Mathematics and Sciences
Congratulations! San Jose City College placed 8th out of 179 participating two-year colleges in the AMATYC mathematics contest during the 2007 – 2008 school year.
San Jose City College offers a comprehensive selection of both developmental and transfer level mathematics courses. The program includes a comprehensive tutoring service, programs for a diverse student body, including the Transfer Express Program, a course with hands on experience for future mathematics teachers, service learning opportunities, some online courses, and opportunities to participate in a nationwide mathematics contest during both the Fall and Spring semesters.
Developmental Program
Basic Mathematics, Elementary Algebra, and Intermediate Algebra, are offered either in the traditional lecture format or in a variable unit format using Plato Interactive Mathematics. With Plato, students learn the mathematics through a combination of lectures and an interactive software program. Teachers and student aids are present during the labs to help instruct the students. With Plato, the student is allowed to work at his or her own pace to master the material – taking more than one semester if needed.
Pre-Algebra and Geometry are offered in a regular classroom setting. Additionally, at least one Intermediate Algebra section is offered as an online course each semester. Intermediate Algebra and sometimes Geometry as well are prerequisites to all of the transfer level classes.
Transfer Program (General major, Education major, Business major)
Mathematics for General Education and Math for Elementary Education are offered in the traditional classroom setting. Finite Mathematics, and Elementary Statistics are offered both in the traditional classroom setting and online. Problem solving skills are developed through the use of manipulatives, the discovery method to develop critical thinking, group collaboration, individual projects, as well as classroom lectures. Graphing calculators and computer software may be used to aid in calculations and in understanding concepts for Statistics and Finite Mathematics.
Transfer Program (Science, Engineering)
Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry, Calculus (differential and multivariable), Discrete Mathematics, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra are offered in the traditional classroom setting on campus. Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry may also be taken online. Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations are also offered in alternate semesters at Leland High School. Graphing calculators are required for all of these courses. Some of the courses may also use the Maple mathematical software package.
Tutoring Program
A comprehensive walk-in tutoring program is available for all mathematics and science students in the Learning Resource Center (in room L-105) in the library. Tutoring is done by successful mathematics students and by teacher volunteers.
Transfer Express
The Transfer Express Program helps students complete their requirements to either receive an AA degree or to transfer to a four-year university after two years of full-time study at San Jose City College. Students enrolled in this program have priority registration in the Transfer Express courses. See your counselor for more details of this program.
Future Mathematics Teachers
In addition to the Mathematics for Elementary Education Course, a course entitled Field Experience in Math and Science is offered through the education department (Educ 014).
Students do theory and field work in mathematics and science education at local schools.
Service Learning Projects
Some instructors encourage their students to participate in a service learning project related to their course. This project links San Jose City College students to the community with real work experiences in a variety of learning experiences.
AMATYC Mathematics Contest
During the Fall and Spring semesters, San Jose City College participates in a national mathematics contest sponsored by the American Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC). Each of the two rounds consists of 20 problems to be solved within a one-hour time period, with the aid of a graphing calculator. Problems may include material up to pre-calculus mathematics, including some probability and trigonometry problems. The national winner receives a $3,000 scholarship. The mathematics department also awards prizes to San Jose City College students with the top five scores for our school. Any San Jose City College student may participate. (Only non-college degree holding students count for the national contest.)