Math 103 is where life sciences students learn integral calculus—the mathematics of accumulation, area, and total change. Building on the derivatives you learned in Math 102, you'll now reverse the process, learning how to integrate functions and apply those integrals to biological models. From calculating total drug dosage over time to modeling population growth with differential equations, Math 103 connects calculus to the real-world problems you'll see in biology, pharmacology, and health sciences.
What is covered in UBC Math 103?
Math 103 introduces integral calculus with applications to life sciences. Topics include:
- Antiderivatives and indefinite integrals: Reversing differentiation to find original functions
- The definite integral: Riemann sums, area under curves, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
- Integration techniques: Substitution and integration by parts (life sciences version focuses on practical methods)
- Applications in life sciences: Total drug amount, population growth, bioavailability, and cumulative change
- Differential equations: First-order equations including exponential growth/decay, logistic models, and compartmental models
- Probability and continuous distributions: Using integrals to calculate probabilities in biological contexts
- Numerical methods: Approximating integrals when exact solutions aren't possible
Math 103 is required for many upper-level biology, pharmacology, and health sciences courses and is often paired with Math 102 as a two-course sequence.
Common challenges students face in Math 103
Integration is harder than differentiation
Derivatives follow clear rules. Integration requires pattern recognition and sometimes trial-and-error. Choosing the wrong technique wastes time, and not every function has a simple antiderivative.
Biological applications feel abstract
You're asked to integrate functions representing drug concentration, bacterial growth, or enzyme activity. If you don't understand the biological context, setting up integrals correctly is difficult.
Differential equations
This is often students' first exposure to differential equations. You're not just solving for x—you're finding entire functions that satisfy equations. The notation alone (dy/dx, separable variables) can be confusing.
Exams emphasize word problems
Just like Math 102, Math 103 exams are heavy on applied problems. You need to read a biological scenario, set up the integral or differential equation, solve it, and interpret the result—all under time pressure.
How Learn4Less helps you succeed in Math 103
Our tutors specialize in life sciences calculus and understand both the math and the biology.
Step-by-step integration strategies
We teach you how to recognize which integration technique to use based on the form of the function. You'll learn substitution, integration by parts, and when to use numerical methods—efficiently and confidently.
Contextual problem solving
We walk you through biological applications: setting up integrals for total drug dosage, solving differential equations for population models, and interpreting results in real-world terms.
Differential equations demystified
We break down differential equations into manageable steps. You'll learn how to separate variables, integrate both sides, and apply initial conditions—with biological context to make it stick.
Math 103 exam and midterm preparation
Math 103 typically includes two midterms and a final exam. Here's how we prepare you:
Practice with life sciences applications
We focus on the types of problems that appear most often: drug concentration integrals, population differential equations, and cumulative growth models.
Past exam practice
We work through previous years' exams so you're familiar with question formats, time constraints, and how partial credit is awarded.
Concept interpretation
Exams ask you to explain what your integral represents: "What does ∫C(t)dt from 0 to 10 mean biologically?" We drill you on these conceptual questions.
Why choose Learn4Less for Math 103 tutoring?
First-year specialization
We focus on UBC's first-year math courses, including the life sciences calculus sequence. Our tutors have helped hundreds of Math 103 students succeed.
Experience with UBC curricula
We know the textbook (often *Calculus for the Life Sciences* by Adler), the types of problems UBC professors emphasize, and the exam formats. We tailor our sessions accordingly.
Flexible learning options
Choose in-person tutoring near UBC or online sessions. Need help before a specific midterm? Book a targeted prep session. Want consistent support? Weekly tutoring keeps you on track.
Video study packages
Prefer self-paced learning? Our video packages cover key Math 103 topics with biological examples—perfect for reviewing before exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Math 103 and Math 101?
Math 103 is for life sciences students, with applications like drug concentration, population models, and bioavailability. Math 101 is for physical sciences and engineering, focusing on physics applications like work, volumes of revolution, and mechanics. The core integration techniques are similar, but the applications differ.
Can I take Math 101 instead of Math 103?
Usually, yes—check with your program. Math 101 is often accepted as equivalent to Math 103, but its applications are more physics-focused. If you're a life sciences major, Math 103's biological context will be more useful.
Do I need Math 102 to take Math 103?
Yes. Math 103 assumes you're comfortable with derivatives, exponential functions, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus from Math 102. If you skipped Math 102 (e.g., through AP credit), review differentiation before starting Math 103.
How much do differential equations count on the final?
Differential equations typically make up 20-30% of the Math 103 final exam. They're a major focus in the second half of the course, so don't neglect this topic.
When should I start studying for the Math 103 final?
Start at least two weeks before the exam. The final is cumulative, covering everything from basic antiderivatives to differential equations and probability. Cramming the night before won't work—you need time to practice integration techniques and biological applications.