Developmental Education
Department Overview
The Department of Developmental Education is housed in the Community and Technical College. The department does not offer any degrees. The department serves to help underprepared students get ready for the rigors of obtaining an academic degree in higher education and feeds into all degree programs. The department includes faculty from both the CTC in Fairbanks and the College of Indigenous Studies, which has campuses located throughout Alaska. These include Bristol Bay, Chukchi, Interior Alaska, Kuskokwim and Northwest Campuses.
We offer courses in three major areas of study to help students along their path to higher education:
- Foundational Level Mathematics - MATH F105N and below
- Foundational Level Writing - WRTG F111X "plus" (which is a corequisite model) and WRTG F110 and below
- Study Skills and College Skills - Developmental Studies (DEVS) courses at all levels
Mission Statement
To meet students where they are and give them the keys for opening the doors to wherever they want to go.
Department Values
- Be a welcoming place to all students, regardless of background.
- Allow students to explore how education can help them improve their lives and those of their families and communities.
- Instill the belief that every student can achieve their academic goals.
- Build student confidence in their abilities and identity.
Courses
Developmental Studies (DEVS)
DEVS F052 Reading Enhancement
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Intensive instruction in reading designed to increase vocabulary and comprehension skills necessary for successful reading in the content areas of college courses. Focus is on improved reading comprehension and vocabulary development.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement test scores.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
DEVS F058 Reading Skills
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Course emphasis is on improving reading comprehension using texts and other materials. Focus is on paragraph structure to recognize main idea, supporting details and author's purpose. Study techniques for recognizing new vocabulary. Small groups allow individually designed course of instruction to meet the needs of the students. May be repeated.
Prerequisites: Placement.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 998 credits
DEVS F101 Skills for College and Career Success
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
A diverse menu of study skills for students entering college. Skills include active listening, effective reading, taking notes, test taking, communication, time and money management. Students learn personal development skills addressing intrusive issues impacting learning processes, increasing self-esteem, and relating these skills to the classroom and later a career.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
DEVS F104 University Communications
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduces the unique methods of communication required at the college level, including combinations of reading, writing and oral communication as required for degree content purposes for certificate degree programs. May link with selected lecture and/or discussion courses. May be repeated for credit when content varies.
Recommended: Placement into WRTG F090.
Special Notes: Does not meet prerequisite requirements for WRTG F111X without further placement testing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 1 time for up to unlimited credits
DEVS F105 Academic Reading for College
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Strengthens academic and critical reading and literacy skills required for college-level courses. Emphasizes practice and transfer of reading and study skills that increase comprehension and retention of narrative and expository materials typically encountered in college courses, e.g. textbooks, websites, research articles, etc.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
DEVS F107 Reader-writer Workshop
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
A reader-writer workshop to develop fluency in reading and writing skills for persons whose first language is not English. Intensive speaking, listening, reading and writing activities.
Prerequisites: Placement by examination or student decision.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
DEVS F108 Study Skills Lab
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Improvement of study skills in areas of greatest need on an individual or small group basis in the lab or other workshop or individualized format. Topics include time and stress management, listening/note taking, library research and memory. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to unlimited credits
DEVS F110 College Success Skills
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction and overview of the diverse skills, strategies and resources available to ensure success in the college experience. Topics include study skills, time management, career planning, stress management, communication skills, test taking and personal development skills.
Special Notes: DEVS F110 is a required co-requisite for students who place into WRTG F111X Plus.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
DEVS F111 Math Study Skills
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course is designed to help students learn math by developing successful study skills and exam-taking methods. This course addresses learning styles, how to read a math book, completing homework assignments, how to take notes and exams, and techniques for overcoming math anxiety.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 3 times for up to 4 credits
DEVS F112 Reading in the Natural Sciences
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Will improve student success in their current and future natural science classes. Will provide supplemental instruction time focusing on introducing and/or developing reading skills that will aid in reading, understanding, and retaining science information delivered in the natural science lecture and lab. Skills emphasized will include identifying, organizing and prioritizing topic, main idea, and details, note taking, and using effective reading to improve test performance. Must be linked to freshman level science class.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 3 times for up to 4 credits
DEVS F114 Reading in the Humanities/Social Sciences
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction and application of effective reading strategies for increased comprehension and retention of course content delivered via written formats, e.g., textbooks, articles, web pages, etc.
Corequisites: Core humanities/social science course.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 3 times for up to 3 credits
DEVS F150 Life Work Planning
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Planning for a satisfying career choice based on realistic assessment of self, accurate knowledge of the world of work and experience with ways to activate career plans. Enables students to evaluate potential careers and to make educational and job search plans.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
DEVS F160 The Resume: Key to Success
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Use the resume writing process to develop job seeking skills: locating the hidden market; researching job potential; learning to fill out effective applications; designing and printing a custom resume; assembling a portfolio; and developing effective interview skills.
Recommended: DEVS F150.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
DEVS F160P The Resume: Key to Success
1 Credit
Use the resume writing process to develop job seeking skills: locating the hidden market; researching job potential; learning to fill out effective applications; designing and printing a custom resume; assembling a portfolio; and developing effective interview skills.
Recommended: DEVS F150.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
DEVS F185 Critical Thinking
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
A study of inductive, deductive and seductive thinking, and skill building to recognize and use all three. Critical thinking skills to analyze newspaper, magazine and spoken arguments. Political speeches and other media presentations examined. Effective and convincing presentation of one's own ideas including formal and informal logic.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Mathematics (MATH) - F105N and below
MATH F051 Math Skills Review
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Develops and reviews basic mathematical terminology, theory and operations as outlined by the Alaska State Mathematics Standards. Mathematics topics focus on reviewing the six basic "strands" of mathematical content: numeration, measurement, estimation/computation, function/relationship, geometry, and statistics/probability. Approaches to problem solving will emphasize the process of mathematical thinking, communication and reasoning. May be repeated for a total of three credits.
Special Notes: It is an appropriate course for those preparing for the High School Qualifying Exam in Alaska or those needing a review of basic math skills in preparation for a math placement test at UAF.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 3 credits
MATH F053 SAT/ACT Math Prep and Review
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course will review basic concepts and practice math test taking skills to help prepare for the ACT and SAT tests.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
MATH F054 Prealgebra
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Basic concepts of prealgebra mathematics. Topics include operations and applications of whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, ratios and proportions, percents, geometry and measures, evaluation of algebraic expressions and applications.
Prerequisites: DEVS F111 (may be taken concurrently); and appropriate placement scores.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F054A Modularized Mastery Math: Prealgebra Module A
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course covers one credit of MATH F054 Prealgebra and includes the following topics: identifying and solving basic linear equations involving whole numbers, integers, decimals and fractions, solving ratio and proportion problems, solving percent problems, and solving applied problems. Some mini-modules may be skipped if a student already demonstrates mastery of them. Computers will be used within a structured and independent learning setting.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement test score within one calendar year; permission of instructor required.
Special Notes: Topics are split into mini-modules and worked until mastery is achieved.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F054B Modularized Mastery Math: Prealgebra Module B
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course covers one credit of MATH F054 Prealgebra and includes the following topics: identifying and solving basic linear equations involving whole numbers, integers, decimals and fractions, solving ratio and proportion problems, solving percent problems, and solving applied problems. Some mini-modules may be skipped if a student already demonstrates mastery of them. Computers will be used within a structured and independent learning setting.
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in MATH F054A; or appropriate placement test scores taken within one calendar year; permission of instructor required.
Special Notes: Topics are split into mini-modules and worked until mastery is achieved.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F054C Modularized Mastery Math: Prealgebra Module C
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course covers one credit of MATH F054 Prealgebra and includes the following topics: identifying and solving basic linear equations involving whole numbers, integers, decimals and fractions, solving ratio and proportion problems, solving percent problems, and solving applied problems. Some mini-modules may be skipped if a student already demonstrates mastery of them. Computers will be used within a structured and independent learning setting. Prerequisite courses and/or placement exams must be taken within one calendar year.
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in MATH F054B; or appropriate placement test scores; permission of instructor required.
Special Notes: Topics are split into mini-modules and worked until mastery is achieved.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F055 Elementary Algebra
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Topics include evaluation and simplifying algebraic expressions, polynomials, factoring, integer exponents, rational expressions, solutions of linear equations and inequalities, graphing lines, solving systems of linear equations, solving quadratic equations by factoring, and some rational equations. Prerequisite courses and/or placement exams must be taken within one calendar year prior to commencement of the course.
Prerequisites: DEVS F111 (may be taken concurrently); and grade of C or better in MATH F054 or ABUS F155, or appropriate placement scores.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F055D Modularized Mastery Math: Elementary Algebra Module D
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course covers one credit of the MATH F055 Elementary Algebra course and includes the following topics: simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations in one variable, solving linear and compound inequalities in one variable, applications of linear equations and solving formulas. Some mini-modules may be skipped if a student already demonstrates mastery of them. Computers will be used within a structured and independent learning setting.
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in MATH F054, or ABUS F155; or appropriate placement test scores; permission of instructor required; prerequisite courses and/or placement exams must be taken within one calendar year.
Special Notes: Topics are split into mini-modules and worked until mastery is achieved.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F055E Modularized Mastery Math: Elementary Algebra Module E
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course covers one credit of the MATH F055 Elementary Algebra course and includes the following topics: linear equations in two variables, graphing linear equations, find the slope of linear equations, writing equations of lines, exponent rules and operations on polynomials. Some mini-modules may be skipped if a student already demonstrates mastery of them. Computers will be used within a structured and independent learning setting.
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in MATH F055D taken within one calendar year; permission of instructor required.
Special Notes: Topics are split into mini-modules and worked until mastery is achieved.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F055F Modularized Mastery Math: Elementary Algebra Module F
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course covers one credit of the MATH F055 Elementary Algebra course and includes the following topics: factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations by factoring, simplifying rational expressions, operations with rational expressions, complex fractions, solving rational equations and applications of quadratic and rational equations. Some mini-modules may be skipped if a student already demonstrates mastery of them. Computers will be used within a structured and independent learning setting.
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in MATH F055E taken within one calendar year; permission of instructor required.
Special Notes: Topics are split into mini-modules and worked until mastery is achieved.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F056 Math Fast Track: Prealgebra/Elementary Algebra Review
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
A 20-hour intensive review of math concepts available prior to each semester. Covers prealgebra and elementary algebra topics to prepare qualified students to potentially improve their math course placement. Students who are successful in this class have the possibility of advancing through one or two semesters of development math.
Prerequisites: Placement into MATH F054 or MATH F055.
Special Notes: Students should have a history of being successful in equivalent levels of math, although they may not recall enough information to place well on the placement test.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
MATH F061 Review of Elementary Algebra
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Designed to assist students in reviewing material covered by MATH F055. Individuals who have not previously taken an elementary algebra course are recommended to enroll in MATH F055. Available via UAF eCampus only.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F062 Alternative Approaches to Math: Elementary Algebra
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Algebraic topics. Includes operations with polynomial expressions, first- and second-degree equations, graphing, integral and relational exponents, and radicals using alternative teaching styles.
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MATH F054; or ABUS F155; or appropriate placement test scores; prerequisite courses and/or placement exams must be taken within one calendar year prior to commencement of the course.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F065 Mathematics Skills
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Designed to assist students in reviewing and reinforcing course concepts covered by MATH F054, MATH F055, MATH F062, MATH F105 and MATH F105N. Consists of instruction which may include lab instruction, individual student work or group work. May be repeated.
Special Notes: Recommended for students who need more time and help to master the material in developmental math courses.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 99 times for up to 99 credits
MATH F066 Advanced Math Fast Track: Elementary/Intermediate Algebra Review
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
A 20-hour intensive review of math concepts available prior to each semester. Covers elementary and intermediate algebra topics to prepare qualified students to potentially improve their math course placement. Students should have a history of being successful in equivalent levels of math, although they may not recall enough information to place well on the placement test. Students who are successful in this class have the possibility of advancing through one or two semesters of development math.
Prerequisites: Placement into MATH F055 or MATH F105 or MATH F105N.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
MATH F068 Math Essentials
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Arithmetic and introductory algebra. Solve problems related to operations and properties of real numbers; proportion; percent; evaluation of algebraic expressions; solution and graphs of linear equations and inequalities; solving systems of linear equations; exponent rules; operations on polynomials; factoring; fundamental operations with rational expressions; solutions and applications of quadratic equations.
Prerequisites: DEVS F111 (may be taken concurrently); and a grade of C or better in MATH 054 or appropriate placement scores; prerequisite course and/or placement exams must be taken within one calendar year prior to commencement of the course.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F071 Review of Intermediate Algebra
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Course reviews material covered by MATH F105. Individuals who have not taken an intermediate algebra course on the high-school level are recommended to enroll in MATH F105. Available via UAF eCampus only.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F105 Intermediate Algebra
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Topics include expressions, equations and applications involving linear, absolute value, radical, quadratic, rational and radical functions; graphs of absolute value, radical, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions; functions and their inverses; and introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MATH F055, MATH F062 or MATH F068, or appropriate placement test scores; prerequisite courses and/or placement exams must be taken within one calendar year prior to commencement of the course.
Special Notes: To matriculate to MATH F151X from MATH F105, students must earn a grade of B or higher.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F105G Modularized Mastery Math: Intermediate Algebra Module G
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course covers one credit of the MATH F105 Intermediate Algebra course and includes the following topics: solving systems of equations and applications, simplifying radicals and expressions with rational exponents, performing operations on radical expressions, solving radical equations and performing operations on complex numbers. Topics are split into mini-modules and worked until mastery is achieved. Some mini-modules may be skipped if a student already demonstrates mastery of them. Computers will be used within a structured and independent learning setting.
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in MATH F055 or MATH F069 or appropriate placement test scores; permission of instructor required; prerequisite courses and/or placement exams must be taken.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F105H Modularized Mastery Math: Intermediate Algebra Module H
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course covers one credit of the MATH F105 Intermediate Algebra course and includes the following topics: review of solving quadratic equations by factoring, solving quadratic equations that are not factorable, relations and functions, graphs and transformations of functions, quadratic functions and their graphs, performing operations on functions, compositions of functions and applications of quadratic equations and functions. Topics are split into mini-modules and worked until mastery is achieved. Some mini-modules may be skipped if a student already demonstrates mastery of them. Computers will be used within a structured and independent learning setting.
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in MATH F105G taken within one calendar year; permission of instructor is required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F105J Modularized Mastery Math: Intermediate Algebra Module J
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course covers one credit of the MATH Intermediate Algebra course and includes the following topics: solving absolute value equations and inequalities, solving linear and compound linear inequalities, solving quadratic and rational inequalities, inverse functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, properties of logarithms and solving exponential and logarithmic equations. Some mini-modules may be skipped if a student already demonstrates mastery of them. Computers will be used within a structured and independent learning setting.
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in MATH F105H taken within one calendar year; permission of instructor required.
Special Notes: Topics are split into mini-modules and worked until mastery is achieved.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MATH F105N Intensive Intermediate Algebra
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Includes exponents, radicals, graphing, quadratic equations and inequalities, logarithms, exponentials and complex numbers using alternative teaching styles.
Prerequisites: MATH F055, MATH F055F, MATH F062, MATH F068, MATH F105 or MATH F105J, or appropriate placement scores; prerequisite courses and placement scores must be taken within one calendar year.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Writing (WRTG) - F110 and F111X
WRTG F110 Introduction to College Writing
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Intensive preparatory work in the college writing skills needed for WRTG F111X, including research, writing, revising and critical reading skills. Special fees apply.
Prerequisites: C or better in WRTG F090, or placement.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
WRTG F111X Writing Across Contexts
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
An introduction to writing strategies and processes for reading and responding to rhetorical situations across a variety of public and academic contexts.
Prerequisites: Placement into WRTG F111X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Faculty
Kelechukwu (KC) Alu
Associate Professor, Math
kalu@alaska.edu
907-543-4525
Kuskokwim Campus - Bethel
Judy Atkinson
Chair, Developmental Education
Professor, Mathjaatkinson@alaska.edu
907-474-7327
Troth Yeddha’ Campus
Ryan Henderson
Vice Chair, Developmental Education
Assistant Professor, Writingrlhenderson@alaska.edu
907-543-4580
Kuskokwim Campus - Bethel
Joi Lockhart
Instructor, Developmental Studies & Math
jalockhart@alaska.edu
907-474-7327
Troth Yeddha’ Campus
Julie (JAK) Maier
Professor, Math
jamaier@alaska.edu
907-474-7328
Troth Yeddha’ Campus
Christopher Miles
Assistant Professor, Developmental Studies & Writing
clmiles@alaska.edu
907-978-8440
Troth Yeddha’ Campus
Sandra Wildfeuer
Associate Professor, Math
sjwildfeuer@alaska.edu
907-474-1931
Troth Yeddha’ Campus
Community & Technical College Campus
