Simon Fraser University

Advising

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. I am interested in pursuing a mathematics program but do not know where to start.
  2. I previously attended a highschool outside of BC or another institution before transferring to SFU and I can't enroll in a 1st year Math course.
  3. I need to take FAN X99, but am unable to register.
  4. I need to take MATH 190, but have already taken a calculus course.
  5. I need to take MATH 190, but don't meet the requirements.
  6. I want to take a non-entry course for which I don't have the prerequisites
  7. I'm a transfer student and want to take a non-entry course for which I may not have the prerequisites.
  8. I would like to check my progress toward graduation.
  9. I would like to take a Math or MACM course for a third time.
  10. I would like to enroll in a Math or MACM course which is a 6th or subsequent duplicate course.
  11. I am a second degree student and would like to enroll in a Math or MACM course.
  12. I am a second degree student and would like to have Math or MACM course prerequisites waived for another class or program.

1. How do I apply for a Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Industrial Mathematics, or Mathematics and Computing Science (MACM) major/honors or Mathematics Minor program?

Please see the Mathematics Advisor during her advising hours.  The advisor is available to discuss mathematics programs and course planning.  In addition, the advisor can offer general information about mathematics careers and opportunities.  

CGPA, UDGPA, and subject GPA must be greater than or equal to 2.0 to declare a major offered by the Department of Mathematics.  Approval from the advisor is required to declare a program. 

For further information, refer to

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2.  I would like to take (Math 100/190/150/151/154/157) but I am unable to register in this course or not sure if I have the prerequisites. I previously attended high school outside of BC or attended another postsecondary institution before starting at SFU.  What can I do?

Please bring, email or fax a copy of your (high school/post secondary) transcripts to the Mathematics Advisor.  Also attach the course outlines for the math courses that you have previously taken.  Clearly state your name, your SFU student number, and the MATH course(s) in which you wish to enroll on this documentation. 

Note that the evaluation of this documentation can take 5 to 7 days.  You will be notified of the evaluation results via email. 

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3. I need to take FAN X99 Foundations of Analytical and Quantitative Reasoning, but I am unable to register. What should I do?

Students requiring assistance to register for FAN X99 should see the Mathematics Advisor during her advising hours. 

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4. I would like to apply to the PDP Program in the Faculty of Education and would like to take Math 190 Principles of Mathematics for Teachers, however, I already have credit for a calculus course. What can I do?

If you have completed most of the academic requirements for the PDP admission application, please contact the Mathematics Advisor during her advisors to seek permission to enroll in MATH 190.

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5. I would like to apply to the PDP Program in the Faculty of Education and would like to take Math 190 Principles of Mathematics for Teachers, however, my situation is one of the following:

i) I have not taken a math course in several years;
ii) I do not have the required prerequisite (BC Principles of Math 11 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B);
iii) I have been admitted to SFU but do not meet the prerequisites to take a Q (quantitative) course.

What can I do?

Students who have been away from the mathematics classroom for at least five years are strongly recommended to take FAN X99 Foundations of Analytical and Quantitative Reasoning prior to Math 190.

Students who do not have the required course prerequisite (BC Principles of Math 11 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B-) and/or do not meet the prerequisite to enroll in Q courses must either pass the Quantitative Placement Test or complete the course FAN X99 Foundations of Analytic and Quantitative Reasoning with a minimum grade of C.

Please contact the Mathematics Advisor for more information.  

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6. I would like to take a non-entry level course for which I do not have the prerequisites. What should I do?

All students requesting permission to take non-entry level courses for which they do not have the prerequisites must contact the Mathematics Advisor during advising hours.  

Note that prerequisite waivers for 100, 200 and some 300 level MATH/MACM courses are typically not granted. For the majority of 300 and 400 level courses, the completion of a Prerequisite Waiver Form may be required. 

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7. I would like to take a non-entry level course for which I am unsure as to whether I have the prerequisites. I transferred from another post-secondary institution. What should I do?

If you wish to apply for transfer credit for the courses you have taken at another post secondary institution, you must submit a request to SFU Admissions.

This process takes time, however, and you may be able to receive permission to register in a MATH or MACM course in advance of receiving transfer credit by submitting a request to the Department of Mathematics.  Please bring, email or fax a copy of your (high school/post secondary) transcripts to the Mathematics Advisor.  Also attach the course outlines for all math courses that you have previously taken.  Clearly state your name, your SFU student number, and the MATH course(s) in which you wish to enroll on this documentation. 

Note that the evaluation of this documentation can take 5 to 7 days.  You will be notified of the evaluation results via email. 

Contact the Mathematics Advisor for additional assistance.

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8. I would like to check my progress towards graduation. What can I do?

The Mathematics Advisor is available to review degree progress with you.  Please call (778.7824980) or email (math_advice@sfu.ca) to make an appointment. 

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9. I would like to take a MATH (100 - 400 level) or MACM (200 – 400 level) course for a third time. What should I do?

All students requesting permission to take a Math (100 – 400 level) or MACM (200 – 400 level) course for the third time are required to submit a Third Time Permission application to the Mathematics Advisor.  

The deadline to submit this application is two weeks prior to the first day of classes of the term in which you wish to repeat the course.  This application is not guaranteed approval.  Processing of this application can take 1 to 2 weeks.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Also, please make note of all SFU deadlines and all policies related to repeating courses. 

Please contact the Mathematics Advisor for additional assistance. 

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10. I would like to request permission to register in a MATH or MACM course which is a 6th or subsequent duplicate course. What should I do?

Requests for sixth or subsequent duplicates are reviewed by the Faculty where the student’s program is administered, e.g. Computing Science majors must apply to the Faculty of Applied Science.  An appeal must be submitted to the Faculty.

Contact the Mathematics Advisor to discuss your situation.  

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11. I am a second degree student who would like to enrol in a MATH or MACM course on the basis of course work taken in my previous degree, which I feel are equivalent to the prerequisite(s). What should I do?

If you wish to have your courses from a previous degree assessed so that you may be given a registration clearance, you will need to submit transcripts in English from the previous institution to the Mathematics Advisor. Also attach the course outlines for all math courses that you have previously taken.  Clearly state your name, your SFU student number, and the MATH course(s) in which you wish to enroll on this documentation.  

Note that the evaluation of this documentation can take 5 to 7 days.  You will be notified of the evaluation results via email. 

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12. I am a second degree student completing a program in another department and I wish to have some of the MATH or MACM course requirements for the program in the other department waived. How do I do this?

If you wish to have your courses from a previous degree assessed so that you may have your current program requirements for Math or MACM courses waived, you will need to submit transcripts in English from the previous institution to the Mathematics Advisor.  Also attach the course outlines for all math courses that you have previously taken. Clearly state your name, your SFU student number, and the MATH or MACM course(s)  that you wish to have waived on this documentation.  

If it is felt that your previous degree courses are equivalent to your current program requirements for the Math or MACM courses you have specified, “we” can write a note to your department suggesting that it waive these Math or MACM course requirements in your current program.

Note that we can only suggest a waiver; it is up to the home department to actually grant the waiver. Students should contact the Mathematics Advisor to discuss their request.

Note that the evaluation of this documentation can take 5 to 7 days.  You will be notified of the evaluation results via email. 

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