Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with first year courses and requirements. Entry to the Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics (CMS) admission category is gained directly from high school. Applicants who have completed any postsecondary studies (including studies at other divisions at the University of Toronto) are not eligible for admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a new incoming first-year CMS student; when and how do I enroll in courses?
In the summer, there are course enrolment workshops offered by the Office of the Registrar and Centre for Student Engagement. Please check the Course Enrolment information page. If you have further questions, please contact us.
Does the department have any recommendations for a good-quality laptop that would get me through undergraduate studies?
We don't have specific recommendations for laptop/computer purchases.
Do note that for our CSC courses, you will not need a high-powered computer; when students need processing power for advanced courses (e.g. in robotics or scalable computing), they will generally use our lab resources.
We suggest buying what you can comfortably afford and what works for your anticipated usage pattern (e.g. consider weight and battery life in addition to processor and memory).
What can I do to prepare for first-year calculus?
- If you are considering taking MAT132H5, MAT133Y5, or MAT135H5:
- Check out MathMatize.com (an app developed by one of our faculty) and join the Fundamentals of High School Math course for free (there may be ads). Complete the tasks there to help you prepare for the Fall term, and also get a sense of your level of preparation. Note that an anonymous account will not necessarily save your progress.
- If you are considering taking MAT137H5 + MAT139H5 or MAT157H5 + MAT159H5, the U of T St. George Mathematics Department has a page with some resources here: Getting a start on proofs.
I’m not sure if I have the correct high school prerequisites for the required first-year courses. (I studied outside of Ontario/Canada) Can I still enroll in the required first-year CSC, MAT, or STA courses?
It is expected that students will possess the necessary high school pre-requisites (or equivalents) to be successful in our first year and some second-year CSC, MAT or STA courses. However, please note that our department (and ACORN) does not actively monitor/check for high school pre-requisites, and there is no risk that you will be removed from MAT102H5, MAT132H5, MAT133Y5, MAT135H5, MAT137H5, MAT157H5, or MAT223H5. If you elect to complete any of these courses without the required prerequisite(s), you do so at your own risk and without the required background.
I was not admitted to the “CMS stream” but I still wish to consider a CSC, MAT and/or STA program. Is that possible?
Yes, this is possible, however, you must enroll in the correct first-year courses to be able to apply for one of our limited enrolment programs at the end of the first year. Visit the Academic Calendar to find program enrolment and completion requirements (ie: courses) for CSC, MAT and STA. Note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct high school prerequisites for our first-year courses. See the question below for information about prerequisites.
What are the five calculus sequences that UTM offers?
- MAT133Y5 - Intended for Commerce and Management students.
- MAT132H5 + MAT134H5 - Intended for Life Sciences students.
- MAT135H5 + MAT136H5 - General calculus courses useful for science and other students.
- MAT137H5 + MAT139H5 - Proof-focused calculus courses primarily for mathematical sciences students, or any student with a serious interest in theoretical science.
- MAT157H5 + MAT159H5 - Highly abstract and rigorous courses primarily for students aiming at the Mathematical Sciences Specialist program or mathematics graduate studies
What are the differences between the calculus sequences?
Alternatively, view a short video: Guide to Calculus Sequences:
You should think carefully about your intended combination of programs to choose the right calculus course(s). Note that if you change your mind, certain combinations of courses are allowed while others are not. For example, a student who completed MAT137H5 can then take MAT136H5. Check the prerequisites of each course carefully.
In addition, after completing MAT132H5/ MAT134H5/ MAT135H5/ MAT136H5/ MAT137H5/ MAT139H5, it would be possible to take MAT157H5 and/or MAT159H5 for credit in a later year. Taking more than one sequence in the same year is not recommended as they cover very similar material. Speak to one of our departmental Academic Advisors if you have questions about doing this.
When will the calculus sequences be offered?
MAT133Y5 is offered twice per year. Once in the Fall/Winter session (September - April) and then again in the Summer session (May - August). In the summer, MAT133Y5 is taught at 'double speed' i.e. with six hours of lectures and two hours of tutorials per week.
MAT132H5, MAT134H5, MAT135H5 and MAT136H5 – The courses MAT135H5 and MAT136H5 are offered every term/session (Fall, Winter, Summer). However, please note that in any given term/session (including the Summer), you will only be able to take one of these courses. (In the Summer they are run at 'normal speed' taking place across both Summer terms, May-August)
- Note that it is most common to take MAT135H5 in the Fall, and then MAT136H5 in the Winter. However, you may also consider taking MAT136H5 in the Summer, and MAT135H5 in the subsequent Fall or Winter.
- MAT132H5 will be offered in the Fall and Winter terms.
- MAT134H5 will be offered in the Winter term, and possibly in the Summer session.
MAT137H5, MAT139H5, MAT157H5 and MAT159H5 - MAT137H5 and MAT157H5 will be offered in the Fall term of the Fall/Winter Session. MAT139H5 and MAT159H5 will be offered in the Winter term of the Fall/Winter Session.
What do I need to know about MAT102H5, Introduction to Mathematical Proofs?
This course is a prerequisite for many 200+ level Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science courses and is a program requirement for all MCS programs (Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science and Applied Statistics). Our programs may have a minimum final grade requirement in this course. Visit this page for our entry and program requirements.
The course bridges the gap between high school and university mathematics by introducing students to the techniques of theorem proving, logical thinking around mathematical statements, and many other necessary background topics.
We recommend taking this course in your first year, though you don’t necessarily have to take it in your first term (ie. Fall). Note that the course is also offered in the Winter term and Summer session.
If you are taking (MAT137H5 + MAT139H5) or (MAT157H5 + MAT159H5), we recommend taking MAT102H5 concurrently with MAT137H5 or MAT157H5 (in the Fall term.) Since MAT102H5 is a prerequisite for MAT240H5 (offered in the Winter), if you plan to take MAT240H5 in your first year, you will need to take MAT102H5 in the Fall term.
What should I know about second-year Algebra courses while I am still in my first year?
- MAT223H5 - An introduction to Linear Algebra, with an emphasis on computations and conceptual understanding. MAT223H5 is a prerequisite for many other courses and a requirement for some programs, so for that reason, it is often taken in the first year, despite the 200-level course code. Note that there are no prerequisites other than High School math for the course. That said, many students choose to wait until the Summer after their first year or during their second year to take a linear algebra course.
- MAT224H5 - A second course in Linear Algebra, with an emphasis on proofs and rigour. MAT224H5 builds off MAT223H5, but students will also see the theoretical foundations for much of the material from MAT223H5. Far fewer non-mathematics courses or programs require MAT224H5 compared to those that require MAT223H5. So MAT224H5 is typically taken by students interested in the Mathematical Sciences Minor or Major program, as a prerequisite for upper-year courses.
- MAT240H5 - A highly rigorous first course in Linear Algebra great for students with a serious interest in mathematics (for instance those aiming at, or in the Mathematical Sciences Specialist or the Major program.) MAT240H5 covers much of the same material as MAT223H5 + MAT224H5 but at an accelerated pace and with greater abstraction, rigour and depth.
- MAT247H5 - A continuation of MAT240H5. It is intended primarily for students aiming at, or in the Mathematical Sciences Specialist program.
If you are aiming at the Mathematical Sciences Specialist program, we recommend you take MAT102H5 in the Fall term of your first year, and then MAT240H5 in the Winter term. We offer MAT240H5 in the Winter to make this combination possible, since achieving at least 60 percent in MAT102H5 is a prerequisite for MAT240H5.
I plan to take courses at other U of T campuses: will they be accepted to meet my program entry requirements?
Please see our list of possible course substitutions below with restrictions noted. For each row of the tables below, the St. George and UTSC courses listed will be accepted *at UTM* in place of the listed UTM course. Be sure to check St. George or UTSC pre/co-requisites before enrolling in courses at another campus, as they may differ from similar courses offered at UTM.
It is recommended that you meet with an MCS academic advisor before enrolling.
Course Substitutions CSC
| UTM Courses | Possible St. George Substitute | Possible UTSC Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| CSC104H5 | CSC104H1 | |
| CSC108H5 | CSC108H1; CSC120H1 | CSCA08H3; CSCA20H3 |
| CSC148H5* | CSC148H1 | CSCA48H3 |
* Only CSC148H5, taken at the UTM campus, will be accepted for Computer Science program enrolment.
Course Substitutions MAT
| UTM Courses | Possible St. George Substitute | Possible UTSC Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| MAT102H5* | MAT138H1; MAT246H1; CSC165H1 | CSCA67H3 |
| MAT133Y5 | MAT133Y1 | MATA32H3 + MATA33H3** |
| MAT132H5 | MAT135H1 | MATA30H3; MATA29H3 |
| MAT134H5 | MAT136H1 | MATA36H3; MATA35H3 |
| MAT135H5 | MAT135H1 | MATA30H3 |
| MAT136H5 | MAT136H1 | MATA36H3 |
| MAT137H5 | MAT137Y1 | MATA31H3 |
| MAT139H5 | MAT137Y1 | MATA37H3 |
| MAT137H5 + MAT139H5 | MAT137Y1 | |
| MAT157H5 | MAT157Y1 | |
| MAT159H5 | MAT157Y1 | |
| MAT157H5 + MAT159H5 | MAT157Y1 |
* Only MAT102H5, taken at the UTM campus, will be accepted for Computer Science program enrolment.
Is ISP100H5 the only writing course that can be used to satisfy the CSC Specialist or Major writing requirement?
Yes, unless you entered the program before 2022. Students who joined a CSC Specialist or major before 2022 can still satisfy the writing requirement with any of the following courses: ISP100H5, CSC290H5, CCT110H5, ENG100H5, HSC200H5, HSC300H5, LIN204H5, WRI203H5, or WRI173H5.
If I wish to pursue a MAT or STA Specialist or Major, will the department accept any substitute course (including transfer credits) for ISP100H5?
No. Only ISP100H5 taken at UTM, will be accepted.
If I don’t think I’m going to achieve the minimum required grade in a 100-level course (for program entry) that I’m currently taking, can I enroll in the course again?
Yes, if you have not yet finished the current course and the deadline to enroll in courses for the upcoming term/session has not yet passed. Please see the policy on repeating passed courses in the Academic Calendar. Note that if you pass the first attempt and then complete the course again, that second attempt will be marked “EXTra,” which means it will not count towards your GPAs or degree credit total.
If I completed/passed a course in a previous term/session, but did not achieve the minimum required grade for program entry, what can I do?
You can consider enrolling in the course again by completing the Course Enrolment Exception form. Please see the policy on repeating passed courses in the Academic Calendar. Note that if you pass the first attempt and then complete the course again, that second attempt will be marked “EXTra,” which means it will not count towards your GPAs or degree credit total. Keep in mind that students may repeat a specific passed course only once.
Can I request a Second Attempt for Credit (SAC) for an equivalent course taken at another U of T campus? For example, I passed MAT136H5 at UTM and I’d like to take MAT136H1 at St. George. Can I request SAC for MAT136H1?
No. SAC requests can only be made for identical courses with the same course code offered by the same campus/division. MAT136H1 and MAT136H5 are not identical courses. **NOTE: If students wish to select SAC for both MAT135H5 + MAT136H5 (and they have completed MAT135Y5 in a prior session), then that will be permitted. If students wish to select SAC for both MAT132H5 + MAT134H5 (and they have completed MAT134Y5 in a prior session), then that will be permitted. If you have questions about this, please contact the Office of the Registrar or one of our departmental Academic Advisors.
Where can I find program entry requirements (eg. course grade(s), CGPA cutoffs, etc.) for CSC, MAT, and STA Specialists and majors?
You can find the entry requirements in the UTM Academic Calendar. In May and August of each year, more information is available on our website. Note that MAT and STA Minors are Type 1 programs without entry requirements.
When will the MCS department publish the course and CGPA entry requirements (or “cut-offs”)?
Our department will publish the entry requirement grade(s) and CGPA(s) for the first round of Subject POSt enrolment in mid-May and the second round in late August.
What programs can I consider combining with a MAT, CSC, or STA program?
Your program combinations are incredibly personal and based on your interests, skills and/or future goals. Our programs combine well with each other – for example, it is very common to do a double major in CSC and STA or MAT and STA – and other areas (a STA major and ECO major is common).
You don’t only have to pursue programs in our department. You may wish to explore courses/programs in other areas at UTM that align with your interests and goals. All of UTM’s programs can be reviewed in the Academic Calendar (hyperlink https://utm.calendar.utoronto.ca/list-program-areas). Speak to one of our Academic Advisors or an academic advisor in the Office of the Registrar to understand more about program combinations.
First Year Math Resources
Mathematics Video Library
Visit the sections below for helpful mathematics videos. Additionally, check out the UTM MCS Math Videos YouTube channel for the full list of videos.
These videos cover concepts from the first-year Calculus syllabi, explained using examples from faculty members in the Mathematical and Computational Sciences Department.
Students from the department helped in the creation of the videos. Funding was provided by the department, the Provost’s Instructional Technology Innovation Fund, the University of Toronto and the Office of the Dean at the University of Toronto Mississauga.
First Year Calculus Videos
These videos cover concepts from the first-year Financial Math syllabus, explained by using examples from faculty members in the Mathematical and Computational Sciences Department, University of Toronto Mississauga.
Students from the department helped in the creation of the videos. Funding was provided by the department and by the Office of the Dean, University of Toronto Mississauga.
First Year Financial Math Videos
These videos cover concepts from the high school syllabus, explained through the use of examples.
The videos were produced by a student in the Concurrent Teacher Education Program, under the guidance of a faculty member in the Mathematical and Computational Sciences Department, and with joint funding from the department and the Ontario Summer Jobs program.
Precalculus Videos
There are 5 videos in this category titled:
- Quadratic Equations
- Logarithms
- Functions
- Factoring
- Exponents
Math Learning Centre
You can visit the Math Learning Centre (MLC) in Deerfield Hall (DH), room 2027, to have your questions answered about 100- to 200-level Mathematics courses.
Teaching Assistants (TAs) are scheduled there to help undergraduate students solve problems and better understand their course material.
The MLC remains open during the summer term for TAs to use for their office hours, but we do not maintain a central schedule. Please consult your course's Quercus page to find out if and when your TAs hold office hours in the MLC.
During the Fall and Winter terms, a schedule will be posted here and outside of DH2027.
Here is the Math Learning Centre schedule for Fall 2024
CS Help Room
You can visit the CS Help Room in Deerfield Hall (DH), room 2034, to have your questions answered about 100- to 200-level Computer Science courses.
Teaching Assistants (TAs) are scheduled there to help undergraduate students solve problems and better understand their course material.
During the Fall and Winter terms, a schedule will be posted here and outside of DH2034.
Last updated 15-Nov-24
