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The University of Winnipeg

Math for Early/Middle Year Teachers

This course is for students planning to become elementary or middle years teachers who wish to gain a more thorough understanding of the mathematics underpinning many of the topics taught in the K-8 curriculum.

Topics include discrete mathematics (logic, sets, proof techniques), number theory (numeration systems, Euclidean algorithm, prime factorization), Euclidean geometry (Euclid's axioms, congruence, Pythagorean Theorem) and combinatorics (counting and probability, Pascal's triangle).

To request special permission to register in MATH-2903 or MATH-2904, you must 1) be planning to enrol in the after-degree Education program and 2) satisfy the pre-requisite for the course.  Please fill out this form  to request special permission. Once we have verified that you have the pre-requisite, a permission form will be sent to Registration that will allow you to register or be placed on the wait list if the course is full.

PREREQUISITES: At least one of Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S or MATH-0042 or the former MATH-0040 or a grade of 65% or higher in Applied Mathematics 40S or a grade of C+ or higher in MATH-0031 or a grade of C+ or higher in MATH-0041. We do not give prerequisite waivers for MATH-2903. 

Options for Entry

If you did not take Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S or Applied Math 40S in high school, or if you received less than 65% in Applied Math 40S, the following options are available to you:

Option 1 

Upgrade via our access course -- this is the path most likely to lead to success. Enroll in the University of Winnipeg course MATH-0041: Math Access I or in the new course MATH-0031: Math Access for Early and Middle Years Teachers. This course will help you become comfortable with the material that you should know from school mathematics. A grade of C+ or higher in MATH-0031 or MATH-0041 will allow you to gain entry into MATH-2903. If you successfully complete MATH-0031 or MATH-0041 with a grade of C+ or higher, you will not need to write an entrance test to gain entry into MATH-2903. You will also improve your math skills by taking MATH-0031 or MATH-0041. 

  • MATH-0031 (0): Mathematics Access for Early and Middle Years Teachers This course covers selected topics from the K-12 math curriculum in preparation for the course MATH-2903. Topics include the real number system, integer and fraction arithmetic, proportions and percentages, exponents, the distributive property, solving linear equations, basic geometry, the Pythagorean theorem and the Cartesian coordinate system. A grade of C+ or higher in this course can be used to satisfy the prerequisite for MATH-2903 but this course cannot be used as a prerequisite for MATH-0042 or any other mathematics course. Note: This is a non-credit course offered over 12 weeks. 
  • MATH-0041(0) Mathematics Access I This course covers mathematics from school math courses. Topics include the real number system, integer and fraction arithmetic, exponents and radicals, polynomial arithmetic and algebraic expressions, rational expressions, equation solving techniques, coordinate geometry, lines, functions, and geometry of right-angled triangles. This course can be used in lieu of an Applied Math 40S prerequisite for MATH-2903 only. It cannot be used in lieu of an Applied Math 40S prerequisite for any other course. This course may be audited by students who have passed Applied Math 40S, Pre-Calculus 30S or Pre-Calculus 40S. Note: This is a non- credit course offered over 12 weeks. 

Option 2

Upgrade through other programs. Take Applied Math 40S or Pre-Calculus 40S at the Winnipeg Adult Education Centre or at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. Some Winnipeg school divisions offer Applied Math 40S as a summer course. Check with your school division to see if this is a possibility. If you successfully upgrade through one of these programs and obtain the equivalent of Applied Math 40S or Precalculus Math 40S, you will not need to write an entrance test.

Option 3

Take an entrance test. If you took Consumer Math 40S or Essential Math 40S in high school but did not take Applied Math 40S or Pre-Calculus Math 40S, or if you received below 65% in Applied Math 40S, you may write an entrance test for MATH-2903. If you receive 65% or higher on the entrance test, you will be granted a prerequisite waiver for MATH-2903 by the Department of Mathematics & Statistics. The entrance test runs in April and in August. Students are strongly advised to take MATH-0031 to satisfy the MATH-2903 prerequisite instead of taking the entrance test, since most students who do not have the MATH-2903 prerequisite have not been successful with the entrance test. Note that a student may write this test a maximum of three times. If a student registers to write the test this is counted as one attempt (regardless of whether the student shows up to write the test or not). Students who choose this option will need to engage in self-study to sharpen their math and problem-solving skills. You must register to write the test.

MATH-2903 ENTRANCE TEST

Students must receive 65% or above on the entrance test to pass.

The next MATH-2903 entrance test will be held in-person at the University of Winnipeg on April 26th, 2024, from 1:00PM-2:30PM.

The registration deadline for the April 2024 Entrance Test has passed.

Register for the MATH-2903 ENTRANCE TEST

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Review the material. The skills test covers skills from the K-8 curriculum. Below is a list of topics on which to focus:

  • Whole number and decimal arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, long division)
  • Fraction arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
  • Order of operations
  • Converting between fractions and decimals
  • Place value and rounding
  • Percentages and ratios
  • Solving linear equations
  • Prime factorizations, greatest common multiples, lowest common divisors
  • Perimeter, area and volume; angles in a triangle

Students are strongly advised to take MATH-0031 or MATH-0041 to satisfy the MATH-2903 prerequisite instead of taking the entrance test, since most students who do not have the MATH-2903 prerequisite have not been successful with the entrance test. 

Note that a student may write this test a maximum of three times. If a student registers to write the test this is counted as one attempt (regardless of whether the student shows up to write the test or not). 

MATH-2903 is usually offered several times throughout the academic year. You should therefore have plenty of time to upgrade your skills.