Michigan Community Colleges

Southwestern Michigan College

Dowagic

Mission statement

The mission of Southwestern Michigan College is to be the college of first choice for students who have a choice, the college that provides the programs and services to meet the needs of students with limited choices, and the college that serves our community.

Math courses offered


MATH 098 College Arithmetic
Prerequisite: Compass pre-algebra assessment score of 22-41 required.
Provides a review of operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, percentages, measurement, area, perimeter and signed numbers. Emphasis is on computation. This course will not count toward graduation requirements.

MATH 100P Pre-Algebra
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 098 or satisfactory test score.
Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics from pre-algebra, beginning algebra, math/test anxiety, and effective study tools for math courses.

MATH 101 Introductory Algebra
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 100P or satisfactory test score.
Includes some review of arithmetic, emphasis on algebraic expressions, graphing with the rectangular coordinate system, polynomial operations, factoring, and solving linear and quadratic equations. This course requires some computer usage.

MATH 105 Intermediate Algebra
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 101 and READ 100 or satisfactory test scores.
Includes general functions; domain and range functions; inverse functions; linear equations and inequalities; polynomial, quadratic and rational functions; exponential functions and logarithmic expressions; application of functions; systems of linear equations; graphing and graph transformations; and complex numbers.

MATH 111 Technical Mathematics I
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in READ 100 or satisfactory test score, concurrent enrollment allowed.
Introduces the technical student to the basic principles of applied mathematics, with considerable emphasis on the operation and use of the scientific calculator as a problem solving tool. Topics include basic concepts, the metric system, polynomials, ratio and proportion, applied geometry, and precision measurement.

MATH 112 Technical Mathematics II
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 111; and READ 100 or satisfactory test score, concurrent enrollment allowed. A continuation of MATH 111. Course emphasis includes: use of the scientific calculator, applied trigonometry, applied algebra, basic statistics and statistical process control.

MATH 115 Business Mathematics
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 100P or satisfactory test score.
Covers problems in percentage, interest, discount, taxes, mark-up, installment buying, insurance and stocks and bonds. Recommended for business students.

MATH 129 Finite Mathematics
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 105 or satisfactory test score.
Provides Computer Information Systems and Business curricula with a survey of set theory, graphing, linear equation systems, matrices, linear programming, permutations and combinations, and probability with particular attention to applications in the area of business.

MATH 131 Precalculus Trigonometry
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 105 and READ 100 or satisfactory test scores.
Provides an introduction to trigonometry, including trigonometry of triangles and circles, trigonometric functions and inverse functions, identities, trigonometric equations, graphing, Law of Sines and Law of Cosines, polar coordinates, DeMoivre's theorem, an introduction to vectors, and applications. [Semesters Offered: Fall, Winter]

MATH 136 Precalculus Algebra
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 105 and READ 100 or satisfactory test scores.
Provides a review of the fundamentals of algebra and analytic geometry. Emphasizes calculus-oriented concepts including functional notation, graphing, and the applications of functions. Explores the behavior of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and conic sections with the aid of graphing calculators.

MATH 141 Applied Geometry and Calculus I
Minimum grade of C in MATH 131 and MATH 136; or a minimum grade of C in MATH 130; and minimum grade
of C in READ 100 or satisfactory test score.
Prerequisite: Provides an introduction to functions, limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, applications of derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

MATH 142 Applied Geometry and Calculus II
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 141.
Provides a study of techniques of integration, applications of integrals, improper integrals, sequences, and series.

MATH 150 Statistics
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 105 and READ 100 or satisfactory test scores.
Introduces the central ideas and the application of statistical inference. Surveys graphic presentation, frequency distribution, sampling and probability, regression and correlation, interval estimation, hypothesis testing, and goodness of fit.

MATH 153 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 101 or satisfactory test score.
Provides the elementary teacher with a minimum foundation in the structure of arithmetic. Includes problem solving techniques, sets, relations, and bases, the properties of natural numbers, integers, rational, and real numbers. Includes selected topics in number theory and algebra.

MATH 154 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 153 or permission of appropriate instructional dean.
Analyzes geometric figures in the plane and space, including investigations into their transformations and symmetries. Considers fundamental concepts in measurement and construction. Emphasizes active participation in discovering and communicating mathematical ideas.

MATH 201 Calculus III
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 142.
Provides a study of vector algebra, vector functions and their derivatives, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and line integrals. Presents selected topics in vector analysis.

MATH 203 Introduction to Linear Algebra
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 141 or permission from appropriate instructional dean.
Provides a study of systems of linear equations and matrices, determinants, vector spaces, subspaces, basis and dimension, linear transformations, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

MATH 204 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 201.
Provides a study of ordinary differential equations, initial value problems, and an introduction to boundary value problems. Includes techniques for solving first order and constant coefficient second order equations, series solutions, numerical methods, separation of variables, Fourier series, applications, and existence and uniqueness theorems.

MATH 265 Probability and Statistics for Teachers
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MATH 153.
This course covers basic concepts of statistics and probability appropriate for elementary and middle school teachers. Topics include statistical techniques for organizing, summarizing, presenting and interpreting data sampling techniques; and analytic methods in probability. Computers are used to reinforce major course ideas.


At a Glance

School Type
State and locally supported, Coed
Setting
Rural 240-acre campus
Degrees Offered
Certificates and Associate
Entrance Difficulty
Noncompetitive
Application Deadlines
Rolling (freshmen), rolling (transfers)

Admissions
Freshman
Admission: 505 applied; 505 admitted; 505 enrolled
Applying
Options: electronic application, deferred entrance
Required: high school transcript
Required for some: letters of recommendation, interview
Application deadline: rolling (freshmen), rolling (transfers)
Notification: continuous until 9/10 (freshmen), continuous until 9/10 (transfers)
Cost and Financial Aid
Costs (2009-10)
Tuition: Area resident $2648 full-time, $88 per credit hour part-time; state resident $3383 full-time, $113 per credit hour part-time; nonresident $3668 full-time, $122 per credit hour part-time
Required fees: $810 full-time, $27 per credit hour part-time
Room and board: $7160; room only: $5000
Payment plan: Installment
Waivers: Senior citizens and employees or children of employees

Financial Aid
Of all full-time matriculated undergraduates who enrolled in 2001, 125 Federal Work-Study jobs (averaging $1000). 75 state and other part-time jobs (averaging $1000)
Majors and Degrees
Degrees Offered
Certificates and Associate
Majors
Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services
Accounting Technology and Bookkeeping; Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science; Business Administration and Management
Communications Technologies/Technicians And Support Services
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operation/Production
Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services
Computer and Information Sciences Related; Computer Programming
Education
Early Childhood Education; Teacher Assistant/Aide
Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Drafting and Design Technology; Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology; Industrial Production Technologies Related
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
Emergency Medical Technology (EMT Paramedic); Health Information/Medical Records Technology; Medical Transcription; Medical/Clinical Assistant; Nursing (Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training); Nursing (Registered Nurse Training)
Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
Mechanic And Repair Technologies/Technicians
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology; Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies Related
Precision Production
Machine Tool Technology; Tool and Die Technology; Welding Technology
Public Administration And Social Service Professions
Social Work

Student Body
Undergraduate Student Population
2,493 undergraduate students, 63% women, 37% men, 42% transferred in, 8% African American, 1% Asian American or Pacific Islander, 4% Hispanic American, 0.4% Native American
International Population
3% representing 20 other countries

Campus Life
Housing: College housing not available
Activities: Drama/theater group, choral group, Phi Theta Kappa, Business Professionals of America, Chi Alpha, Dionysis Drama Club, Green Club
Most popular organizations: Phi Theta Kappa, Business Professionals of America, Chi Alpha, Dionysis Drama Club, Green Club
Campus security: 24-hour emergency response devices, evening police patrols

Academic Programs
Special study options: Academic remediation for entering students, accelerated degree program, adult/continuing education programs, advanced placement credit, cooperative education, distance learning, double majors, English as a second language, independent study, internships, part-time degree program, services for LD students, student-designed majors, summer session for credit
School Calendar: Semesters

Faculty
Total: 141
Full-time: 35% full-time
Student/faculty ratio: 19:1

Intramural sports
Basketball M/W, football M/W, golf M/W, racquetball M/W, soccer M/W, volleyball M/W

School Facilities
Facilities/Endowment
Main Library Name: Fred L. Mathews Library
Collection: 36,877 titles; 127 serial subscriptions; 1,537 audiovisual materials

Contact Info
Dr. Margaret Hay, Dean of Students and Academic Support
Southwestern Michigan College
58900 Cherry Grove Road
Dowagiac, MI 49047-9793
Phone: 269-782-1000 Ext. 1306
Toll-free: 800-456-8675
Fax: 269-782-1331