How Math Courses are Offered

After you have 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 for every one hour they are in the classroom. 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 an 8-week course you still must still plan for 144 hours working on the material. 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_O180.

    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. "O" means this is an online class with a section number of 180.

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

    • BIOL_1406_025 translates to BIOL = Biology, 1 = freshman level, 4 = 4-hour course, 025 = Face to face course during the day
    • MATH_1324_L099 translates to MATH = Mathematics, 1 = freshman level, 3 = 3-hour course, L099 = Linked section
    • ECON_2301_B002 translates to ECON = Economics, 2 = sophomore level, 3 = 3-hour course, B002 = Blended section

    McLennan offers a variety of formats for math courses throughout the year. To view the many options for courses, click on the "I Am A" link at the top of this website, and click on Current Student. From there, scroll down a little and click on "Search for Classes."

  • 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.
    • Winter Minimester - Begins a few days after the end of the fall term. These are short, intensive classes that typically last 2-3 weeks with daily sessions of about 3.5 hours, five days a week.
    • 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.
    • Summer Minimester - Begins a few days after the end of the spring term.These are short, intensive classes that typically last 2-3 weeks with daily sessions of about 3.5 hours, five days a week.
    • Summer - Begins in early June. You can choose between 6 week or 11 week courses.
  • Description of Course Types

    • 8 Week classes condense a full 16-week semester into eight weeks. If you choose this option, you can actually complete two consecutive courses — MATH 2412 Precalculus and MATH 2413 Calculus I, for example — in one semester.
    • 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.
    • 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. Students needing developmental courses must meet with an advisor to determine proper course placement.
    • 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.
    • 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.

Links & Resources