The Math 50A course at College of the Redwoods is the first in a sequence of calculus courses (Math 50A, B, and C) designed for mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. Its primary emphasis is the development of the derivative, which is a measure of the instantaneous rate of change of one quantity with respect to another.
If you have completed courses in college algebra and trigonometry, then you are eligible to enroll in CR's differential calculus course.
Students in mathematics, engineering, and science usually complete the following core courses in their freshman and sophomore years.
| First Semester | Second Semester | |
| Freshman Year | Calculus I | Calculus II |
| Sophomore Year | Calculus III | Differential Equations |
Math and science students are also expected to fit in an introductory linear algebra course (Math 45, Fall only) during one of these first four semesters. Some schools actually require that you complete an introductory course in linear algebra before taking the third course in calculus or a course in differential equations (Math 55, spring only). You should also complete a one semester class in programming. We recommend Matlab Programming (Math 4, spring only).
Computers are available for use in the physical sciences building on the Eureka campus, rooms PS110 and PS116. Each of these machines has a variety of software packages that will aid in the study of calculus. See your instructor for login names and passwords.