Questions
- What math courses are required for my major?
- Which first-semester calculus courses should I take?
- Where can I go if I need help with math?
- What is the math placement test?
- Where do I direct new questions to the math department?
Answers
What math courses are required for my major?
To find the courses required for the majors and degrees offered at NRCC,
go to graduation requirement page.
Be sure to meet with a counselor before making any final decisions in
your schedule.
Which first-semester calculus courses should I take?
For engineering programs:
Math 175 (3 credits) and 177 (3 credits)
This is the first semester in a four semester calculus sequence (175, 176, 177, 178, 277 and 279) for
engineering, mathematics, computer science and science majors. You should
have taken a precalculus class and a trigonometry class and passed with
a grade of C or better in each.
If this is your first college level math course, you should have taken
4 years of high school math, including Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry,
and a course on functions. MTH 163 does not satisfy this requirement since Trigonometry is not a topic in
MTH 163 and is a requirement
for MTH 175. MTH 166 does satisfy this requirement
For non-engineering transfer programs:
Math 163 (3 credits) and 271 (3credits)
MTH 271 is a one-semester introduction to topics in calculus, emphasizing applications, and primarily oriented for students who are business or social science majors. Concepts are developed more intuitively and less formally than in MTH 173. The prerequisite is a course that may have a title such as college algebra, precalculus or functions.
Where can I go if I need help with math?
All students enrolled in math classes can take advantage of the free
tutoring service available at Academic Assistance on the NRCC campus in Dublin.
Go to Martin Hall room 109 to sign up. The hours of operation are
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 AM - 5PM
Tuesday 9 AM - 7 PM
Friday 9 AM - 2 PM
and by appointment.
The telephone number is (540)674-3600, ext. 3664
If you are taking a lecture course, your instructor will help you during office hours. Check your course syllabus for the times.
What is the math placement test?
If you have never taken a college mathematics course you must take a math placement test before enrolling in any math courses.
You must submit your application for admission before taking the placement
test.
The computerized placement test is divided into five levels of material:
Prealgebra, Algebra, College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Your
answer in any particular section of the test will determine how many problems
and which sections of the test you will see. As long as your answers are
correct, the computer will continue to give you harder questions. Your
answers will determine how many questions you will receive and the areas
in which you will be tested.
The computer will ask you to select a starting level for the test. Your
choices are "easy" (primarily Arithmetic), "medium"
(Algebra,) or "difficult" (College Algebra.) For placement purposes,
you must begin the test in either "easy" or "medium"
level.
The test is untimed, but you should allow at least 2 hours to complete
the test. The computer decides when you are finished. You must complete
the test to receive a score.
The placement test may be taken at most once per semester and at most
three times per year. Hand-held calculators are not allowed. There is
an online calculator for use during the test.
Reviewing material that you have previously studied is recommended before
you take the placement test. Sample questions for each area are available online and in the Counseling Center.
Students can take the test at the Learning Center in Rooker Hall.
