- What is MATH Matters?
MATH Matters is an optional summer boot camp for incoming students entering degree programs in Architectural Studies, Commerce, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Health Sciences, Industrial Design, Information Technology, International Business, Mathematics, and Science. During MATH Matters, students review some of the most important high school math concepts to ensure that they are completely prepared for the math they will encounter in their first-year math courses. Participants have an opportunity to meet other students in their faculty and learn and develop their math skills together.
- How does MATH Matters differ from MATH4U?
Every 1st year student with a math component to their program will have access to MATH4U: free, pre-recorded lectures to cover material from Grade 12 as well as a pre and post-test to help them evaluate their knowledge and skills. This material will be available in August and students will be automatically registered for the course and be able to access all the material on Brightspace.
For students who feel they would benefit from live help and resources, there is a week-long refresher course, MATH Matters available at an additional cost. It has everything included in MATH4U with the addition of live math lectures, interactive group sessions with a Study Group Leader from their Faculty and a MATH Matters textbook. Study Groups add an immense amount of benefit to the experience.
Benefits include
- Gaining access to a small class and interacting with your peers
- Having a chance to get to know other students in your program and build important friendships before classes even start
- Learn more personalized strategies on how to succeed in University level Math since the Study Group Leader will tailor their sessions to your needs
- Access to full sessions that will include taking up questions each day to keep you up from getting behind in the material
- Learn first-hand from students in your Faculty what resources Carleton has to offer and how to succeed during your first year of University
- And much more!
- If I want to try MATH Matters, can I switch MATH4U later?
While this is possible, you only have a limited amount of time from when you can access MATH4U to when the registration for the MATH Matters closes. If you are unsure, critically think about how your high school math grades were and if you would benefit from extra help. The deadline to register for MATH Matters is August 17th 2023 at noon.
- Is MATH Matters mandatory?
No. While MATH Matters provides an advantage for students who attend, it is not mandatory. Students who cannot attend can still do well in first-year math courses as long as they are conscientious in their approach to their studies.
- Who should attend MATH Matters?
Any incoming Carleton student entering a degree program in Architectural Studies, Commerce, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Health Sciences, Industrial Design, International Business, Information Technology, Mathematics, and Science can attend MATH Matters.
We suggest that you register if one or more of the following applies to you:
- You struggled with math prior to coming to Carleton.
- High school calculus or advance functions was recommended for admissions into your program, but you did not take that course.
- It has been over a full year since you have taken your last math course.
To get a gauge of your Math skills and if MATH Matters is recommend for you, starting August 1 2023, try the diagnostic test featured in the accompanying MATH4U program. All incoming first years with a math component in their degree will have access to this Brightspace course. Learn more about MATH4U and how to access the diagnostic here.
- Should students attend MATH Matters if they have strong math grades?
MATH Matters is specifically designed for students who have been away from math courses for a year or more, or for those who are not confident in their math skills prior to starting university.
The pace of MATH Matters will be determined by the strengths and weaknesses of the entire class, and high achieving students run the risk of being under-challenged at some points during the week. Attendees who already have strong math skills may be asked to play an active role in leading their peers, which requires them to fully understand the material before helping others.
If you are unsure, take a look at lecture content on MATH4U in early August and try out some of the exercises, and the self diagnostic test. If you have trouble, consider registering for MATH Matters by August 17th.
- When is MATH Matters offered?
MATH Matters is offered annually during the summer and runs from Monday, August 21st to Friday, August 25th.
- How much does MATH Matters cost?
MATH Mattershas a cost of $250 including HST.
- What is included in the cost of MATH Matters?
The fee covers the cost of the textbook, math instructors, taking up two diagnostics tests, Study Group Leaders who excelled in their university-level math courses and who will run live sessions to go over common problems, techniques on solving math questions and give you some tips on starting first year at Carleton.
- How do students pay for MATH Matters?
The fee for the MATH Matters will be added to each student’s account for the fall 2022 semester. The payment deadline for all charges on student accounts (including the MATH Matters charge and fall and winter tuition fees) is August 25th. Students can visit Student Accounts Receivable for information on how to pay fees. Once registered, students can view their account summary on Carleton Central.
- When and where do students register for MATH Matters?
Students can register for MATH Matters on Carleton Central when their time ticket opens using the course codes (MATH 0999) and the CRN provided on the MATH Matters registration page.
Registration for MATH Matters closes at noon August 17th. If a student wishes to register after this point, they must contact the Science Student Success Centre at (613) 520-2600 ext. 3111.
- If a student gets an error message when trying to register for MATH Matters, what should they do?
If a student receives an error message when registering for MATH Matters, make sure that:
- their time ticket is active and
- the deadline to register for MATH Matters has not passed.
If you cannot find the cause of an error message during registration, please contact the Science Student Success Centre at (613) 520-2600 ext. 3111.
- If students cannot attend the course or change their mind, what can they do?
Students can withdraw from the paid week-long MATH Matters course through the Registration tab on Carleton Central with a full fee-adjustment up to noon on August 17th. After this date, the course fee is non-refundable.
- What topics are typically covered?
The program is meant as a review and it does not cover material beyond the high school math level. Topics covered in the 2020 MATH Matters program included:
- Algebra (fractions, decimals, powers, roots, intervals, simplifying algebraic expressions, rationalizing, long-division)
- Equations (solving linear and quadratic equations, completing the square, solving inequalities, special formulas like the difference of two squares, the sum and difference of two cubes, the square and cube of a binomial)
- Graphs (power functions, sketching and shifting graphs and the intersection of curves)
- Transcendental functions (exponential and logarithmic functions)
- Trigonometry (angles, right angled triangles, the law of sines and the law of cosines, trigonometric identities)
- Calculus (introduction to limits and differentiation)
Topics during the live sessions in MATH Matters may be adjusted to suit the skills and needs of MATH Matters students throughout the program.
- Is there accommodations included with MATH Matters?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer accommodations during MATH Matters, and students will be responsible for arranging their own accommodations during the program. For recommendations on where students can stay while visiting Ottawa please see some of the local hotels listed at https://admissions.carleton.ca/futureparents/visiting-ottawa/. Also, please note the on-campus accommodations listed in the previous link will be unavailable between the period of August 13th to September 1st, as Carleton residence staff will be preparing all rooms for the upcoming fall student move-in.
- What do I need to bring with me to MATH Matters?
For a list of required items for MATH Matters, visit information for attendees.
- What happens if a student has to miss a day of MATH Matters?
Most of the MATH Matters sessions are built in a way that links topics together easily. So even if students miss a day due to extenuating circumstances, they will be able to make up that material quite quickly. If you will not be able to attend any required MATH Matters activities in the week-long version, please email mathmatters [at] carleton.ca as soon as possible. If your study group leader is aware that you will miss lectures or study groups, they can help you catch up on the material you missed when you return.
- If students cannot attend MATH Matters, is there a course like this offered anywhere else?
The MATH Matters curriculum has been tailored to prepare students entering first-year CU math courses. While some universities may offer pre-university Math courses, the approach and topics covered may not be the same. If students cannot attend week-long MATH Matters refresher course, they should review their high school math notes and the material available from the pre-recorded lectures during the summer and be ready to work hard when they arrive on campus. They can also visit the Science Student Success Centre at the start of the semester for tips and information about succeeding in university-level math courses.
- Where should students be directed if they have additional questions?
For questions about MATH Matters, please contact the MATH Matters Coordinator in the Science Student Success Centre at mathmatters [at] carleton.ca or call (613) 520-2600 ext. 3111.