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Self-Paced Mathematics

Courses

Check our current self-paced mathematics courses offered this term.

Course Structure and Policies

Although there are no formal lectures, the content of self-paced mathematics courses is identical to that of lecture courses. The difference is in the method of instruction.

Study in these courses is done on an individual basis. You cover the material at your own pace, using the textbook and comprehensive study guides. You attend class when you need individual instruction and when you are ready to take examinations.

How can self-paced mathematics work for you?
  • The unique format of Extension's self-paced math courses provides the flexibility busy working professionals need to meet their educational goals. If business and personal responsibilities take you away from your studies, this format allows you to easily pick up right where you left off. You can proceed at your own pace. You can complete a course in one term or, if necessary, spread your studies out over several terms (you must re-enroll and pay the course fee each term). If you finish your course before the end of the term, you have the option of starting another self-paced math course without paying an additional fee.
  • An instructor is available at each class meeting to give students one-on-one attention—even more than would be possible in a standard, lecture-format course.
Format

There are no formal lectures in self-paced mathematics courses. Each course is divided into modules, or segments. Comprehensive study guides, with study hints and suggested exercises, and the course text, guide your progress through the modules. During class sessions, the instructor provides individual help, answers questions, and administers all tests. We strongly advise that you attend the first class meeting, since the layout of the class is explained by the instructor to all students ONLY at the first meeting. Also, in order to give yourself enough time to complete the course, it is wise to start attending early. (During the summer session, it is virtually impossible to finish if you do not start--at the latest--by the second week of the semester.)

You can come to class to study, or work on your own at home and attend class only when you have questions or are ready to take tests. You can arrive at any time during the designated hours; however, no segment exams are given after 8 pm, and no finals after 6:50 pm.

Tests

Each course consists of 10 to 15 segments. At the conclusion of each segment, when you feel that you have mastered the material, you are given a proctored test on which you must attain a minimum passing score (varies with each course). You may retake a segment test a maximum of two times in order to attain a passing score. No textbooks or notes may be used during segment tests or the final.

The number of credits you receive for each course is based on the number of segments you complete, as detailed in the course outline for each course. In order for credit to be awarded, you must pass the segment tests and a cumulative, proctored final exam. You are then awarded the applicable course credit, in semester units, and a letter grade.

Students who do not complete all segment tests and the final in one term are given an "in progress" grade. See Registration and Refund policies, below, for options for completing the course.

Registration and Refund Policies

You can enroll in self-paced math courses without department approval for up to one month beyond the official start date of the course. For late enrollments, please call (510) 642-1061. We recommend that students start their coursework as early as possible during the term to maximize the amount of time they have to complete the modules.

Requests for refunds for self-paced math courses must be made by the close of business 14 days after the course start date or their enrollment date, whichever is later. Important note: failure to attend class does not constitute grounds for a refund after the refund deadline.

If you complete all segment tests but not the final, you must take the final within three months or pay an additional registration fee.

If you do not complete all of the segment tests before the last day of class, you must enroll in a subsequent term and pay the registration fee in order to complete the course.

Self-Paced Mathematics FAQ

1. What's the difference between Analytic Geometry & Calculus 16A-S, and Calculus 1A-S?
Analytical Geometry & Calculus 16A-S is designed for students in business, the social and biological sciences, and the liberal arts. Calculus 1A-S is a more rigorous course intended for students in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or mathematical economics. However, please note that 3 units of either course satisfies admission requirements for the UC Berkeley Evening M.B.A. program.

2. Do I have to take a placement test for any of the self-paced math courses?
One of the self-paced math courses requires a placement test. Algebra and Trigonometry XP-S has a placement test that should be taken at the first meeting attended. It is possible to "place out" of some of the course and thus save time, since you will need to take fewer units to complete the course.

3. Are there formal lectures? How is the evening structured?
You work on your own (in class or elsewhere), using the textbook and self-paced course guides that take you step-by-step through the course. An instructor is present during scheduled class times to answer your questions and administer exams. Since these are self-paced courses, there are no formal lectures.

4. When does class meet? Do I have to attend all class meetings?
Self-paced math courses meet Tuesdays and Thursdays in Berkeley for summer 2007, and Wednesdays only in Berkeley for fall 2007. You may attend class at any scheduled time, and as often as you choose. However, the instructor advises that you attend at least once a week, because it will help you keep up with the coursework and pace yourself so that you can successfully complete the course in one term. You should definitely attend whenever you have questions and want to talk to an instructor, and when you are ready to take an exam.

5. OK, I've decided to enroll in a self-paced math course. What do I need to do?
Register for the course and purchase the required textbook, course guide, and solutions manual (see the back section of the current UC Berkeley Extension catalog for textbook purchasing information). Attend the first self-paced math meeting in the location that you intend to make your primary location, and take a placement or diagnostic test, if applicable. Then begin working on the course material, using the course guide and textbook. Attend class when you have a question and want to talk to the instructor, or to take a quiz or exam. During class you can schedule time to speak with the instructor, take exams, or work on your own.

6. Do I have to attend the first class meeting?
Although we strongly recommend that you attend the first class meeting, you will not be penalized if you are unable to do so. However, in order to give yourself enough time to complete the course, it is wise to start attending early.

7. If I finish one self-paced math course before the end of the term, can I start the next course in the sequence?
Yes, you can start the next course at no additional cost. However, if you don't complete the second course within that term, you must enroll and pay a registration fee in a subsequent term in order to complete the course. The tuition for self-paced courses is based on how many terms you are registered for, not how many courses you take. If you have an "in progress" grade at the end of the term and want to complete the course during a later term, you will be required to re-register for the course and pay tuition for that term.

8. Is this course transferable to other colleges or universities?
Any school can accept or decline any course, for any reason. To find out if the school that you would like to transfer to (including UC Berkeley) will accept the course, you must contact the school.

9. Will I be able to get a transcript after I have finished this course? What will it say?
As with all courses, a transcript can be ordered from UC Berkeley Extension. For self-paced math courses, it will specify that this is a self-paced course.

10. Where do I get my textbooks and study guides?
Textbooks can be purchased in Berkeley at the Cal Student Store, Berkeley campus below the M. L. King Jr. Student Union (510-642-0770); or online at http://ucextensionbookstore.ucsf.edu.

11. What if I don't finish by the end of the term?
If you complete all of the exams except for the final by the last day of class, you have an additional three months within which to take the final. You can take the final during any scheduled self-paced math course in the next term. If you do not complete all of the exams but still want to complete the course, you must re-enroll and pay again in a subsequent term. You will be assigned a grade of IP, which stands for "in progress," until you receive a grade.

Still Have Questions? Send e-mail to mathstat@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-1061.

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