Qr Courses

Beginning with the Class of 2009, Yale College students will be required to complete two courses in each of three disciplinary areas: humanities, natural science and social science. In addition, each student will fulfill a skills requirement by completing a foreign language requirement and two courses each in writing and quantitative reasoning.

To complete the first-year requirement, you will need to enroll in at least one course in two of the three skills - foreign language, writing and quantitative reasoning.

This page is designed to help you navigate course selection and your education in quantitative reasoning (Qr) courses during your first year at Yale.

If you are planning to major in a science or in other areas for which quantitative work is part of the normal training for the discipline, you should seek advice on the selection of your Qr courses from those who are most familiar with your potential field of study. The Academic Fair is a great opportunity to meet with departmental representatives, and questions may also be directed to the Director of Undergraduate Studies or to other appropriate departmental representatives.

Even if you are not planning to major in a quantitatively oriented discipline, the development of quantitative skills will play an important role in your education. Yale College offers a wide array of Qr courses available to students with varying interests and levels of preparation. A list of Qr courses without prerequisite is available to assist you in selecting an appropriate course or courses. This listing includes courses that will build quantitative skills through study in a wide range of disciplines. For each course, information intended to help with placement is provided. In many cases, this includes sample problems to aid students in assessing their preparation for the course.

Success in quantitative disciplines, in particular, depends upon regular practice and on seeking help from those who can guide the development of new skills. Yale makes a multitude of academic support resources available to students and students are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of these resources as part of their routine approach to coursework, not just in response to encountering difficulties. A description of tutoring resources that are available in addition to assistance from the instructor and teaching fellow(s) is available online.