Some Differences Between RHIT Math Courses and High School Math Courses

Mathematics is to engineers what weight-lifting is to football players. The strength gained is not the ultimate goal, but it is essential to playing the game. -- Prof. Leisner

A.

Material

1. Examples and problems may be presented in ways you are not familiar with; in particular there will be less emphasis on manipulating formulae, and more on graphs, pictures, tables, and written descriptions.

2. Expect to have material covered at two to three times the pace of high school.

3. You cannot be ``taught'' everything in the classroom. It is your responsibility to learn the material. Most of this learning must take place outside the classroom. This may include your professor's office hours and/or the Learning Center.

4. You will have to figure some things out by reading the textbook.

5. There may be labs or other forms of self-directed work in the class.

6. There may not be exactly one right answer!

B.

Homework and Exams

1. It is important to describe your steps, not just to get the right answer.

2. Homework problems may be harder than the examples done in class.

3. You won't be told what to study for the test.

4. Exam questions might not be phrased in the same way as homework.

5. Your parents won't remind you to do your homework.

C.

You and Your Professors

1. Your credentials are among the best in the country. Nevertheless, half of you will be below the median in this class.

2. Your college education is about you, not about your professor. You should expect to actively participate in class. This may include meaningful questions about the homework.

3. You will deliberately be learning from professors with a variety of styles, in order to get you familiar with different ways of thinking.

You will probably think of other differences during the quarter. Please feel free to let me know for the benefit of future students!