Math - Home

In many disciplines, mathematics is used to help make sense of phenomenaobserved in the world. Math also can help us develop critical thinking and reasoning skills that can be used to solve problems in a variety of applications. Pierce College offers two sequences of math courses, pre-college and college-level, to meet the needs of the individual student and his or her goals.

Initial placement in a sequence of courses depends on COMPASS placement test scores. The choices and the number of courses a student takes depend on their chosen field of study and other factors. See a faculty advisor for help.

Pre-College Math

The Mathematics department offers a sequence of introductory courses that build the basic quantitative and symbolic reasoning skills needed in almost all fields of study and professional/technical training.

These pre-college mathematics classes accommodate students entering the college with a variety of math backgrounds. These courses are offered in the Math lab, online, and in traditional classrooms.

Pre-College courses:

  • MATH 042: Fractions, decimals and percents
  • MATH 051: Arithmetic
  • MATH 054: Pre-algebra (Optional, see a faculty advisor)
  • MATH 060: Intro to algebra
  • MATH 095: Intermediate algebra with modeling or MATH 098: Intermediate algebra

Math Lab

Offered only at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, the Math Lab provides students individualized instruction in pre-college level mathematics courses. Using one-on-one instruction, digital lectures, and computer tutors, the Math Lab tries to meet different learning styles.

Though most students will attend the lab on a fixed schedule, the lab offers flexible schedules when arranged with the Math Lab coordinator. The labs are open during the day and evening, Monday through Friday, and also on Saturday (if enrollment allows) during the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Summer quarter hours are limited. Additionally, mini-lectures are offered daily for MATH 051, 060, and 098. For enrollment, call (253) 964-6734).

Courses offered through the Math Lab:

  • MATH 042: Fractions, percents and decimals
  • MATH 051: Fundamentals of arithmetic
  • MATH 054: Pre-Algebra
  • MATH 058-059: Introduction to algebra I-II
  • MATH 060: Intro to algebra
  • MATH 098: Intermediate algebra

College-Level Math

Pierce College also provides a sequence of college-level math courses for students transferring to four-year colleges or pursuing technical vocational programs. These courses satisfy the math requirements for majors in mathematics, as well as business, accounting, economics, statistics, actuarial science, math education, engineering, and the sciences. These college-level courses include the math needed for the Associate in Science degree from Pierce College.

College-level mathematics courses include the studyof contemporary math, elementary math education, finite math, statistics, pre-calculus, differential and integral calculus, and more advanced courses in multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.

Each course includes examples of applications taken from many fields of study. Most of these courses require the use of graphing calculators, which may be rented for a nominal fee through the libraries.

College-level courses

The courses listed below satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning Skill (QS) requirement. The prerequisite for all these QS courses can be satisfied by MATH 098 with a grade of 2.0 or higher or placement above MATH 098 on the COMPASS placement test. MATH 095 with a grade of 2.0 or higher will serve as a prerequisite to MATH 107& and MATH& 146. Students unsure of their intended major are urged to take MATH 098 to allow for more options.

  • MATH& 107: Contemporary mathematics
  • MATH 114: Applied algebra, geometry, trig
  • MATH& 141: Pre-calculus I
  • MATH 156: Finite mathematics
  • MATH& 171: Structure of elementary mathematics I
  • MATH& 146: Intro to statistics

Mathematics major

The following courses should be taken,in addition to courses required for the AA degree:

  • MATH& 151-153: Calculus I-III
  • MATH 205: Linear algebra
  • MATH 224: Multivariate calculus
  • MATH 238: Differential equations

Courses in statistics and computer science are highly recommended for math majors. Math majors should also take one of the sequences of science courses such as physics or chemistry. See your advisor for specific recommendations.

Thomas Broxson
Dean Natural Sciences
253-840-8338 & 253-964-6475
(FS)

Sharon Camner
Mathematics Professor
253-964-6754
(FS)

Phyllis Fikar
Math Instructor
253-864-3201
(PUY)

Anthony Granata
Math Instructor
253-840-8488
(PUY)

Marlene Ignacio
Instructor
253-840-8494
(PUY)

Stewart Jaffe
Math Professor
253-840-8448
(PUY)

Peter Kaslik
F/T Math Instructor
253-964-6635
(FS)

Rajesh Lal
F/T Faculty
253-912-3744
(FS)

Randy Leifson
Math Instructor

(FS)

David Lippman
Math Instructor
253-964-6762
(FS)

Tom Phelps
Econ/Math/Statistics Instructor
253-964-6712
(FS)

Ken Schroeder
Math/Engineering Instructor
(253) 840-8489
(PUY)

Chris Willett
Math Instructor
253-964-6432
(FS)

Larry Wiseman
Math Instructor
253-840-8356
(PUY)