The Value of Collegiate-Level Calculus for Non-Math Majors

"Why am I taking Calculus?" This is one common and irksome question posed by many students, myself included, be they first year students or upperclassmen, and is especially prevalent among those of seemingly unrelated majors, such as biology. Before actually considering the course, I just could not comprehend what benefit I could possibly receive by taking a college math course when I knew I'd be entering pharmacy, a seemingly unrelated field.

However, this reasoning is flawed as it doesn't take into account all the benefits of taking a calculus course. Calculus will not only teach me more advanced math skills which can be applied to most any field in some way, but also, the logic, decision-making, and reasoning skills it imparts are invaluable in all careers and life in general.

In addition to these added logic and decision-making skills it will doubtlessly instill in me, I expect that calculus will introduce me to new and valuable math skills which will be useful to me and all who take the course, most notably those seeking to continue their career in math. Calculus is a fundamental building block for any student who anticipates entering any field even remotely related to mathematics, which pharmacy certainly is, especially for use in its chemical aspects.

Apart from the obvious benefits of a better understanding of math and an improved ability to make logic-based decisions in the workplace and life in general, I hope that calculus' rigorous course mentality will instill in me a powerful work ethic that is not only valuable for success in the course, but also in the working world. The course requires a drive to succeed, and, I am willing to accept, a readiness to spend more time than I have been accustomed to having spent in less advanced courses. This improvement of work ethic and a more studious mentality will without doubt prove invaluable not only in the field of pharmacy, but also in all walks of life.

It is clear that calculus provides students with several important, fundamental building blocks for success: advanced mathematical skills, improved logic and decision -making ability, and a valuable work ethic useful for any area of study or career field. Perhaps the question I should be asking is not "why am I taking calculus?", but rather "why wouldn't I take it?" Calculus has proven clearly to be an imperative course to take for me and any student, regardless of plans for the future.