2005-07 Catalog - Tacoma Community College

118 Credit Course DescriptionsTacoma Community CollegeLibrary ScienceLS 103 (varies)Research Problems (1)Learn about the nature of informationproduction and dissemination. Improve yourability to efficiently locate, critically evaluateand properly cite materials from librarycatalogs, periodicals and other databases andthe Internet. Recommended for studentswho have successfully completed LS 101and/or at least one college-level researchproject.MathematicsBefore enrolling in their first math courseat TCC, students must take a mathematicsplacement test unless they have taken acollege-level mathematics class within thelast two years. TCC offers both collegetransfer and pre-college level courses. Forstudents who graduated within the pastyear from either Tacoma or Peninsula highschools, there is an alternate placementfor mathematics based upon recent highschool math work. Courses numberedbelow 100 cannot be applied towarddegree or certificate requirement. SeeAdvising for details.Students considering a major inmathematics, engineering, science orcomputer science will normally completeMATH 115, 116, 124, 125, 126, 220, 224,and 238. Business and economics majorsshould complete MATH 111 and 112.The use of computer applications,including spreadsheets, is included inMATH 108, 111, and 112. For theseclasses, CU 103 and CU 203 arerecommended as prerequisites if a studentdoes not have spreadsheet experience. Foradditional information and resourcesaccess the department's website atwww.tacoma.ctc.edu/inst_dept/math/start.shtm.Prerequisite: A student has met a prerequisite if heor she has completed the required course earning agrade of ‘C-’ or higher within the last two years.MATH 86 (F, W, Sp, Su)Review Arithmetic (5)Review of basic mathematics includingarithmetic of whole numbers, fractions,decimals, percentages, ratios, proportionsand plane geometry. Four-function basiccalculator required.Prerequisite: READ 92.MATH 88 (F, W, Sp, Su)Introduction to Elementary Algebra (4)Beginning algebra specifically designed forstudents with no algebra background. Topicsinclude introduction to variables and signednumbers, solutions to linear equations andinequalities, simplification of algebraicexpressions, evaluation and manipulation offormulas and an emphasis on wordproblems. Scientific calculator required. Seeschedule or instructor for recommendedcalculator.Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 86 orassessment above MATH 86 and READ 92.MATH 90 (F, W, Sp, Su)Elementary Algebra (5)Topics include linear equations, polynomials,factoring, rational expressions, graphing, andsystems of equations. Scientific calculatorrequired. See schedule or instructor forrecommended calculator.Prerequisite: READ 92 and MATH 88 orassessment above MATH 88.MATH 97 (F, W, Sp)Intermediate Algebra for the Liberal Arts (5)An alternative to MATH 99 for studentsgoing on to MATH 106, MATH 107,MATH 108 or MATH 170. Topics includelinear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmicfunctions; equations and their applications;systems of linear equations; radicalexpressions; and scientific notation. Scientificcalculator is required. See schedule orinstructor for recommended calculator.Prerequisite: READ 92 and MATH 90 orassessment above MATH 90.MATH 99 (F, W, Sp, Su)Intermediate Algebra (5)Algebraic operations and concepts, solvingequations and inequalities including quadraticequations, algebraic fractions, exponents, rootsand radicals, graphing of linear and quadraticfunctions, and introduction to logarithms.Scientific calculator required. See schedule orinstructor for recommended calculator.Prerequisite: READ 92 and MATH 90 orassessment above MATH 90.MATH 106Ethnomathematics (5)An investigation of the use and developmentof quantitative reasoning within variouscultural contexts arising in response toproblems, struggles, and endeavors ofhuman survival and development. Thecultural contexts to be studied will be takenfrom around the globe both historically andcontemporarily. This investigation willinclude a study of the effects of culture onthe development of mathematical ideas andthe use of concepts of modern Westernmathematics as tools of analysis.Prerequisite: READ 93 and MATH 97 orMATH 99 or TMATH 100 or assessment aboveMATH 99.MATH 107 (F, W, Sp, Su)Math: A Practical Art (5)A general education course demonstratingthe use of mathematics in managementscience and statistics, social choice, finance,art or other topics. Mathematical theorycombined with quantitative skills will be usedin practical applications to problemsencountered in modern society. See scheduleor instructor for recommended calculator.Prerequisite: READ 93 and MATH 97 orTMATH 100 or MATH 99 or assessment aboveMATH 99.MATH 108 (F, W, Sp, Su)Introduction to Statistics (5)Introduction to the basic principles ofprobability, descriptive statistics, andinferential statistics. Topics includeproperties of probability, graphical andtabular summaries of data, measures ofcentral tendency and variability, probabilitydistributions, confidence intervals,hypothesis testing, and linear regression.Prerequisite: READ 93 and MATH 97 orTMATH 100 or MATH 99 or assessment aboveMATH 99.MATH 111 (F, W, Sp)College Algebra for Business and Economics (5)Precalculus course for business majors.Topics include: polynomials, inequalities,rational functions, marginal revenue andcosts, matrix algebra, systems of equations,linear programming by graphing and simplexmethods, exponential and logarithmicfunctions, linear regression, and the timevalue of money. Graphing calculatorrequired. See schedule or instructor forrecommended calculator.Prerequisite: READ 93 and MATH 99 andknowledge of Excel spreadsheets including graphing.