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MATH 103Introductory Algebra for Arts and Social Science

Units
0.50
Faculty
Mathematics
Subject
Mathematics

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

An introduction to applications of algebra to business, the behavioural sciences, and the social sciences. Topics will be chosen from linear equations, systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, functions, set theory, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, probability theory.

Prerequisites

  • Enrolled in a program offered by the Faculties of Arts, Environment, or Health

Antirequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
      • MATH106 - Applied Linear Algebra 1 (0.50)
      • MATH114 - Linear Algebra for Science (0.50)
      • MATH115 - Linear Algebra for Engineering (0.50)
      • MATH136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)
      • MATH146 - Linear Algebra 1 (Advanced Level) (0.50)
      • NE112 - Linear Algebra for Nanotechnology Engineers (0.50)
    • Not open to students enrolled in H-Accounting & Financial Management

Leads to

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 001636612 / 100MWF 10:30–11:20
TUT 101663112 / 100Th 14:30–15:20

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 08160420 / 100Online or by arrangement
LEC 701229419 / 9999Online or by arrangement

Resources

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Reviewed on UW Flow

54% liked it78% easy44% useful

From 39 ratings and 12 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • Not bad at all. There are weekly modules and no quizzes. However, there are weekly MOBIUS assignments and written assignments, and a total of 3 cumulative review submissions throughout the semester. Expect to work on topics such as inequalities, logarithms, probability theory, set theory, counting theory, and matrices. Those topics were new to me. Additionally, students must attend zoom sessions for participation marks (5%). As someone who struggled with math in high school, this course was a bit difficult but manageable. There is no final exam for the online course, but there is a final project worth 25%.

    Nov 2021 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • My prof was Shane Bauman and he seemed to enjoy teaching which made me like the class more. If you had grade 12 or grade 11 math it should be a breeze.

    Nov 2023 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • First half is repetition from what I remember from high school math, then it gets kind of tricky. No recorded lectures, so you teach yourself the content, which isn't easy for math. Final was a lot easier than expected, but unit tests are somewhat tricky near the end. Just study the examples in the lessons and you'll do okay.

    May 2023 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • I am not a STEM smart student but this course is basically Grade 12 Advanced Functions, with the introduction of a couple of new topics. Probably the easiest math course you'd find at Waterloo, although the marking was very picky.

    Dec 2022 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Took this as a super easy course to fulfil a math requirement. Super super easy content. Content modules kinda suck but it's ok because the content is the exact same as high school. Took nothing away from the course but I kinda expected that going in.

    Dec 2022 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

64 posts and comments in 46 threads mention MATH 103, December 2012 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2024

Math 103 1 point, 2 comments

u/Randomwaterloodude: “I took math 103 because I never took calc in high school (big mistake) and needed it for a pre req instead. Course is quite easy it is literally gr12 functions and gr12 data management put into one class and double the pace of high school.”

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math 104 for honour acience 1 point, 4 comments

“does math 104 count for a math elective in honour science program bc in the uw website it says the program needs two math electives does this mean i can take any math elective??? …”

u/chaman_chikki: “I think its 127+128”

u/SkirtAlternative3266: “ohh ;-; the website says "complete 2 math courses from the following subject codes: ACTSC, AMATH, CO, CS, MATH, PMATH, STAT (excluding CS100 and MATH103)" also did u graduate? and if u did are u planning to do grad school (med, den, pharm, optom)? …”

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Spring 2024

Econ course question 2 points, 4 comments

u/LS_reader: “… It is recommended that I take math 103 or 104 or both. I am planning on taking both. …”

u/voxaun: “you don't need to know math for econ 101 and econ 102. i didn't take calculus in highschool either, and i also went into econ. don't do them in the same term, but def do the easier one first, so math 103 in the fall & math 104 in the winter”

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can I get geomatics/GIS jobs with a GEM degree + is a computing minor a GPA killer? 2 points, 16 comments

“2 part qn here, for 1., I applied for, and was accepted into GEM (w coop), but after finding out more about the programs, I feel that Geomatics may be more suited for me VS a GEM degree w a …”

u/batson2002: “on transfers, see here: https://uwaterloo.ca/environment/undergraduate/current-students/transfers, geomatics might be a bit harder to transfer into as i’d assume it’s somewhat competitive given lots …”

u/applepill: “Not competitive at all for a Geomatics transfer, especially for GEM. Just take at least 4 GEOG courses (will be covered under GEM) and at least a 75% average. You also need to take 1 MATH course from what I remember, but it’s MATH 103/106/116 which is not hard at all.”

u/cryingeveryday101: “thanks! regarding the MATH courses, are there foundation courses u can take as well if u find MATH 103/106/116 too advanced?”

u/applepill: “MATH 103 is the equivalent foundational course for students who didn’t take the required math courses in high school. You take MATH 103 > 106. Geomatics students are required to take either MATH 106 or 114, that’s a program requirement.”

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Winter 2024

Math 103 grade? 1 point, 0 comments

u/Creative-Ad2222: “Hi there! I am trying to calculate what I need on my final for Math 103 to proceed to psych 291/2. I was under the impression that I only needed the credit but someone had told me I actually need a 60%. I am in psychology if that is any help. Thanks!”

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Fall 2023

Math Tutor 1 point, 7 comments

u/Tumblrist: “I failed my math103 course and will retake it in the winter term online while doing coop. Pretty embarrassed about it, but not surprised since math is my weakest suit. I need a tutor for this course if anyone can help a struggling gal out of this math hell hole. …”

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Spring 2023

Math electives for arts student math minor 1 point, 13 comments

“I'm doing a math minor from arts faculty with Econ major!! I have to take 3 math electives\ anything from CO, CS, MATH, MATH-BUS, .... what electives would your recommend. …”

u/OutrageousRisk1299: “If you want to take math 225 you need to take math106 and math103 if you didn't do calc in hs if you want to take math207 you need math 128,127 and 104 if you didn't do calc in hs Co you need math106 and the calc thing For math250 i assume you mean amath? …”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

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