Mathematics Diagnostic Test (MDT)
The Department of Mathematics offers the Mathematics Diagnostic Test (MDT) to provide opportunities for STEM students to be placed at the highest possible level in their calculus sequence, and it is also utilized to determine the appropriate course level for non-STEM students who change their major to STEM. The MDT is used to ascertain eligibility for enrollment at a higher level, starting from MATH 105 to MATH 150A and MATH 255A. It is a free proctored test that must be taken at CSUN within two months preceding enrollment in the courses.
The MDT utilizes ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS PPL), an online platform. After the completion of the initial assessment, students will have guided practice problems and one practice diagnostic test. A maximum of three attempts of proctored tests can be taken, and the highest obtained score on these attempts will be used to determine placement. The diagnostic test consists of 30 problems, and students have 3 hours to complete the test.
The summary of qualifying scores can be found in Table 1 below.
Students must register online for the MDT via the Department of Mathematics website. The first attempt of the proctored test will be offered to students, upon request, no earlier than one week after their registration.
Prerequisite Mathematics Courses
Prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of “C-” or better, unless otherwise stated. The specific minimum prerequisites for Calculus and Calculus preparatory courses are listed in Table 1 below. Students who have passed the prerequisite of a class at another college or university must enroll in the lab of the subsequent class.
Table 1. Course Placement and Requisites
| Course | Course Only | Course and Lab/Supplemental Instruction | Course and Lab/Supplemental Instruction and Additional Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Calculus I | MATH 102 Prerequisite: Category I Placement |
MATH 102 and MATH 102L Prerequisite: Category II Placement or credit in ESM 196P or score of 40-64 on ALEKS PPL |
MATH 102, MATH 102L and MATH 091C Prerequisite: Category III or IV Placement |
| Mathematical Methods for Business | MATH 103 Prerequisite: Category I Placement |
MATH 103 and MATH 103L Prerequisite: Category II Placement or credit in or ESM 196P or score of 40-64 on ALEKS PPL |
MATH 103, MATH 103L and MATH 091B Prerequisite: Category III or IV Placement |
| Pre-Calculus II | MATH 105 Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 102 |
MATH 105 and MATH 105L Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 102 or score of 65-79 on ALEKS PPL |
n/a |
| Mathematical Foundations for Non-Calculus Physics | MATH 106 Prerequisite: Category I or II Placement or score of 40-64 on ALEKS PPL |
MATH 106 and UNIV 060NN Prerequisite: Category III or IV Placement or credit in ESM 196P |
n/a |
| Calculus I | MATH 150A Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 105 |
MATH 150A and MATH 150AL Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 105 or score of 80-100 on ALEKS PPL or 3 in AP Calculus AB |
n/a |
| Calculus II | MATH 150B Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 150A or 5 in AP Calculus AB or 4 in AP Calculus BC |
MATH 150B and MATH 150BL Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 150A or 4 in AP Calculus AB or 3 in AP Calculus BC |
n/a |
| Calculus for the Life Sciences I | MATH 255A Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 105 |
MATH 255A and MATH 255AL Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 105 or score of 80-100 on ALEKS PPL or 3 in AP Calculus AB |
n/a |
| Calculus for the Life Sciences II | MATH 255B Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 255A or 5 in AP Calculus AB or 4 in AP Calculus BC |
MATH 255B and MATH 255BL “C-” in MATH 255A or 4 in AP Calculus AB or 3 in AP Calculus BC |
n/a |
Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB/BC Credit
Students earn credit for MATH 150A with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam or a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam.
Students earn credit for both MATH 150A and MATH 150B with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam and a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam. Both exams must be completed; an AB subscore from a BC exam attempt is not sufficient to grant credit in both courses.