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 they recommend 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 MyLab Math 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 MyLab Math 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.

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, MTH 142, MTH 153, and MTH 154.

The Math Place opens for the Spring 2023 semester on Monday, February 6^th. 

During the Spring 2023 semester, the Math Place will be open in Baldy 211 on Mondays - Thursdays, 10am - 7pm.   

We open for the Spring 2023 semester on Monday, February 6^th, will close for the Spring 2023 semester at 7pm on Thuursday, May 11^th.  We are NOT open during exam week or official UB holidays.  We are closed for Spring break from Friday, March 17^th to Sunday, March 26^th.

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!

We offer free drop in tutoring- that is, no appointment necessary.  If you need help on an assignment or would like to review material for an upcoming quiz or exam, or just go over the material with a tutor to shore up your understanding, we're here to help!  You can stop by Baldy 211 for in person tutoring on Mondays-Thursdays, 10am-7pm.  Be sure to bring your assignment, notes, textbook, and other study materials with you!

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.   

The Math Place has copies of each textbook for the courses we tutor which can be used while in the Math Place.  We also have calculators which students can use, as well as lots of scrap paper and whiteboard space on which you can work problems out.

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.

Starting Spring 2023, the Math Place only offers in person tutoring.  We're open Monday - Thursday, 10am - 7pm in Baldy 211.

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 graduate teaching assistant, Carolyn Engelhardt (cengelha@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) 

The Math Readiness Assessment is used to assess a student’s readiness for calculus.  Find more information about the Math Readiness Assessment here.

All students who wish to take MTH 121, 131, or 141, except those who have a grade of C or better in ULC 148, a score of 4 or 5 on AP Calculus (A/B or B/C), or a grade of C or better in MTH 121, 131, or 141 will need to take the Math Readiness Assessment. Find more information about the Math Readiness Assessment here.  

From Spring 2018 to Summer 2021, the Mathematics department used a placement exam which was called the ALEKS exam to determine students' readiness for calculus.  As of Fall 2022, the Math Readiness Assessment has replaced the ALEKS exam as the assessment which the Mathematics department uses to evaluate students' readiness for calculus.

Find more information about the Math Readiness Assessment, check here.