use the center are required to sign-in at the greeter’s desk and submit a blue tutoring form before leaving.

The Math Place is a drop-in tutoring center – we do not offer one-on-one appointments.  Tutors on shift are responsible for helping anyone who is in the center at that particular time.  However, if there is a specific tutor whom you enjoy working with, you can visit the tutor schedule to make sure you drop by while they are there!

The Math Place carries copies of textbooks for each of the courses we offer tutoring in.  We also have a variety of calculators available.  In order to borrow a textbook or calculator, we ask you to submit your UB student ID card to the greeter.  Once you are finished with the book/calculator, you can return it to the greeter and get your UB student ID card back.

The Math Place also offers scrap paper, pencils, whiteboards, and a computer for student use.  Wi-fi is available in the center for anyone needing to use laptops or other devices to access UBLearns or homework sites.

There is no limit to how often you can visit the Math Place – we encourage you to come in as often as you need to!  This will vary for each student.  Some find it beneficial to visit once a week, while others like to come in every day.  This will be based on your individual needs for the class and your availability.

Math Place tutors must be undergraduate UB students in a matriculated degree program who have taken and successfully completed calculus 1 and 2, at minimum.  If you are interested in becoming a tutor for the Math Place, please forward a résumé and completed application to our graduate teaching assistant, Carolyn Engelhardt (cengelha@buffalo.edu).

Math Place greeters must be UB students who qualify for the Federal Work-study program.  Qualification for this program will be included in your financial aid package.  There are no minimum mathematics requirements for this position.  If you are interested in becoming a greeter for the Math Place, please contact our office manager, Beth Wallace (bethwall@buffalo.edu)

All instructors for the ULC are currently employed in an adjunct capacity.  If you are interested in teaching either ULC 147 or ULC 148, please forward a résumé/CV and letter of interest to the ULC Coordinator, Angela Samul (asamul@buffalo.edu) 

ALEKS is used to assess a student’s readiness for calculus.  Find more information about the ALEKS assessment at the Mathematics Department website.

Any students who will be moving on to MTH 121, MTH 131, or MTH 141 upon successful completion of their ULC course will need to take the ALEKS assessment in order to be enrolled in those courses.  Find more information about the ALEKS assessment at the Mathematics Department website.