Mathematics Courses

The Division of Advising and Academic Resources facilitates student access to
education, provides seamless support systems and services to enhance student learning,
and provides support for the academic initiatives of the University community.
The departments of the Division are responsible for a variety of services. Advising
Services provides academic advising support for students without a declared major
and coordinates a number of University-wide activities; Support for Students with
Disabilities coordinates the review of documentation and provision of accommodations
for students with documented disabilities; and Learning Foundations coordinates
all developmental coursework in mathematics and writing as well as the learning
strategy courses. Learning Foundations also coordinates the University’s tutoring
program.

Developmental courses provide students with instruction to help them achieve
proficiency in writing (ENG 009A), and in mathematics (MAT009, 050, 051B). The
Learning Center offers tutoring in writing, mathematics, and English for Speakers of
Other Languages. The Academic Support for Students with Disabilities Office provides
a variety of services for students with disabilities. The FRS coursework assists
students with the transition into higher education.

ENG 009ADevelopmental Writing
This course is designed to help students who need to
develop proficiency to enter ENG 100C, College
Writing. A passing grade of C- or higher is required
for proficiency. This course may not be taken
pass/fail. Credit earned in ENG 009A does not
apply or accumulate toward any degree program at
the University of Southern Maine. Cr 3.

FRS 180 Academic Self Management
This learning strategy course explores the six major
control components that usually contribute to high
academic achievement: motivation, methods of
learning , use of time, performance factors, and relationships
to both physical and social environment.
Presentations and readings involving learning
research and theory are interconnected to student
participation, assessment, and self-monitoring activities.
Students will engage in the self-management
and prescriptive process to determine what specific
academic behaviors will best assist individual academic
performance. Students must be registered in
at least one other college course in order to provide
an application-practice field. Cr 3.

MAT 009 Developmental Mathematics
A review of fundamental topics of arithmetic needed
for a study of algebra. This course will cover the
following topics: addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division of fractions ; use of decimals and
percent; estimation; addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division of real numbers; exponents;
order of arithmetic operations; distributive property;
combining like terms; substitution to evaluate
expressions and formulas; grouping symbols ; addition
and multiplication principle; formulas; sets;
solving equations with fractons ; translating English
phrases into algebraic expressions; and solving
word problems using geometric formulas.
Successful completion of an exit exam at a C level
(75%) or higher is required. Credit earned in MAT
009 does not apply or accumulate toward any
degree program at the University of Southern
Maine. After successful completion of MAT 009,
students must complete both MAT 050 and MAT
051B in sequence to meet mathematics proficiency,
or place out of the proficiency courses via a retake
of the placement exam. Cr 3.

MAT 050 Elementary Algebra
The first course of a two-course sequence designed
for students who need to develop their knowledge of
basic algebra. This course will cover the following
topics: solving word problems, graphing linear
equations, slope of a line , obtaining the equations of
a line, graphing linear inequalities , functions, the
use of graphing calculators , systems of equations in
two variables , applications of systems of linear
equations, rules of exponents , scientific notation,
polynomial operations , multiplication of polynomials.
Emphasis is on mastery of algebraic solution
processes. Completion of an exit exam at a C level
(75%) or higher is required. This course is taught in
a lecture/lab format. Prerequisite: MAT 009 or its
USM equivalent. Associate degree credit only, in
approved programs. After successful completion of
MAT 050, students must then complete MAT 051B
to meet mathematics proficiency, or place out of the
proficiency courses via a retake of the placement
exam. Cr 3.

MAT 051B Intermediate Algebra
A continuation of MAT 050, topics include factoring ;
simplifying rational expressions; multiplying,
dividing, addition and subtraction of rational
expressions; complex rational expressions; equations
involving rational expressions; ratio, proportion,
and applied problems; radical expressions and
functions; operations with radicals ; radical equations;
formulas with applications ; quadratic equations;
quadratic functions; and the use of graphing.
Emphasis is on mastery of algebraic solution
processes. Completion of an exit exam at a C level
(75%) or higher is required to meet proficiency.
This course is taught in a lecture/lab format.
Successful completion of this course fulfills the proficiency
math requirement of the Core curriculum.
Prerequisite: MAT 050 or its USM equivalent.
Associate degree credit only. Cr 3.