What are the meanings behind the numbers in MAT 101 and MAT 102?

[jackson6612]

MATLAB stands for 'matrix laboratory'. Some of the mathematics courses are titled 'MAT 101', 'MAT 102'. Is 'MAT' a clipped form of 'MATh'? What does the numbers '101' and '102' mean, and where do they come from? Please guide me.

 

[Mark44]

These are probably math classes at some college. The 101 and 102 numbers probably mean that these are the lowest level college-level math classes taught at that college.

It's probably true that MAT 102 builds on the concepts taught in MAT 101.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Yes, "MAT" if from MAThematics. Most colleges and universities label mathematics courses either "MAT XXX" or "MATH XXX" but no all. MIT, for example, uses numbers for departments. The mathematics department at MIT is number 18 and all math courses are 18.xxx.

Also most colleges use "1" as the first digit for courses intended for Freshmen, "2" for courses intended primarily for Sophomores, etc. So "MAT 101" and "MAT 102" would be the lowest level college courses. "Remedial courses" that are not considered college level, and typically would not count toward college credit might be numbers "0...".