MATH 116Calculus 1 for Engineering
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Mathematics
- Subject
- Mathematics
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 3 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
Functions: review of polynomials, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric. Operations on functions, curve sketching. Trigonometric identities, inverse functions. Derivatives, rules of differentiation. Mean Value Theorem, Newton's Method. Indeterminate forms and L'Hopital's rule, applications. Integrals, approximations, Riemann definite integral, Fundamental Theorems. Applications of the integral.
Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following: 4U Calculus and Vectors
- Enrolled in H-Architectural Engineering, H-Biomedical Engineering, H-Chemical Engineering, H-Civil Engineering, H-Environmental Engineering, H-Geological Engineering, H-Management Engineering, H-Mechanical Engineering, or H-Mechatronics Engineering
Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- Not open to students enrolled in H-Computer Engineering, H-Electrical Engineering, H-Nanotechnology Engineering, H-Software Engineering, or H-Systems Design Engineering
Leads to
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 6068 | 111 / 120 | MWF 08:30–09:20 MWF 08:30–09:20 Oct 1 12:30–13:20 Nov 5 12:30–13:20 Nov 19 12:30–13:20 |
| LEC 002 | 6069 | 130 / 150 | MWF 09:30–10:20 MWF 09:30–10:20 Oct 1 10:30–11:20 Nov 5 10:30–11:20 Nov 19 10:30–11:20 |
| LEC 003 | 6070 | 123 / 145 | MWF 09:30–10:20 MWF 09:30–10:20 Oct 1 11:30–12:20 Nov 5 11:30–12:20 Nov 19 11:30–12:20 |
| LEC 004 | 6071 | 107 / 105 | MWF 09:30–10:20 MWF 09:30–10:20 Oct 5 13:30–14:20 Nov 9 13:30–14:20 Nov 23 13:30–14:20 Sep 14 15:30–16:20 |
| LEC 005 | 6072 | 125 / 120 | MWF 12:30–13:20 MWF 12:30–13:20 Oct 2 11:30–12:20 Nov 6 11:30–12:20 Nov 20 11:30–12:20 |
| LEC 006 | 6073 | 126 / 120 | MWF 14:30–15:20 MWF 14:30–15:20 Oct 5 16:30–17:20 Nov 9 16:30–17:20 Nov 23 16:30–17:20 |
| LEC 007 | 6135 | 112 / 120 | MWF 15:30–16:20 MWF 15:30–16:20 Oct 5 13:30–14:20 Nov 9 13:30–14:20 Nov 23 13:30–14:20 Sep 29 11:30–12:20 |
| LEC 008 | 6256 | 123 / 120 | MWF 11:30–12:20 MWF 11:30–12:20 Nov 6 09:30–10:20 Nov 20 09:30–10:20 Oct 6 11:30–12:20 Oct 2 16:30–17:20 Sep 18 09:30–10:20 |
| LEC 009 | 6324 | 109 / 100 | MWF 15:30–16:20 MWF 15:30–16:20 Oct 6 15:30–16:20 Nov 10 15:30–16:20 Nov 24 15:30–16:20 |
| LEC 010 | 8839 | 118 / 120 | MWF 14:30–15:20 MWF 14:30–15:20 Oct 2 15:30–16:20 Nov 6 15:30–16:20 Nov 20 15:30–16:20 |
| TUT 101 | 6074 | 52 / 60 | T 12:30–14:20 T 12:30–14:20 |
| TUT 102 | 6075 | 59 / 60 | T 12:30–14:20 T 12:30–14:20 |
| TUT 104 | 6077 | 41 / 50 | T 14:30–16:20 T 14:30–16:20 |
| TUT 105 | 6078 | 43 / 50 | T 14:30–16:20 T 14:30–16:20 |
| TUT 106 | 6079 | 46 / 50 | T 13:30–15:20 T 13:30–15:20 |
| TUT 107 | 6080 | 61 / 72 | F 10:30–12:20 F 10:30–12:20 |
| TUT 108 | 6081 | 62 / 73 | F 10:30–12:20 F 10:30–12:20 |
| TUT 109 | 6176 | 54 / 52 | F 10:30–12:20 F 10:30–12:20 |
| TUT 110 | 6177 | 53 / 53 | F 10:30–12:20 F 10:30–12:20 |
| TUT 111 | 6194 | 64 / 60 | W 14:30–16:20 W 14:30–16:20 |
| TUT 112 | 6195 | 61 / 60 | W 14:30–16:20 W 14:30–16:20 |
| TUT 113 | 6325 | 63 / 60 | F 10:30–12:20 F 10:30–12:20 |
| TUT 114 | 6396 | 63 / 60 | F 10:30–12:20 F 10:30–12:20 |
| TUT 115 | 6397 | 56 / 60 | M 08:30–10:20 M 08:30–10:20 |
| TUT 116 | 6398 | 56 / 60 | M 08:30–10:20 M 08:30–10:20 |
| TUT 117 | 6399 | 63 / 60 | M 14:30–16:20 M 14:30–16:20 |
| TUT 118 | 6400 | 60 / 60 | M 14:30–16:20 M 14:30–16:20 |
| TUT 119 | 6457 | 53 / 50 | F 09:30–11:20 F 09:30–11:20 |
| TUT 120 | 6458 | 56 / 50 | F 09:30–11:20 F 09:30–11:20 |
| TUT 121 | 8840 | 62 / 60 | M 08:30–10:20 M 08:30–10:20 |
| TUT 122 | 8841 | 56 / 60 | M 08:30–10:20 M 08:30–10:20 |
| TST 201 | 6666 | 1184 / 1220 | Oct 21 16:30–18:20 |
Reviewed on UW Flow
88% liked it81% easy91% useful
From 683 ratings and 104 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
TAs graded like they were Redditors spotting grammar mistakes.
Apr 2022 · didn’t like it · 5 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
The course is easy to study for, especially integration if you know how to. Integrals also have so many practical applications. Just remember: integrate udv and don't forget the + C
Dec 2022 · liked it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
This course is a review of High School material with some extra concepts sprinkled in before new content (Integration) is added at the end. The midterm is not too difficult and the tutorials throughout the term are pretty light since they are collaborative. The final can be pretty rough, depending on the year.
Dec 2022 · liked it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Overall and easy course if you did well in high school calculus. Incredibly enjoyable if you have Zack Cramer.
Feb 2025 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Took this in F18. Course is mostly a review of high school calc + a few new topics. Good foundation for calc 2 and advanced calc for mech eng. One of the easier courses in 1A. Tutorial assignments were open book and had plenty of time. I finished early most of the time. Our tutorial TA was not fluent in english at all and did not help students. Exams were easy.
May 2020 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
176 posts and comments in 141 threads mention MATH 116, December 2011 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
Probably failed mgte 1a term 17 points, 5 comments
u/Ok_Leadership_3733: “… Here’s some context: I took CHE102, MSE100, MSE121, MATH115, and MATH116. Unfortunately, I failed CHE102 and MSE121. However, I’m 90% sure my grades for MSE121 are incorrect due to extremely harsh grading by TA, compounded by other challenges I faced this term. …”
Do eng courses/profs improve? 18 points, 8 comments
u/Hungry_Material_1785: “Dawg you’re in SE, why else would you take math fac courses”
u/Initial_Accountant7: “They mentioned taking PHYS, which SE students don't take in 1A. Math 116/117 and Math 115 are coordinated by the Math faculty despite being for eng students.”
Exam advice 1 point, 1 comment
u/Feisty-Emu3837: “sorry for the repost but low engagement. In dire needs of study tips/advice. How to pass the finals for these classes 1. Math 115 (Lin alg) 2. Math 116 (calc 1) 3. Mte 121/Gene 121 (digital comp) 4. Che 101 (Chem: worst class so far)”
u/HillcrestEnigma: “I took MATH 115 and MATH 117 (should be similar to MATH 116) last year. You should read all of the course notes thoroughly and do nearly all of the practice problems if you haven't done them already. …”
Exam Help 1 point, 1 comment
u/Feisty-Emu3837: “In dire needs of study tips/advice. How to pass the finals for these classes 1. Math 115 (Lin alg) 2. Math 116 (calc 1) 3. Mte 121/Gene 121 (digital comp) 4. Che 101 (Chem: worst class so far)”
Why do we have to take MATH 136 in 1A 😭 197 points, 41 comments
“Seriously, what did our Prof expect when this course has a prerequisite of MATH 135 which we were so "fortunate" to not require, just for our program? Program is Mathematical Physics”
u/hockey3331: “… Theres an easier version Math 116 for non math major folks, but I guess the program being mathematical physics... students are expected to take core math courses? But look at it this way... the prof seems pretty understanding. …”
Need help studying for exams 2 points, 2 comments
u/Feisty-Emu3837: “… Che 102 Mte 121 Math 115 Math 116”
How bad are the midterms? 10 points, 9 comments
“I'm First Year Civ Eng and I've heard that in general, mid terms are bad, but how bad are they actually? Is it correct to assume that I'm just gonna get touched and to expect a 50 at best?”
u/Turbulent_Map4: “… Math 116 is easy the class avg was high 70s. If you're struggling with 116 work your ass off because 118 is worse. …”
Can you take Hon. Math courses instead of math for engineers. 3 points, 2 comments
u/Excellent_Dog_9851: “… math 116 vs 117). …”
What are the Differences Between MATH for Engineering vs. MATH for Sciences? 5 points, 9 comments
u/skatertomato1: “I am planning to minor in Mathematics and need to choose between MATH116, MATH117, and MATH127 for my calculus courses. It’s been a while since I’ve studied high school calculus, and I’m looking for a course that starts with a reintroduction or refresher. …”
u/sour-sushi: “Just do the easiest one 116 for engineering it's all high school review”
u/BookFluffy1025: “Do you still have the textbook for MATH116? Either digital or used is ok. I'm in a great need for it”
Spring 2024
Going To Tron in 2024 1 point, 4 comments
u/Feisty-Emu3837: “… MTE 100 – Mechatronics Engineering CHE 102 – Chemistry for Engineers MATH 115 – Linear Algebra for Engineering MATH 116 – Calculus 1 for Engineering MTE 121 – Digital Computation Thank You!”
u/ConsequenceNo3618: “CHE 102 isn't too bad MATH 115 will be mostly new content, you can study it here https://open.math.uwaterloo.ca/ MATH 116 is mostly high school calculus so it's very easy A good amount of engineering's rigour doesn't come from the actual difficulty of the courses but the sheer …”
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?”
Winter 2024
Mechatronics Eng Uw vs Mac Free Chocie Eng 2 points, 37 comments
“Hi everyone. I got accepted into mechatronics at UW and I got free choice at Mac. I'm still waiting for UOFT (dont plan on going there anyway). …”
u/KINGBLUE2739046: “You’re already halfway there if you’re afraid of failing out of Uni. If you have some sense of being accountable for yourself, you should be fine.”
u/KINGBLUE2739046: “… MATH116+118 instead of MATH117+119 is a bless. No ECE105 or 106. Algorithms and Data Structures in first year instead of second year. …”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
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