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MAT 142 - College Mathematics

Fall 2009

The College Mathematics course is offered in three version. The first is the traditional classroom setting with about 50 students in each section. The second is a hybrid version. The third is an on-line version. While all three make extensive use of internet-based homework systems, the hybrid version also has on-line lectures with less classroom time. The on-line course is done almost entirely through the internet and allows greater flexibility in scheduling.  

  • Prerequisites and Placement: Students MUST complete the Unified Placement Test with a score of 60 or higher or have completed one of the following courses with a grade of C or better: MAT 106, MAT 113 or MAT 117.  Students should have prior understanding of basic concepts of algebra which are reviewed at appropriate times in the course. Students with no previous experience with algebra are advised to successfully complete an intermediate algebra class before enrolling in MAT 142.
  • Purpose: This class is specifically designed for students whose majors do not require College Algebra (MAT 117). It is designed to satisfy the mathematics requirement for these students and is not designed as a prerequisite for higher level mathematics courses. Students should check with their departmental advisors to verify that this class is accepted for credit. MAT 142 is a three hour course designed to be a terminal math course for students who are in, or plan to be in, non-technical majors. Individual colleges determine if MAT 142 is sufficient for their major requirements or if other courses are required. MAT 142 fulfills the MA requirement.
  • Standard Syllabus: A typical syllabus for a traditional in-class and hybrid class courses is at this link: MAT 142 Syllabus (pdf)
  • Learning Environment: Instructors strive to create an interactive atmosphere where active learning can take place. Students often work together in groups during class or on outside projects. In the on-line course, blogs and routine email communication can provide substantial student/instructor interaction.
  • Assessment: In addition to traditional tests, instructors may use a mixture of homework, quizzes, projects, assignments, and attendance. In the on-line version the homework, progress checks and some testing are done through the internet. However, two written in-person exams are required.
  • Testing Center: The Mathematics Testing Center is located in PSA-21 (basement). For exams given there you must present your ASU SunCard to be admitted. The hours are M-Th 9 am to 8 pm (last test handed out at 6:30) and Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm (last test handed out at 3:30 pm). You can find more information at Testing Center Information.
  • Math Tutor Center: The Math Tutor Center is located in the Wexler Building (PSA-116). You can get help with MAT 142 and other math courses. This is free, quality tutoring to all ASU students registered in math classes. However, you must bring your SunCard . Look for more information at Tutor Center Information .
  • Learning Resource Center: The LRC specializes in small group tutoring sessions with tutors available to help students learn how to do the work and how to study and find information. The tutoring is free and available in several locations on campus. There is more information at Learning Resource Center.
  • WeBWorK: The on-line version and some traditional sections use WeBWorK, an online evaluation tool. Homework problems are put on the web and students answer them on the web. Students may usually try to answer WeBWorK problems more than once. After each try, a message appears telling the students whether the answer is correct or not. This allows students to find out what they did wrong and hopefully better understand processes addressed in the course. To use WeBWorK you will need a computer with access to a web browser. You can log in from any computer connected to the internet including those in the ASU computer labs at WeBWorK.
  • Calculator: Your instructor will specify the calculator requirements for your section. Graphing calculators are not generally required for MAT 142. Instructors will provide further guidance. However, when one is required by the instructor, instruction is usually based on the assumption that each student will have a calculator similar to the Texas Instruments TI-83/84, or CASIO fx-9850.
  • Calculator workshops schedule and fliers:
  • Course Objectives: A major emphasis of MAT 142 is to promote understanding of real life applications of various topics in mathematics. The course may include topics selected from the following (as the instructor desires): logic and sets with their application to critical thinking; voting and various methods of counting votes; probability and statistics with uses in making decisions under conditions of uncertainty; financial mathematics (including simple and compound interest, present and future value annuities, and amortization); basic geometry; right triangle trigonometry; and rates of change including exponential growth and the natural base e in the study of continuously compounding interest.
  • Course Schedule: You can search for open MAT 142 sections at classsearch. Instructors are not allowed to provide overrides for either the placement test or class capacity.