Return to SCCC Math Home

EXPRESS COURSE INFORMATION

Important: Express courses require a substantial committment on the part of the student. Please read the following before proceeding to the course descriptions below. Please note that Express courses combine two regular math courses into one. This means that you will be enrolling for 10 (ten) credits of just math in one quarter. Also, students receive the same grade for both courses.

Characteristics of Students Who Generally Do Well in Express Courses

  • They make the Express course the focus class for the quarter.
  • They are taking 15 credits or fewer, with any other class something that is relatively easy for them. (Don't think of Express Algebra as one class and sign up for two more.)
  • They are working less than 20 hours per week. There really is a lot of homework each and every night. It is not possible to "catch up" on weekends.
  • They meet the prerequisites.
  • They are goal-oriented; they have definite short-term/long term goals in mind right from the start of the course.
  • They are self-motivated and self-disciplined with good study habits.
  • They are truly interested in learning the concepts, not just the rules.
  • They have a willingness to do extra work on their own to increase understanding.
  • They have the ability to prioritize and make good use of their available time both in class and outside of class (Frequently they are found in the 5th floor study area working with others.)
  • They will readily acknowledge when they need help and will meet with the instructor just to clarify their thoughts about a concept.
  • They enjoy working in cooperative math learning groups.
  • They have the social skills to communicate effectively with fellow students.
  • They have a positive attitude, even when dealing with challenging concepts.

Characteristics of Students Who Generally Do Not Do Well in Express Courses

  • They are taking the Express course just to "get done with math requirements quickly."
  • In general they are in a hurry, both in their demeanor and their work. They want to know the fast way to do things just so they can get them completed.
  • They have had trouble with the first of the two combined courses previously (low grade or a W).
  • They are frequently absent or tardy.
  • They have messy work habits and are disorganized.
  • They resent the amount and intensity of the work.

IS AN EXPRESS COURSE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?

IF YOU THINK SO, PROCEED TO THE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS BELOW.


MATH081A/084A

  • Course Description: An intense course combining the content of MATH081 and 084. Not recommended for students who are repeating MATH081 or MATH084 or for those enrolling for their first math course after Basic Studies. Regular group work is required; daily attendance is expected.
  • Prerequisites: 39 or better on COMPASS pre-algebra test OR 23 or better on COMPASS algebra test as well as eligibility for English 095.
  • Normally Offered: Fall-Winter-Spring
  • Instructor Signature Required? No, but consultation with the instructor is encouraged.
  • Class hours per week: 10
  • Average hours of homework per night: 3 to 4 (maybe more, however)
  • What to do to enroll:
    • Get an updated copy of your placement test scores from the Testing office if you do not have it on file.
    • Speak with the Express Course instructor to make sure the course is right for you. Take your test scores with you in case you need them.
      • If you do not know who the Express course instructor is, call 206.587.3858. If you do know their name, you can click here to look up their phone number and office location.
      • If the instructor is unavailable (over the Summer for example), check in Office SAM110 or call 206.587.3858 for details on how to get signatures and add codes.
    • Register for BOTH 081A and 084A if you feel it's a good course for you.

MATH084B/085B

  • Course Description: An intense course combining the content of MATH084 and 085. Regular group work is required; daily attendance is expected. This may be a good course for students who have previous algebra experience.
  • Prerequisites: MATH081 with 3.0 or higher or placement into MATH084.
  • Offered: Usually Fall, sometimes other quarters
  • Instructor Signature Required? YES!
  • Class hours per week: 10
  • Average hours of homework per night: 3 to 4 (may be more, however)
  • What to do to enroll:
    • Check to see if you are really ready...click here for a reality check.
    • If enrolled in MATH081, Print the Express Course Recommendation Form and have your current math instructor fill it out.
    • Get updated copies of your transcripts and placement test scores from Registration and the Testing office if you do not have them.
    • Take the completed recommendation form and your prerequisite documents to the Express course instructor to discuss the course. Get a signature and add codes which will be needed to register.
      • If you do not know who the Express course instructor is, call 206.587.3858. If you do know their name, you can click here to look up their phone number and office location.
      • If the instructor is unavailable (over the Summer for example), check in Office SAM110 or call 206.587.3858 for details on how to get signatures and add codes.
    • File the signed ADD form with Registration and use the Add codes to enroll for BOTH 084B and 085B. Be sure to enroll in at most one other (easy) course for the quarter.

MATH085A/098A

  • Course Description: An intense course combining the content of MATH085 and 098. Regular group work is required; daily attendance is expected. This class is particularly appropriate for students who want to go on to take MATH109, 116 or 141.
  • Prerequisites: MATH084 with 3.0 or higher and one year of high school algebra in the last three years OR a score of 48 on COMPASS algebra test if MATH084 has not been attempted at SCCC.
  • Normally Offered: Fall-Winter-Spring
  • Instructor Signature Required? YES!
  • Class hours per week: 10
  • Average hours of homework per night: 3 to 4 (may be more, however)
  • What to do to enroll:
    • Check to see if you are really ready...click here for a reality check.
    • If enrolled in MATH084, Print the Express Course Recommendation Form and have your current math instructor fill it out.
    • Get updated copies of your transcripts and placement test scores from Registration and the Testing office if you do not have them.
    • Take the completed recommendation form and your prerequisite documents to the Express course instructor to discuss the course. Get a signature and add codes which will be needed to register.
      • If you do not know who the Express course instructor is, call 206.587.3858. If you do know their name, you can click here to look up their phone number and office location.
      • If the instructor is unavailable (over the Summer for example), check in Office SAM110 or call 206.587.3858 for details on how to get signatures and add codes.
    • File the signed ADD form with Registration and use the Add codes to enroll BOTH 085A and 098A. Be sure to enroll in at most one other (easy) course for the quarter.

MATH098B/141B

  • Course Description: An intense course combining the content of MATH098 and 122. Regular group work is required; daily attendance is expected.
  • Prerequisites: MATH085 with 3.0 or higher.
  • Offered: Irregularly...check the quarterly listings for offerings.
  • Instructor Signature Required? YES!
  • Class hours per week: 10
  • What to do to enroll:
    • Check to see if you are really ready...click here for a reality check.
    • If enrolled in MATH085, Print the Express Course Recommendation Form and have your current math instructor fill it out.
    • Get updated copies of your transcripts and placement test scores from Registration and the Testing office if you do not have them.
    • Take the completed recommendation form and your prerequisite documents to the Express course instructor to discuss the course. Get a signature and add codes which will be needed to register.
      • If you do not know who the Express course instructor is, call 206.587.3858. If you do know their name, you can click here to look up their phone number and office location.
      • If the instructor is unavailable (over the Summer for example), check in Office SAM110 or call 206.587.3858 for details on how to get signatures and add codes.
    • File the signed ADD form with Registration and use the Add codes to enroll BOTH 098B and 122B. Be sure to enroll in at most one other (easy) course for the quarter.

TOP