Mathematics

Placement Information

What Math Class Should I Enroll In?

• The course offerings are changing effective Fall 2022. 
• Take the Math and English Placement Tool to see what you qualify for based on the placement process. 
• See the table at the bottom of the page for the placement guide.

Some information about the typical initial placement options effective Fall 2022:

• MTH 121: Trigonometry (4 units)
  • For students who are pursuing a STEM degree or whose program for transfer requires pre-calculus*
  • A 2-units Support for Trigonometry course is available for students who have not taken an Algebra 2 course or who need to review the algebra skills necessary for success in Trigonometry (required for some students)
  • Fulfills AA/AS degree math graduation requirement.
  • Fulfills CSU GE math requirement; not UC transferable.
• MTH 170: Mathematics in Native American Cultures (3 units)
  • This course emphasizes collaborative work and critical thinking in topics such as  geometry, game probability, patterns, and design; it is not taught in a traditional lecture format
  • If you are pursuing a non-STEM degree without a specific math requirement, check with a counselor – this may be the only class you need*
  • Fulfills AA/AS degree math and cultural competency graduation requirements. 
  • Transfers to CSU (fulfillment of the math requirement pending); not UC transferable.
• ​MTH 178: Applied Math (4 units)
  • This is a quantitative reasoning course that emphasizes collaborative work and critical thinking; it is not taught in a traditional lecture format.
  • If you are pursuing a non-STEM degree without a specific math requirement, check with a counselor – this may be the only math class you need.*
  • Fulfills AA/AS degree math graduation requirements. 
  • Fulfills CSU GE Math requirement; not UC transferable
• MTH 220: Statistics (4 units)
  • For students pursuing many Social Science degrees, including Psychology.*
  • A 2-unit support course is available (required for some students)
  • Fulfills AA/AS degree math graduation requirements
  • Fulfills CSU and UC GE math requirement
• MTH 230: Calculus for Business and Economics (3 units)
  • For students who require a course in Business Calculus for transfer
  • Fulfills AA/AS degree math graduation requirements
  • Fulfills CSU and UC GE math requirement
• You may qualify for higher level math courses if you took Trigonometry, Precalculus/Math Analysis or higher level course or passed an AP exam with a 3 or higher. See placement guide tab for more information.

*These are general guidelines and may not address your specific circumstances. If you are planning to transfer to a CSU or UC or other 4-year school, your math requirement will generally depend on your transfer school and major. As always, we encourage you to meet with a counselor if you have any questions. Call 468-3048 for an appt. 

Mendocino College Math Class Placement Process Guide

Mendocino College uses a multiple measures placement process to help you choose the math class that is best for you based on both your experience and your degree pathway. Here is the placement guide effective Fall 2022.

Notices Regarding Placement:

• If you have any questions about which classes to take you are encouraged to meet with a Counselor. Call 468-3048 to get an appointment.
• It is recommended that students majoring in Business Administration for Transfer take MTH 220 before taking MTH 230.
• Students may also challenge the prerequisite for the class they want to take.  Prerequisite Challenge Form

Math Pathway Information - Effective Fall 2022

Standard coursework depends upon the course of study, and is formalized into the following math pathways.

Overview:

• STEM Pathway: For students who are majoring in or seeking to transfer in a STEM-related (math-intensive) discipline. This pathway provides a rigorous sequence that includes extended STEM applications to prepare students for transfer to a CSU or UC.
• Non-STEM (Liberal Arts & CTE) Pathway: For students who do not require STEM coursework.  This pathway satisfies the institutional requirement for an Associate Degree and provides students with the flexibility of choosing a mathematical literacy course that best suits the requirements of their degree, certificate, or program for transfer with coursework that is CSU and/or UC transferable.
• Students should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that will meet the requirements of their educational goals.  

Coursework in the pathways is as follows:

STEM Pathway

• The entry point for a student pursuing this pathway will be determined by placement or prerequisite. MTH 121 Trigonometry is the base course for all students in this pathway For some students, a co-requisite support course may be required.
• The standard STEM pathway, in order taken, includes: MTH 121 Trigonometry; MTH 200 Precalculus; MTH 210 Calculus 1; and MTH 211 Calculus 2, after which MTH 212 Calculus 3 and MTH 214 Linear Algebra can be taken in any order.  The sequence is completed with MTH 215 Differential Equations.

Non-STEM (Liberal Arts & CTE) Pathway

• This pathway offers 3 courses in quantitative reasoning that are designed to meet the requirements for a variety of majors that do not require an extensive STEM background.
• Those who are seeking an Associate degree may find that MTH 170 Mathematics in Native American Cultures will meet their degree (math and cultural competency) requirement. CSU transfer is pending. This course emphasizes collaborative work and critical thinking in topics such as geometry, game probability, patterns, and design; it is not taught in a traditional lecture format. MTH 170 is an open entry course that may require co-requisites for some students.
• Those who are seeking an Associate degree and plan to transfer to a CSU may find that MTH 178 Applied Math will meet their degree and transfer requirements.  This course offers an overview of mathematical topics that focuses on useful applications and mathematical reasoning in society.  MTH 178 is an open entry course that may require co-requisite for some students.
• Those who are seeking an Associate degree and plan to transfer to a UC or CSU and/or are in a major that requires a course in statistics should take MTH 220 Statistics.  For some students, co-requisites may be required. 
• Additionally, students seeking a Business Administration Associate Degree for Transfer will take MTH 230 Business Calculus.  If the student will also need MTH 220 Statistics for their program, it is suggested that this course is taken before MTH 230 Business Calculus.

Contact Info, Office Hours, and Biographies

Professor Roger Ahders

• Office: 9182
• Phone: 707-468-3136
• Email: rahders@mendocino.edu
• Spring 2022 Office Hours:
  • Monday-Wednesday: 4:00pm-5:15pm via Zoom
  • Friday 11-12:15 via Zoom

Roger grew up in Cloverdale and attended Santa Rosa Junior College, graduating with an AA from SRJC. He went on to earn his BS in Mathematics from Sonoma State University and his MS in Mathematics from Oregon State University. Roger joined the faculty at Mendocino College in 1998. 

Roger says that the best part of his job is that wonderful moment when a student who previously had trouble with math, suddenly “Gets It!” He likes teaching his students “the strategies of the game” so they can successfully solve problems on their own.

When he is not working, Roger enjoys hanging out with family, hiking, fishing, and other “outdoor stuff.” He is married and has two children.

Professor Leslie Banta

• Office:  9174
• Phone: 707-467-1053
• Email: lbanta@mendocino.edu
• Spring 2022 Office Hours:
  • ​Mondays 9am-10am in 9174 AND 10am-noon in the Math Lab in the Learning Center
  • Tuesdays:11am-noon in 9174
  • Wednesdays: 9am-11am in 9174
  • Fridays: 10am-11am in 9174
  • Other times are available by appointment, please email.

Leslie was raised in Ukiah and attended Mendocino College, graduating with an AA in Liberal Arts with highest honors. She went on to earn her BA in Mathematics from Sonoma State University, graduating with honors and distinction, and her Master of Science Degree from Dominican University of California.  Leslie joined the faculty of Mendocino College in 2010.   Prior to teaching at Mendocino College, she taught high school math, most recently at Redwood Academy of Ukiah. 

Leslie is a recipient of the Leila and Simon Peskoff Award, a national award that recognizes contributions to the education profession in the area of mathematics taught during the first two years of college. Her professional interests include math history, writing in math class, student equity, mentoring and professional development.

Leslie is the campus rep for both the California Mathematics Council for Community Colleges (CMC3), where she serves as Treasurer, and the American Mathematical Association of Two Year College (AMATYC), where she is a Project ACCCESS Fellow (Cohort 9). 

Leslie is married and has two children, both of whom attended Mendocino College.  Some of her personal interests are spending time with her family (including her dog), reading, scrapbooking, and wine tasting. She thinks there are few things better than time spent with grandchildren. 

Herself a recipient of Mendocino College Foundation scholarships when she was a student, Leslie, along with her mother, established the Les Gregg Family Scholarship, a perpetual scholarship that honors her late father.

Professor Chantal Cimmiyotti 

• Office: 9177
• Phone:  707-467-1021
• Email: ccimmiyotti@mendocino.edu
• Spring 2022 Office Hours:
  • Mondays & Wednesdays: 10:30am-noon via Zoom (and 9177)
  • Tuesdays: 1:30pm-2:30pm via Zoom
  • Fridays: 11am-noon via Zoom
  • Other times by appointment

Chantal Cimmiyotti was raised on the Mendocino Coast and attended UC Santa Barbara for her undergraduate and graduate education.  Chantal has a BA in Mathematics-High School Teaching track, a Master’s in Education, and a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics.  After college she returned to the coast to teach and “give back” to her community. She taught at Fort Bragg High for seven years.  Upon her engagement, she moved to Ukiah and taught full-time at Ukiah High School and part-time at Mendocino College for two years.  She joined the full-time faculty at Mendocino College in Fall 2017.  She looks forward to helping the diverse student population at Mendocino College. She loves seeing the growth of her students, whether it is an increase in content knowledge, in confidence, or in a reduction of anxiety when it comes to math.  Chantal is a board member of California Mathematics Council for Community Colleges (CMC3) and was a fellow in the American Mathematical Association of Two Year College (AMATYC) Project ACCCESS program (Cohort 15). She enjoys traveling, playing board games (especially backgammon), and spending time with her daughter, husband, cat, and bunny.

Professor Jason Edington

• Office: 9178
• Phone: 707-467-1004
• Email: jedington@mendocino.edu
• Spring 2022 Office Hours:
  • ​Mondays & Wednesdays: 1pm-2pm via Zoom
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:30-2pm in 9178

Jason Edington is originally from Southern California where he worked as a pizza restaurant manager, a mechanic, a vacuum salesperson, and several other odd jobs during his non-traditional path to becoming an educator. After starting a family, he earned his High School Diploma at the age of 23. From there he attended Saddleback Community College where he found a much different experience than high school and a love for education! He earned his AA in Mathematics and went on to earn his BA and MA in Mathematics from CSU Fullerton.

Jason came to Mendocino College in 2004. Since then, he has become very involved in the college and statewide academic matters. In the math department, Jason has designed or co-designed all of the online courses, and continues to work towards expanding the offering of these courses. His educational focus is on learning how to study, with an emphasis on how to read and study a math book.

Jason has served a Co-Advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, the International Community College Honor Society, since his second semester at Mendocino. He is also very active on campus committees, including having served several years on Academic Senate. Jason was a member of Cohort 3 of Project ACCCESS (American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges) and has served as a Network Committee member.

Jason is married and has two children, both of which have attended Mendocino College. In his spare time, he enjoys acting and directing local theatre, and spending time with his wife and children. His mathematical interests lie in Algebra and Number Theory.​

Professor Casey Terrill

• Office: 9180
• Phone: 707-468-3228
• Email: cterrill@mendocino.edu
• Spring 2022 Office Hours:
  • Mondays: 8:30am-9:30am via Zoom
  • Tuesdays: 11am-12:30pm via Zoom
  • Thursdays: 10am-11am via Zoom
  • Fridays: 10am-11:30am via Zoom
  • and by appointment

Casey grew up in Santa Rosa and went to the University of San Francisco for her BS. She then went to Washington State University where she earned her MS.  As a graduate student, her research focus was on Couette flow simulations in molecular dynamics.  She is a new addition to the faculty as of 2015.  She especially looks forward to helping students who have "math-phobia" feel comfortable and successful in math class.

In her downtime, Casey’s favorite thing to do is play with her yellow lab mix, Nala.  She also enjoys spending time with her husband, going to conferences, and looking at dog pictures on the internet.

Professor Chatnaree Upton

• Office: 9181
• Phone: 707-468-3129
• Email: cupton@mendocino.edu
• Spring 2022 Office Hours: 
  • Mondays & Wednsedays: 3pm-4:30pm in rm. 9181
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 1:30-2:30pm via Zoom 
  • and by appointment

Chatnaree Upton was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. She graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Physics and Education. While she was an undergrad student, she worked as a physics and math private tutor. It has been her passion to teach and to help others understand and have that "aha" moment. After getting her degree, she got an opportunity to become a flight attendant for Japan Airlines. Although it was not what she was in school for, she could not pass the opportunity to travel the world and meet people from different cultures. "It was a great experience that had sharpened my personal perspective of life". After four years, she moved to the United States. She became a part-time physics and astronomy instructor at Mendocino College while working at Ukiah High School as the physics/mathematics/MESA teacher and STEM club advisor. She later earned a Master of Science in Mathematics from Emporia State University. She feels fortunate to have learned a wide range of topics in STEM-related fields and has had opportunities in participating in many STEM competitions over the years. Integrating mathematics and science is the passion that she wishes to continue sharing with her students.

In addition to these full-time math instructors, we have several excellent adjunct (part-time) instructors.

The following textbook list is for the Summer 2022 and Fall 2022.

**Please note that most of the textbooks and calculators are avaliable for use in the library (on reserve) and many can be loaned out for the semester.**

Math Associate in Science for Transfer Degree Requirements 

Mathematics is the language of science and is used to describe the real world as well as abstract concepts. It is the basis for all modern technological advances. The Associate in Science in Mathematics for Transfer is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Mathematics or similar major. Priority admission with junior status to the CSU system will be granted. Students completing this degree are exempt from Mendocino College Institutional Requirements.

Requirements

Required Core Courses

Choose a minimum of 7 units from below with at least 3 units from Group A.

Choose remaining units (if needed) from Group B.

Total Units: 22 - 23

Plus the general education requirements for a total of 60 units.

Mendocino College provides multiple tutoring and support course options for you to take advantage of.

Tutoring:

• Student Help Hours (AKA Office Hours): See your instructor’s syllabus for information about when they are available.
• Math Lab (MTH 540/542, non-credit): Math instructors are available to help you.  This is held both online and in-person at all campus locations (Ukiah, Lake, Fort Bragg, North County). Hours vary by location.  See the class schedule for details.
• NetTutor: Free 24-7 Online tutoring service. Access from the Learning Center website or from the Course Navigation Menu in most instructor's Canvas shells*.
• Peer Tutoring (EDU 500, non-credit): Free peer tutoring currently being held online.  See "Learning Center Tutoring" in the course Course Navigation Menu in Canvas*. Contact the Learning Center for more information. Email: jdaugherty@mendocino.edu, Phone:  707.468.3046
• MESA Tutoring - See "MESA Tutoring" in the Course Navigation Menu in Canvas*. Contact the MESA Center for more information. Email: ehoefler@mendocino.edu, Phone:  707.468.3096
• Contact EOPS about private tutors.

Support ​Courses:

• MTH 30: Math Success (1 unit)
  • Develop the study skills needed to be successful in a college-level math class in a supportive, stress-free environment
  • Take this course with your regular math class
  • No textbook required
  • Offered online
• MTH 32/532: Support for Statistics (2 units)
  • Provides just-in-time review of algebra concepts that are key to success in Statistics
  • Offered on campus and online
• MTH 33: Support for Trigonometry (2 units)
  • Provides just-in-time review of algebra concepts that are key to success in Trigonometry
  • No textbook required
  • Offered on campus
• MTH 540: Math Lab and MTH 542: Math Lab for Corequisite Support (non-credit)
  • Offers drop-in assistance from math instructors
  • Work on assignments, get additional instruction in current topics, or review previous topics
  • No textbook required
  • Offered on campus and online
• MTH 546: Pre-College Mathematics (non-credit)
  • Provides individualized opportunities to learn or review math concepts in a variety of math courses, technical fields, or for personal enrichment
  • Covers concepts typically taught in a pre-algebra course
  • No textbook required
  • Offered online with instructor support
• MTH 560: Algebra Concepts for STEM (non-credit)
  • Provides individualized opportunities to learn or review the math concepts needed for success in math-intensive disciplines (STEM fields)
  • Covers concepts typically taught in algebra courses
  • Offered online with instructor support