Mathematics (Area of Study, 2017-2018)

Program Info

Effective Term
Fall 2017
Degree Type
Area of Study

Program Description

Description

The Mathematics Department offers a wide range of courses, from developmental to advanced, that enable students to fulfill program requirements at Henry Ford College, to transfer with advanced standing into four-year degree programs, or to complete admission requirements for graduate degrees where the student’s undergraduate mathematical background is insufficient.

For students who come to Henry Ford without the adequate preparation and skills to be successful in college-level mathematics, the Mathematics Department has a series of developmental offerings--both traditional and modular, flexibly-paced--that prepares them for success in more-advanced courses. For example, MATH-081 prepares students for MATH-131: Mathematics for the Modern World. In addition, the Learning Laboratory provides support for students who lack specific mathematics skills in their HFC courses.

If a student’s career objective is a technical degree or certificate, there is a structured two-course sequence in Technical Mathematics (MATH-100 and MATH-103) that is designed to meet the mathematical needs of these specific programs. Related problem-solving activities are integrated throughout this sequence. In addition, specialty courses are available to students in the Pharmacy Technician program (MATH-101) or the Culinary Arts program (MATH-104).

For students who plan to eventually transfer to a four-year program that has a strong mathematics component, the entire range of the traditional first two years of undergraduate mathematics courses is offered. Included is a three-course calculus sequence (MATH-180, MATH-183, MATH-280) in addition to specialty courses such as MATH-275: Discrete Mathematics, MATH-283: Linear Algebra, MATH-289: Differential Equations, and MATH-150: Finite Mathematics.

Future elementary education majors can satisfy their mathematics requirement at most institutions by completing MATH-121, MATH-221, and MATH-225. Students should consult the transfer guides to the four-year institutions of their choice for the appropriate courses.

Students preparing for an undergraduate degree in business can elect MATH-141: Introduction to Statistics.

MATH-131: Mathematics for the Modern World provides students whose program or career goals do not require a specific mathematics course sequence the opportunity to develop quantitative literacy skills that will meet HFC requirements and requirements at many four-year institutions. Students should consult their program requirements and transfer guides prior to electing this class.

The Mathematics Department emphasizes problem-solving techniques and the appropriate use of technology throughout its wide range of course offerings. Whether in science, engineering, statistics, business, health careers, education, or any other field that requires quantitative literacy, the mathematics offerings are designed to prepare students to become creative problem solvers.