How Math Courses are Offered

After you have met taken a math placement test, met with an advisor, and determined what math class or classes you need, the next step is to choose a course format that works with your learning style and schedule.

  • Do the Math - Credit Hours and Time Commitment

    Courses at McLennan Community College are offered in credit hours. A three-hour course in a traditional 16-week fall or spring semester meets with an instructor for three hours a week. Students are in the classroom with an instructor for 3 X 16 = 48 hours. A four-hour class would meet four hours a week, so in a full semester this would total 4 X 16 = 64 hours

    For college-level courses, students are expected to spend two hours outside of class studying, reading, writing and practicing. This means that a three-hour class is really a nine-hour time commitment per week in a traditional fall or spring semester: 9 X 16 = 144 hours of work. Similarly, success in a four-hour class equates to a 12-hour per week commitment or 12 X 16 = 192 total hours working on the material.

    Courses are now offered in shorter semesters and online, but the total time commitment remains the same. For example if you take a three-hour “flex” course that starts in the middle of a fall or spring semester but ends at the same time, then you still must still plan for 144 hours working on the material. But since you now only have eight weeks to complete the class, you should plan your schedule to allow for 144/8 = 18 hours per week working on the material.

  • Break the Code - Course Labels

    Courses at McLennan have labels that describe them. Understanding this labeling system is beneficial to planning a successful semester. Consider the course labeled HIST_1301_F1.

    The first part of the label "HIST" indicates the class is offered through the History department. The course number "1301" also gives some information. The "1" in the thousands place indicates it is a 1000-level course, also known as a first-year or freshman-level course. The "3" means it is a three-hour course. "F" means FlexTrack, which is described below.

    Here are some other examples of courses labels and what they mean:

    BIOL_1406_01 BIOL = biology, 1 = freshman level, 4 = 4-hour course, 01 = section
    Math_2413_87 MATH = mathematics, 2 = sophomore level, 4= 4-hour course, 87 = section
    ENGL_1302_F1 ENGL = English, 1 = freshman level, 3 = 3-hour course, F1 = FlexTrack section

    McLennan offers a variety of formats for math courses throughout the year. To view the many options for courses, click on the MyMCC link at the top of this website. From there, click on "Students" and then "Search for Classes."

    The dates and additional registration information for each term is listed at the top of the page. The "Search for Classes" link gives you a series of options to narrow your search. The only required selection is the Term.

  • Description of Terms

    Registering for classes at McLennan is based on the term in which you choose to register. The terms occur at different times throughout the year and have different lengths.

    • Fall Term - Begins in late August and ends in early December lasting for 16 weeks. Students can enroll in a variety of course types during the fall term, including FastTrack and FlexTrack courses.
    • Winter Minimester - Begins a few days after the end of the fall term and lasts for 11 days. Students may only enroll in one course during the Minimester. Since all of the course content is covered in a 10-day period, students should plan to dedicate most of their day to mastering work in their selected course.
    • Spring Term - Begins in early January and ends in early May lasting for 16 weeks. Students can enroll in a variety of course types during the spring term, including FastTrack and FlexTrack courses.
    • Summer Minimester - Begins a few days after the end of the spring term and lasts for 11 days. Students may only enroll in one course during the Minimester. Since all of the course content is covered in a 10-day period, students should plan to dedicate most of their day to mastering work in their selected course.
    • Summer I - Begins in early June. The majority of courses are offered for six weeks ending in early July, but there are also nine- and 11-week classes that begin on the first class day of summer I.
    • Summer II - Begins a few days after the end of six week classes in summer I. Six-week classes are offered finishing in mid-August.

    Once you have selected the term in MyMCC, you can use the drop down menus to refine your search for courses.

    Here is an example of a course offerings search for college algebra from MyMCC during a fall term:

  • Description of Course Types

     

    • Computer Assisted Instruction are classes offered for students who require remediation in mathematics before they begin a college level class. Classes meet with an instructor in a computer classroom on campus. Students work through material at their own pace and have the ability to finish faster. Material is individualized to student’s based on pre- and post-assessments. Click here to see a video describing CAI. Students needing developmental courses must meet with an advisor to determine proper course placement.
    • Evening classes are taught after 5 p.m.
    • 1st 8 Week classes condense a full 16-week semester into eight weeks. If you choose this option, you can actually complete two consecutive course — ENGL 1301 and 1302, for example — in one semester.
    • 2nd 8 Week classes start at the halfway point of the regular term. These classes are often available for students who are a little late with their paperwork or financial aid at the beginning of the semester or need to do some remediation before starting a college level class. Another option is for students to combine a 1st 8 week class with a 2nd 8 week class in a long semester, thus completing two courses (for example, MATH 2412 Precalculus followed by MATH 2413 Calculus 1).
    • Blended classes blend two great learning options. You’ll spend part of your class time in a traditional classroom setting and the rest completing Internet assignments using your own computer or computers in the library.
    • Internet classes are taught online with the possible exception of an introductory meeting with the instructor and on-campus exams. Students receive and return assignments via email or an online course management program such as blackboard or MyMathLab. Students may be required to engage with the instructor and other students through discussion boards, email, chat groups or video conferencing. If you are unable to make it to campus and the professor requires proctored testing, you may take your tests at an approved testing center at other locations. These classes are great for disciplined students who need the flexibility of working on the course when their schedule allows.
    • Mathways courses are designed and structured to engage students who are not pursuing a math, science, technology or engineering degree with real world applications from interdisciplinary fields and improve their understanding of mathematical concepts required to solve the application problems.
    • Off-campus classes meet in surrounding communities, allowing students to take traditionally scheduled classes at locations nearer their home.
    • Traditional classes do not have an indicator for schedule type. These classes will meet with an instructor on the days, times and location described in the section information.
    • Weekend classes meet on Saturdays and/or Sundays.

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