Skip to main content
Future Students Alumni Library Athletics & Recreation
Students

Preparing for Calculus

Are you required to take calculus as part of your program requirements? Are you nervous about taking university calculus or looking for a refresher on core mathematical concepts? Laurier offers two calculus preparation options before starting your studies: the Calculus Preparation Program, and the TriAGe Preparation for University Calculus non-credit course. Both of these options will help you review and deepen your understanding of key math skills, build a strong foundation and increase your chances of success in calculus.

Built-in Flexibility: 

The majority of students who complete the calculus preparation resources do so within two-three months before their first term at Laurier, usually over the summer months in order to prepare for an introductory calculus course in the upcoming academic year. The content is self-paced and all components of each option are available online.  

Calculus Peparation Program

The Calculus Preparation Program (CPP) provides material for independent study, and is a great fit for you to refresh your skills as needed, and to deepen your understanding of core mathematical concepts needed for success in calculus courses. This free set of online resources contains eight modules of reference notes, video lessons, and practice problems to help you refresh your algebraic skills and ability to solve equations and work with functions. Build a strong foundation and be prepared before you start calculus!

Starting June 30, any Laurier student can self-register for the CPP on MyLearningSpace to review these topics from the high school math curriculum; those enrolled in any of our introductory calculus courses - MA100, MA102, MA103, MA129 - will automatically be given access to the CPP content. 

TriAGe: Preparation for University Calculus (non-credit course)

TriAGe is an online non-credit course which covers the same foundational concepts from Trigonometry, Algebra, and Geometry that are included in our Calculus Preparation Program. TriAGe provides additional structure to your review of these skills by including live virtual lectures and practice quizzes, as well as graded assignments and a final assessment.   

Topics include:

  • algebraic manipulations used to simplify expressions and solve equations and inequalities (Units 1-4);
  • analytic geometry (Unit 5);
  • polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions (Units 6-8).

Instructor: Tina Balfour (BA, BEd), manager of Mathematics and Statistics Learning Support

Course cost: $275 (+ appplicable taxes) 

Prerequisite Equivalency

The Department of Mathematics at Laurier permits successful completion of TriAGe to be considered as an equivalency to the Grade 12 Advanced Functions prerequisite for MA100, MA102, and MA129. To be granted the equivalency, a final grade of 70% or better must be attained through completion of course quizzes, assignments, and the final evaluation.

The equivalency cannot be used directly towards program admission requirements (connect with your program academic advisor for any further information).

Summer Session 2025

Access to the online course material will open on June 30, 2025.  Progress through the units is self-paced, with a goal to complete the course by the date of the final evaluation, Tues. Aug. 26. We suggest you give yourself at least five weeks to complete TriAGe; that is, you should start the course by no later than July 21 if you intend to complete it before fall term.

Synchronous Classes

If there is sufficient interest from those registered, there will be synchronous (live) lectures offered virtually via Zoom, providing further instruction to assist with the more challenging concepts.

While these classes are optional, students are encouraged to attend to further engage with the course material, to share in discussions regarding study tips and strategies to learning math, and to meet and work with others taking TriAGe!

  • Time: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (EST)
  • Dates:
    • Tuesday July 8 - Units 1 and 2
    • Tuesday July 22 - Units 2 and 3
    • Tuesday July 29 - Unit 4
    • Tuesday Aug. 5 - Units 5 and 6
    • Tuesday Aug. 12 - Unit 7
    • Tuesday Aug. 19 - Unit 8

Final Evaluation

The final evaluation for the summer session will take place on Laurier's Waterloo campus on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (EST).  

If TriAGe is being taken to earn an equivalency for the high school prerequisite, the final evaluation must be completed in person on the Waterloo campus.  An alternate date in early September can also be arranged.

Registration

Registration is now open!  You can register for the course until July 21. Payment by credit card or debit must be made at the time of registration.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If you need to cancel your registration and have not accessed the course, contact Tina Balfour to request a refund; a 15% administrative fee will apply. 

Registration fees cannot be refunded once you have accessed TriAGe on MyLearningSpace.