Math Lab

The UNO Math Lab at the University of Nebraska Omaha combines state of the art technology with traditional lectures and one-on-one tutoring to give our students a learning experience that meets their individual needs.

What is UNO's Math Lab?

The UNO Math Lab is the center for instruction of MATH 1000, Pre-Intermediate Algebra; MATH 1310, Intermediate Algebra; MATH 1320, College Algebra; and MATH 1930, Calculus for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences to students of all majors. The Math Lab combines cutting edge technology with weekly lectures and unlimited one-on-one tutoring to help students learn mathematics. Students succeed in the Math Lab by carefully following the Math Lab program on their daily schedules and by actively participating in the "doing" of mathematics.

Why does UNO use Math Lab instead of traditional courses?

If you were to observe the group dynamic of a traditional math classroom, it would be very apparent that there exists as many “unique” learning styles as there are unique students in that classroom. From the daydreaming student to the ill-prepared and bewildered one, success is only achieved by actively becoming involved in their own learning of mathematics. The UNO Math Lab allows students to individualize their learning by accessing and completing their work on-line on a virtual desktop terminal, viewing videos and examples, working in course notebooks, and taking multiple retakes of quizzes and exams.

How are Math Lab courses taught?

Students are required to attend a 75 minute lecture once a week and spend a minimum of three flexible hours each week in the UNO Math Lab using the MyLabsPlus software. During the weekly lecture a trained instructor will guide students through the work that will be done each week, including important concepts, especially difficult problems, study strategies and in-class quizzes. Course coordinators have created all homework assignments, quizzes and tests in MyLabsPlus, and students can work on them in the lab or anywhere that has an internet connection.

What are the many ways for a student to receive help?

Students can attend 75 minute optional lectures in addition to their registered lecture each week. The optional lecture will repeat the material from the weekly lecture. They can also have unlimited meetings by appointment with their teacher throughout the semester. Five or ten minute long instructional videos and self-paced interactive tutorials are available on MyLabsPlus, and the clickable e-book serves as a quick and easy reference. Expert math GTA's, peer teaching assistants, and faculty are on hand to help in the UNO Math Lab.


How are students tested?

Students are tested in the UNO Math Lab on the MyLabsPlus software. The final calculation is as follows:
  • 10%: Participation (5% for classroom participation, 5% for lab's participation)
  • 10%: Homework
  • 10%: Quizzes (2 lowest of 14 quizzes will be dropped)
  • 45%: Tests (4 tests, lowest will be replaced with final exam score if higher)
  • 25%: Final exam (cumulative)


How can I manage my time in a Math Lab course?

"Practice makes perfect" applies when a student does that practice during their lab time spent with tutors in the UNO Math Lab. Immediate feedback on homework and that personal touch of knowing that a tutor is right there to help if a problem proves difficult makes this the perfect environment for learning math. All work is deadline protected to insure that no one is left behind.


What does it take to make the grade?

In order to be successful, a Math 1310 or 1320 student should expect to spend between seven and 10 hours per week:
  • Attending their registered class every week.
  • Filling out their course notes.
  • Attending the Lab at least 180 minutes each week.
  • Completing every quiz until 100% is achieved, up to 10 tries.
  • Taking each quiz at least five times even if a 100% is achieved the first time.
  • Completing each test three times for Math 1310 and two times for Math 1320.