Hi, I'm in Life Sciences 1 and planning to take Math 1B03, and Math 1A03/1LS3 (haven't decided) but I'm also considering Math 1AA3. I'm not exactly sure if I want to continue with math, but I like to keep my options open.

I didn't do too well in Grade 12 Calculus, only scoring low 80s but I was fairly interested in the material.

Any suggestions or advice on whether or not to take it as well? Any thoughts on 1A03 vs 1LS3? It would be most appreciated.

Edit: Thanks to those who pointed out Math 1LT3. Now the problem I really have is whether to take the 1L or 1A programs.

If you feel that you didn't do too well in Grade 12, take Math 1LS3, which is mostly a repeat of the same material. 1A03 is also a repeat of some of the material (i.e. a tiny bit of derivatives, optimization, and curve sketching), but it also delves a little deeper than 1LS3 in integration.

However, if you want to take 1AA3, I highly recommend taking 1A03, just because they complement one another better than 1LS3 with 1AA3.

I did the 1L stream and it was fine though I would have much preferred doing the 1A stream because it prepares you more for upper year courses.

So seeing as you have an interest in math, I'd go with the 1A stream. Also, don't do 1LS3 then 1AA3 it is better to do 1A as it is made as a continuation. With 1LS3 to 1AA3 there may be some gaps.

Essentially, what I have been told is they teach you the same thing but in a different way...for the 1L stream we mostly did biological applications...like how fast bacteria grows.

I had no choice but to take three first year math courses (the Engineering maths) and I did fine. I got a 6, 7, and 10 in them. I had a 68 in Grade 12 Calculus. So... you should be fine.

I took Math 1LS3, 1LT3 and 1B03 in first year, and it was totally manageable. In fact, I find math courses easier and lighter in terms of work and amount of time needed to study compared to other science courses which have labs, longer tutorials, group projects, marked assignments, quizzes, etc. Math 1LT3 is "equivalent" to Math 1AA3, and follows 1LS3. At least it did last year. Since you didn't mention it, I'm wondering if it's still offered. Look into that.

If you're going to continue on in a math-heavy program (ie. math or physics), then definitely take 1A03 and 1AA3.
If you're going into life science program (or chemistry, since chem is actually a physical science), then take 1LS3 and 1LT3.

As for 1B03. If you like linear algebra, or want to learn some new math stuff that you probably won't ever use again (if you continue in a life sci program), and you have a spot for an elective, then take it if you want.

Originally Posted by djRAIN

If you're going to continue on in a math-heavy program (ie. math or physics), then definitely take 1A03 and 1AA3.
If you're going into life science program (or chemistry, since chem is actually a physical science), then take 1LS3 and 1LT3.

As for 1B03. If you like linear algebra, or want to learn some new math stuff that you probably won't ever use again (if you continue in a life sci program), and you have a spot for an elective, then take it if you want.

Thanks for the feedback, I also notice that you're in Chemical Biology and Chemical Biology is a level 2 program I'm considering. So, I was wondering if I should take Physics 1BB3. Its only recommended, but I was wondering how important it is for this program.