FAQ about Math206, Algebra for Statistics
What is Math 206, “Algebra for Statistics”?
Math 206, “Algebra for Statistics,” is a 5-credit hour remedial math course that introduces statistical concepts
covered in Math 13 (Introduction to Statistics), while also reviewing algebraic concepts covered in Math 201
(Elementary Algebra) and Math 203 (Intermediate Algebra). It is designed specifically for the remedial math
student who needs Math 13 to transfer. Algebraic concepts taught in Math 201/203 are contextualized in a
data analysis approach, with a focus on those aspects of algebra that are needed for successful passage of
Math 13. Since the course replaces Math 201 and Math 203, which are each 4 credit hours, it accelerates the
student through the remedial math curriculum by saving them 1 semester and 3 credit-hours of remedial math
work. The class meets twice a week, and with a total of almost 6 class hours there is more time to cover
introductory statistical material at a slower pace than in the transfer-level course.
Math 206 was introduced at Berkeley City College in Spring 2012 as an experimental course. Effective Spring
2013 it was institutionalized as Math 206, Algebra for Statistics.
Why is this course being offered?
To improve the chances of students passing Math 13, the one transfer-level math class needed by non-STEM,
non-business, non-nursing majors to obtain a 4-year degree. STEM stands for Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics. By focusing on data analysis and ‘high-school level’ statistical concepts while
incorporating algebraic review, we hope to improve success rates for Math 13. Students will be encouraged to
take Math 13 immediately upon completion of the course.
Why can’t STEM, business and nursing majors take this course?
STEM, business and nursing majors need to take math and non-math coursework for which Math 203,
Intermediate Algebra is the pre-requisite. Math 206 cannot be substituted for Math 203 with regard to these
other math and science courses. Students need the full algebraic curriculum of Math 203.
Who is the target audience?
Students who meet the following four criteria:
1. They want to eventually transfer to a 4-year institution and already are certain that they do not intend to be
STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) or business or nursing majors, and hence will not need to
take pre-calculus or calculus or courses that require intermediate algebra (Math 203) as a pre-requisite.
2. They are willing to take a 5-hour math course one semester so as to eliminate the need for taking two
consecutive 4-hour math courses (Math 201 and 203).
3. Regardless of their major, they do not intend to take STEM courses such as chemistry, computer science,
biology or economics that will require Math 203 as a pre-requisite.
4. They anticipate taking Math 13 at Peralta.
What if a student successfully completes this course but later changes their mind about their major and
decides to become a STEM or business or nursing major?
They will have to take the regular Math 201/Math 203 course sequence to prepare for Math 1 (pre-calculus)
and calculus. Thus, students who are uncertain as to what their future major will be should not enroll in this
course. Note: nursing majors need Math 203 for science courses but not pre-calculus or calculus.
What are the pre-requisites for the course?
Students must have either successfully completed Math 253, Pre-Algebra, or assessed through the math
placement test at the level of either Math 201, Elementary Algebra, or Math 203, Intermediate Algebra. This
course was not originally designed for students who had already passed Math 201 or assessed into Math 203,
as taking this course rather than Math 203 increases the number of credit hours they must take (Math 203 is 4
credit hours and Math 206 is 5 credit hours).
Can students who want an AA/AS degree consider taking the course?
Math 206 itself does not meet the requirement for an AA/AS degree. Students who pass Math 206 and then
eventually complete Math 13 will satisfy the math requirement for the AA/AS degree, which is successful
completion of Math 203 or higher. If a student does not pass Math 13, he/she will need to take Math 201/203
to get an AA/AS degree.
What about the student’s need to take other non-math courses that require Math 203 as a pre-requisite?
Courses requiring Math 203 as a pre-requisite are typically STEM classes (for example, chemistry and computer
science), and we do not expect the non-STEM major to be including these courses in their academic plans. If,
however, the student does intend to take another STEM class that has Math 203 as a pre-requisite, they
should not enroll in Math 206.
How will a student be able to register for Math 13 without satisfying the Math 203 pre-requisite for Math
13?
The student will need to have a counselor approve them for Math 13 based on multiple measures. Math 206
is not listed as an alternative pre-requisite for Math 13. At BCC, the Math Department has made special
arrangements to make sure passing Math 206 students are able to enroll in Math 13.
Can a student taking Math 206 automatically enroll in Math 13 during early registration for the succeeding
semester?
No. Because Math 206 is not an official pre-requisite for Math13, students will not be able to register for Math
13 until the very end of the semester in which they are taking Math 206 – about mid-December during the fall
semester and the end of May during the spring semester. In other words, the student must have successfully
completed Math 206 before they can register for Math 13. To facilitate this process, the Math Department
arranges to reserve sufficient spaces in all the Math 13 sections specifically for Math 206 students. These
spaces are released at the end of the semester.
Is this course being offered anywhere else at Peralta?
College of Alameda began offering a similar course in Fall 2012. The course number there is Math 248AF.
Can a student completing this course register for Math 13 at another California community college?
Students should be counseled to take Math 13 at Peralta, as we are uncertain whether other community
colleges will accept this accelerated math class as a pre-requisite for Math 13. A similar accelerated math
course is being offered at City College of San Francisco. A total of several dozen California community colleges
across the state have embarked on similar pilot projects to offer non-STEM accelerated math.
Will there be a separate Math 13 section just for students who take this accelerated math course?
No. Students successfully completing this course will enroll in any section of Math 13, and hence be
“mainstreamed” with other Math 13 students who completed the regular 250/253/201/203 math sequence or
assessed into Math 13.
Can this course be repeated if the student doesn’t pass it?
Yes.
For more information, see the District’s Accelerated Math webpage:
http://web.peralta.edu/accelerated/acceleration-in-math/