Mathematics Courses

Note: Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in a mathematics course in order to continue in any mathematics sequence.

COURSES:

MATH 0304. Pre-Algebra Mathematics
Institutional credit only. Developmental course helping students review and strengthen basic skills in arithmetic. This course covers fundamental operations and applications using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, percentages, operations with signed numbers, and an introduction to algebra. Prerequisites: Appropriate placement test score. Laboratory attendance is required as arranged. Laboratory fee $25. F, Sp, Su (3201045119). Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 0306. Beginning Algebra
Institutional credit only. Developmental course for review of basic algebra. Includes operations with real numbers; simplifying algebraic expressions; solving linear equations and inequalities; the coordinate system and graphing; operations with polynomials and factoring; and applications. Prerequisite: MATH 0304 or appropriate placement test score. Laboratory attendance is required as arranged. Laboratory fee $25. F, Sp, Su (3201045119). Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 0308. Intermediate Algebra
Institutional credit only. After a brief review of topics from Beginning Algebra, this course will cover rational expressions; functions and graphing; solving inequalities; exponents and radicals; solving quadratic equations; and applications. Prerequisites: High School Algebra I and appropriate placement test score or MATH 0306. F, Sp, Su (3201045119). Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 1314. College Algebra
A study of solutions to equations and inequalities, algebraic functions and graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, theory of equations, and systems of equations. Additional topics for discussion include systems of equations and matrices. An instructor approved graphing calculator will be required. Prerequisites: High School Algebra II and an appropriate placement test score or MATH 0308. Students who have scored between 230 and 269 on the math portion of the THEA test should take Math 0308 or take a local placement test. Students who are TSI exempt due to TAAS or TAKS must also take a local placement test to qualify for Math 1314. (Taught in Fall, Spring, and Summer) Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 1316. Trigonometry
A study of the trigonometric functions, degree and radian measure, identities, solutions of triangles, graphs, solutions of trigonometric equations, inverse functions, complex numbers, and applications. An instructor-approved graphing calculator will be required. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or an appropriate score on an additional test required by the mathematics department. F, Sp, Su (2701015319). Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 1324. Finite Mathematics
A study of functions and graphs, systems of linear equations, matrices, linear programming, mathematics of finance, counting techniques, probability, and applications. An instructor approved graphing calculator will be required. Prerequisite: Math 1314 or an appropriate score on an additional test required by the mathematics department. (Taught in Fall, Spring, and Summer) Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 1325. Calculus for Business and Economics
After a review of functions and graphs, this course will cover limits and continuity, differential and integral calculus with applications to business, economics, and social sciences. An instructor approved graphing calculator will be required. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or MATH 1324 or special permission of the department chairperson. . (Taught in Spring and Summer) Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 1333. Mathematical Topics
A study of sets, the real number system, algebra, functions and graphs, geometry, measurement, mathematics of finance, and probability and statistics. Prerequisite: High School Algebra II and an appropriate placement score or MATH 0308. (Taught in Fall, Spring, and Summer) Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 1342. Introduction to Probability and Statistics
A study of statistics, mean and variance, probability, random variables, random sampling, normal and binomial distributions, statistical inference, linear regressions, and correlations. Prerequisites: Algebra II and an appropriate placement test score or MATH 0308. An instructor-approved graphing calculator will be required. F, Sp, Su (2705015119). Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 1350. Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
This course is for elementary education majors and includes the study of sets, functions, numeration systems, number theory, and properties of the natural numbers, integers, rational and real number systems with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or an appropriate score on an additional test required by the mathematics department. F, Su (2701015619). Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 1351. Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
This course is for elementary education majors and includes the study of geometry, probability, and statistics, as well as applications of the algebraic properties of real numbers to concepts of measurement with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or an appropriate score on an additional test required by the mathematics department. Sp, Su (2701015619). Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 2318. Linear Algebra
A study of matrices and matrix algebra, determinants, systems of linear equations, Gaussian elimination, Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, linear transformations, and finite dimensional vector spaces. An instructor approved graphing calculator will be required. Students will utilize MAPLE software to solve selected problems. Prerequisite: MATH 2414. (Taught in Fall)
MATH 2320. Differential Equations
An introductory course in differential equations that includes the study of first and second order equations, linear equations, linear systems of equations, series solutions of nonlinear equations, the Laplace transform, and applications from a variety of fields. An instructor-approved graphing calculator will be required. Students will utilize MAPLE software to solve selected problems. Prerequisite: MATH 2414. Su (2703015119).
MATH 2412. Precalculus
An accelerated course preparing the entering student for the study of calculus. Topics include solutions to equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, theory of equations, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations; trigonometric functions, equations, identities, and applications. Additional topics include analytical geometry, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, and series. An instructor-approved graphing calculator will be required. Prerequisite: Four years of college-preparatory mathematics including trigonometry and an appropriate placement test score. Students who have taken the THEA test must have a 270 or above on the math portion or obtain special permission from the mathematics department chairperson. F (2703015919). Students will use the My Math Lab website.
MATH 2413. Calculus I
A study of limits, continuity, differentiation and integration of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential and inverse functions; applications of the derivative. An instructor-approved graphing calculator will be required. Students will utilize MAPLE software to solve selected problems. Prerequisites: MATH 1314 and MATH 1316 or MATH 2412 or an appropriate score on an additional test required by the mathematics department. F, Sp, Su (2701015919).
MATH 2414. Calculus II
A study of applications of integration, techniques of integration; sequences and series, conic sections, parametric and polar equations. An instructor-approved graphing calculator will be required. Students will utilize MAPLE software to solve selected problems. Prerequisite: Math 2413. F, Sp (2701015919).
MATH 2415. Calculus III
A study of vectors, vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, multiple integration, and vector analysis. An instructor-approved graphing calculator will be required. Students will utilize MAPLE software to solve selected problems. Prerequisite: MATH 2414. Sp (2701015919).

INSTRUCTIONAL FORMATS:

The mathematics department offers a variety of instructional formats in addition to the traditional lecture format.

These include:

Lecture with Arranged Lab Format:

Format: A 3-hour weekly lecture meeting for 50 minutes 3 times per week or 80 minutes twice a week. A 2-hour weekly mandatory lab component is a part of the class requirement for Math 0304 and Math 0306. One hour of lab is required each week for Math 0308. The lab component takes place in the Math Learning Center in the Engineering Science Building, with student access to 40 computers and experienced math instructors and student tutors. Lab time is arranged at the student’s convenience. The MLC lab is open from 8am -8pm, Monday through Thursday, 8am -2pm on Friday.

Advantages: The lecture component of the class is delivered in a traditional format that is familiar to most students. The lab component gives the student a quiet place to complete homework and on-line assignments, while having access to math instructors and student tutors. The MLC operating hours allow the student to have some degree of flexibility in scheduling their lab time.

Disadvantages: The primary disadvantage to this traditional “lecture with arranged lab” setup is that the student must conscientiously plan their lab time.

Target Students: This course will benefit students who need some flexibility in scheduling their lab time.

Courses Offered: Math 0304 and Math 0306, and 0308

Combined Lecture with Lab Format:

Format: Math 0304 and Math 0306 course designed with a short lecture followed by a longer lab period in a computer lab during which students do online homework and quizzes. For classes meeting two days a week, the class period is two hours and 20 minutes per meeting day. For classes meeting three days a week, the class period is one hour and 30 minutes per meeting day. M Math 0308 meets 4 hours per week either 2 hours on MW or TTH.

Advantages: Required lab-time is built into the course; students are not required to attend a lab outside of class. Material retention will ideally be higher given that students do their daily assignments immediately following the delivery of the material. The course instructor is available to answer students’ questions during lab. giving students support and consistency in instruction.

Disadvantages: Students need to be aware of scheduling conflicts given that these courses meet for a longer period than normal courses. Students must also be prepared to focus on their work for the full length of each class meeting.

Target Students : This course will be beneficial to students needing structure.

Courses Offered : MATH 0304, MATH 0306, and MATH 0308

 

Fast Track Instructional Format:  

The fast track instructional format is used for MATH 0304, MATH 0306, MATH 0308, and Math 1314. With this format, the course is completed in an eight week semester with six lecture hours per week. Classes meet Monday through Friday. Math 0304 and Math 0306 are offered in the first eight weeks of each 16 week semester. Math 0306 and Math 0308 are offered in the second eight weeks of each 16 week semester. Math 0308 is offered the first eight weeks followed by Math 1314 the second eight weeks.

Due to the fast pace of the coursework, only students who are self-motivated and disciplined should consider taking fast track classes. Recommended placement guidelines for the fast track classes are as follows:

Course	Level	Test Scores
		TASP/THEA	ACCUPLACER	OR
Math	0304	150-179	≥50 on Arith
Math	0306	200-229	≥55 on Elem. Alg.	B or higher in Math 0304
Math	0308	250-269	70-76 on Elem. Alg.	B or higher in Math 0306

Web-Based Instructional Format: 

The web-based instructional format is used for MATH 0308, MATH 1333, MATH 1342, MATH 1314, MATH 1316, MATH 1350, and MATH 1351. With this format, the same course one would take in a traditional classroom setting is completed online over a regular 16 week semester using My Math Lab Software through www.coursecompass.com.

Most testing will take place at an approved testing center. Also, some assignments will be submitted to the instructor via e-mail, fax or US mail. Communication between the student and instructor is primarily via e-mail. The role of the instructor will be one primarily of facilitator.

The instructor will be available to answer questions, provide learning/testing materials, and monitor the student’s progress. Students who cannot attend classes on campus should consider taking a web-based math class.

Because the majority of the coursework will be completed on the student’s schedule while meeting due dates, only students who are self-motivated, disciplined, and have a strong mathematics background should consider taking web-based courses. Also, only students who have access to a relatively new computer with high speed internet should consider taking an on-line course.

Modular Format

The mathematics department offers all three levels of developmental mathematics in a modular format. These courses are Math 0305, Math 0307, and Math 0309 which have similar content to Math 0304, Math 0306, and Math 0308, respectively. Course material is divided into small modules. Students take a pre-test over a module. If they score below 75% on the pre-test, they work through the topics in the module by watching and taking notes on a video and completing the homework at 80% mastery level. After completing all the topics, students then take a post-test over the material. They must score 75% to be able to progress to the next module. If they don’t score 75%, they talk to their instructor and complete a study plan in order to retake the post-test. Students will take a mid-term and final exam that will each count 20%.

Advantages: Students may complete modules at a faster rate if the material is familiar and take more time in modules that are more difficult. Students could complete more than one course in a semester. Should students need to repeat a course, they are able to carry over the modules that they have completed (the previous semester) and work on only the modules that they need.

Disadvantages: Although students will have a weekly schedule and contact with the instructor to help them stay on track, if students lack the discipline to work on the course and complete the modules, they will not be successful in the course.

Targeted Students: Students who need a quick review can work through the courses at a fast pace while students that struggle with math will have the opportunity to slow down (within reason) to master the content. Students that are repeating a course would benefit from taking a modular course.

10-8-2011