Mathematics

Overview

Mission

Our mission is to promote a positive attitude toward mathematics in all students, helping them to develop mathematical habits of mind, and equipping them with sufficient expertise in mathematics to function effectively in society and in their careers. Our dynamic course offerings are designed to meet the needs of the various University majors and address social and environmental challenges as they arise.

Additional Learning Opportunities

For those not ready to undertake college-level mathematics, either because they have been away from the subject for a while or because they have yet to fully grasp the fundamentals and put them into practice, the Developmental Mathematics program provides the needed coursework.

MATH 100, Pre-statistics is a three-unit course that prepares students for college-level work in the MATH 200, Math Ideas; MATH 220, Business Math; MATH 226, Business Statistics; and PSYC 221, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences courses. MATH 100 applies toward elective credit but does not fulfill a general education requirement. No placement test or other pre-requisite is required to enroll in this class. It is also a  pre-requisite of MATH 149.

MATH 149, Intermediate Algebra is a three-unit course that prepares students for college-level mathematics in math- intensive majors (Applied Computer Science, Architecture, and Computer Science in Data Analytics). MATH 149 applies toward elective credit but does not fulfill a general education requirement. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in MATH 049 or MATH 100—or an appropriate placement score—is required to enroll in MATH 149. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in MATH 149 is required to enroll in MATH 249, College Algebra.

Math, Science & Subject Tutoring

Tutoring assistance in all math and science courses, as well as periodically available courses in accounting, animation, architecture, interdisciplinary studies, and psychology can be found at the University Tutoring Center. Courses with available tutors change each semester. Make appointments via the Math, Science & Subject Tutoring Center link under the “Students” menu on the Woodbury University home page.

Learning Outcomes

Quantitative Literacy

• Demonstrate mastery in basic math skills.
• Apply math across the curriculum by effectively analyzing, formulating, and solving problems within other disciplines.

Communication

• Communicate mathematical concepts in three representations: written, symbolic, and graphic.

Interdisciplinary Use of Mathematics

• Effectively incorporate concepts from one math course into another.

Critical Thinking

• Demonstrate critical and abstract thinking skills.

Assessment Process

Formative Assessment Experiences

Ongoing diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment methods are used to track the results of student and faculty efforts. Reflections on the results of the assessment enable faculty to channel efforts toward more effective achievement of departmental goals. By reviewing the curriculum, instructional methods, and various assessment processes, faculty can monitor students’ understanding of mathematics and natural sciences, as well as improved abstraction, communication, and collaborative skills.

In Mathematics, common final examinations are conducted for core courses with multiple sections; examinations are evaluated and graded by the Mathematics professors collectively, minimizing instructor bias. Each course and its related outcomes are assessed every two years.