Advance more quickly into credit coursework

The Accelerated Mathematics Program (AMP) at CCBC allows students to take certain consecutive mathematics courses in a combined format. The following combined course pairs are available at CCBC:
The combined courses are taught by the same instructor during consecutive timeslots on the class schedule. In general, students who enroll in an AMP course pair are more likely to complete their mathematics requirement and complete their educational goals.

Who is eligible?

Any student who places into the lower-level course (MATH 081, 082 or 083) may enroll in the AMP course pair. Students must register for both classes. For example, if your MATH placement is MATH 083, you are eligible to enroll in the MATH 083/163 AMP course pair and must register for both sections.

How is the content delivered?

Your instructor will intentionally mix together the content from both courses so you feel like you are in one course. You will not cover the lower course during the first half of the semester and the upper course during the second half of the semester. You learn content from both courses throughout the semester.

How is my grade determined?

Your instructor will assess your knowledge throughout the semester, similar to traditional mathematics classes. Grading is kept separate and you receive two letter grades on your transcript. The goal is to pass both classes, but having a separated grading allows students who are failing the upper-level course to potentially still pass the lower-level course. If you pass the lower-level course and fail the upper-level course, you only take the upper-level course in a subsequent semester.

Can I drop the combined course pair?

You must remain enrolled in both classes during the semester. Students interested in withdrawing from the course must withdraw from both classes. Speak with an academic advisor prior to withdrawing from courses to determine any negative impacts to your academic record or financial aid.

Is this right for me?

In general, students who enroll in an AMP course pair are more likely to complete their mathematics requirement and complete their educational goals. You will enroll in two mathematics classes, so you should expect and plan for a doubled workload. Successful students often attend all classes, complete assignments on time, study regularly, and seek help when needed.

Why does this work?

Since the development of AMP in 2010, we have attempted to determine which features of AMP are responsible for its success. Through pre and post-semester student and faculty surveys, we have identified five features of AMP that seem to account for most of the improved success rates:

Cohort structure – AMP students are part of a cohort. Meeting for six-seven hours per week with the same students allows for strong bonds to form between students and the instructor. Students are more willing to form study groups, assist one another, and offer encouragement than in traditional classes.

Content overlap – Subsequent mathematics courses often have overlapping topics. The slight overlap in topics in an accelerated course pair provides built-in “extra time” during the semester to focus on individualized instruction, difficult topics, lab activities, or review for major assessments.

Content integration – Since course content is integrated, students see the connection between two consecutive courses. The courses no longer seem disjoint! Algebra skills and application can be taught concurrently, addressing that question, “Where is this used in real-life?!”

Pygmalion effect – We are challenging students to reach higher expectations. Students will often rise to the expectations set by the instructor.

Confidence – Most students are intimidated by one mathematics course. When they succeed at two mathematics courses, their confidence level skyrockets. Students successful in AMP think they can tackle any challenge and we think this positively impacts retention in subsequent semesters.

How do I register?

You can register in-person or online, as you would for traditional mathematics classes. AMP courses appear on the college class schedule. Make sure to add both course registration numbers (CRN) to your schedule when registering for the semester.