Accelerated Calculus for
Engineers (ACE)

Overview

Accelerated Calculus for Engineers (ACE) is designed to help you develop the solid foundation in mathematics that you will need to excel in your undergraduate and graduate studies. We are extending invitations to a select group of engineering students who have expressed a preliminary academic interest (PAI) in engineering and who represent merit and diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math. Whatever career path you choose, the goal of the program is to help you achieve to the very best of your abilities by focusing your study-time with supplemental instruction.

Structure

The program works as follows: If after consulting with your academic advisor, you decide to enroll in Math 41, 42, 51, 52,53 or CME 100,102 or 104, you will be eligible to enter a special section of the course. Generally, students in calculus are required to attend three one-hour lectures and two one-hour sections a week. ACE students will attend the usual three one-hour lectures, but will attend two two-hour sections and an additional one-hour session for problem solving. For this extra commitment, ACE students receive an additional unit of academic credit (6 units instead of the normal 5). Doctoral students in mathematics lead the ACE sections. Course assistants who are graduate students in engineering will work with you during the problem-solving sessions and in special tutorial office hours.

Objective

ACE is demanding and fast-paced and designed to make optimal use of your time so there is less wasted study time. The sections are structured so that you will do your work collaboratively, solving the problem sets cooperatively while developing your own mastery of the material. It is hoped that the group study habits you develop in ACE will serve you well in all of your courses at Stanford. Research shows that students who study alone do dramatically less well in college than those who study collaboratively. Moreover, most engineering projects in industry and government are completed in teams.

Benefits

At Stanford last year, the majority of ACE students, especially those who attended every lecture, as well as discussion and problem-solving sessions, earned a grade of "B" or better in calculus. Most importantly, our students acquired a deeper understanding of mathematics and its applications in science and engineering. ACE is an opportunity you will not wish to miss.

Courses

ACE is offered in conjunction with the Math 40, and 50 Series, in addition to the Computational Mathematic in Engineering CME 100 series..

NOTE: Not all courses are offered every quarter.

Application

If you have participated in previous quarters, then notify Dr. Noe Lozano by email to noe@stanford.edu to let him know that you plan on joining ACE before the deadline. If you have not participated in the ACE program before, please complete the online application that will be automatically submitted after completion. The deadline is the second Friday after Instruction Begins each quarter.

Questions

Program questions related to logistics may be directed to Ms. Marta Espinoza, Program Manager, at 650.725.2530, by email to mespin@stanford.edu, or in Terman 203.

Acceptance, advising and course scheduling questions may be directed to Dr. Noe Lozano, Associate Dean of Student & Diversity Affairs, at 650.723.9107, by email to noe@stanford.edu, or in Terman 202.