Course Descriptions

Courses Offered by the Mathematics Department

 .ti1 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

The three course sequence of Calculus and Analytic Geometry is the basis of an undergraduate education in mathematics. As a matter of fact, most fields of science, such as physics and chemistry, require a at least a working knowledge of calculus. Hence it should not be surprising that the upper level mathematics courses which have immediate applications to other fields of science rely intensively upon the theory developed in the calculus sequence.

One additional note *Math 121, 221 and 321 will make use of the Texas Instruments TI-89 graphing calculator. While the department does not rent these calculators to students taking calculus, we highly recommend that all mathematics majors purchase these calculators for themselves since the TI-89 will be used in other level courses, some extensively as in Math 311.

100. Algebraic Concepts (4 semester hours).
This course is designed to develop and maintain proficiency in basic algebra skills and to prepare students for future mathematics work in colege courses. Topics include exponents, factoring, equation solving, rational expressions, radicals, quadratic equations and graphs of functions. A TI-83 or TI-83+ graphing calculator is required. This course must be completed with at least a grade of "C-" before any other mathematics course is taken. No credit will be given to students having passed MTH 115 or higher.

Elective credit only, this course does not satisfy the general studies requirement in mathematics.

Offered fall and spring.

112. General Statistics (4 semester hours).
This course provides an introduction to modern statistics. Students will analyze and critically interpret real-world data using information such as the U.S. Census, election results and health issues. This course emphasies communication, use of technology and collaborative learning. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and regression analysis. A TI-83 or TI-83+ graphing calculator is required.

This course satisfies the Mathematics requirement in the freshman core.

Prerequisite Math 100 or placement exemption.

Offered fall and spring.

116. Applied Calculus (4 semester hours).
This introduction to linear systems and differential calculus emphasizes applications to problem solving in business and economics. Students gain enhanced ability to analyze a problem mathematically and study the following topics*functions, limits, derivatives and applications of derivatives. No credit for students with MTH 121 or its exemption. A TI-83 or TI-83+ graphing calculator is required.

Prerequisite Math 100 or placement exemption.

Offered fall, winter and spring.

121. Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4 semester hours).
Students are introduced to analytic geometry, functions, limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic functions with applications, the definite integral and the fundamental theorem of integral calculus. A TI-89 graphing calculator is required for this class.

This course satisfies the Mathematics requirement in the freshman core.

Offered fall and spring.

206. Discrete Structures (4 semester hours).
This course offers an introduction to discrete mathematics as it is used in computing sciences. Topics include functions, relations, propositional and predicate logic, simple circuit logic, proof techniques and elementary and discrete probability.

This course satisfies the non-laboratory science requirement in liberal studies.

Prerequisites Math 116 or Math 121.

Offered spring.

210. Mathematics for Elementary and Middle Grades Teachers (4 semester hours).
This course is open only to students majoring in elementary education, special education or middle grades education with a concentration in mathematics. Topics include problem solving, numeration systems, set theory, rational and irrational numbers (concepts, operations, properties and algorithms), geometry, measurement and selected topics in probability and statistics.

Prerequisites *General studies mathematics requirement.

Offered fall, winter and spring.

212. Statistics in Application (4 semester hours).
An introduction to concepts in statistics at a deeper quantitative level than that offered in MTH 112 General Statistics. This course emphasizes rationales, applications, and interpretations using advanced statistical software. Examples are drawn primarily from economics, education, psychology, sociology, political science, biology and medicine. Topics include introductory design of experiments, data acquisition, graphical exploration and presentation, descriptive statistics, one- and two- sample inferential techniques, simple/multiple regression, goodness of fit and independence, one- and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Written reports link statistical theory and practice with communication of results. Recommended for students pursuing quantitatively-based careers.

Prerequisites Math 100 or placement exemption.

• Students who have prior experience with statistics (for example AP or IB courses) should do well in this course.
• Please consult the Statistics tab in the left panel for help on deciding which Statistics course to take.

Offered fall and spring.

213. Survey Sampling Methods (4 semester hours).
An introduction to the concepts and methods of statistical reasoning associated with sample surveys. This course emphasizes rationales, applications and interpretations of sampling strategies used for estimation. Advanced statistical software such as SAS or SPlus may be used. Case studies of survey methods are drawn primarily from the social sciences while field sampling applications to ecological and environmental research may be used. Topics include survey design issues, simple random sampling, stratified sampling, single and two-stage cluster sampling, systematic sampling, parameter estimation and sample size calculation. Written reports link statistical theory and practice with communication of results.

Prerequisites Math 112, Math 212 or permission of the Statistics Program Coordinator.

Offered fall of odd-numbered years.

221. Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (4 semester hours).
Students explore applications of the definite integral, differentiation and integration of transcendental functions, technques of integration, indeterminate forms, improper integrals and infinite sequences and series. A TI-89 graphing calculator is required for this class.

This course satisfies the Mathematics requirement in the freshman core.

Prerequisites Math 121 or competency.

Offered fall and spring.

231. Mathematical Reasoning (4 semester hours).
This study of proof techniques and reasoning skills introduces the student to another side of mathematics, namely proof. The student's preceding courses (e.g. precalculus and calculus) usually focus on calculations. Topics include mathematical logic, sets, mathematical induction, combinatorics, relations and countability arguments.

This course satisfies the non-laboratory science requirement in liberal studies and is approved for advanced studies designation.

Prerequisites Math 121.

232. Statistical Modeling (4 semester hours).
This course emphasizes rationales, applications and interpretations of regression methods using a case study approach. Advanced statistical software such as SAS or SPlus may be used. Topics include simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, indicator variables, robustness, influence diagnostics, model selection, logistic regression for dichotomous response variables and binomial counts, and non-linear regression models. Written reports link statistical theory and practice with communication of results.

Prerequisites Math 212 or permission of the Statistics Program Coordinator.

Offered spring of even-numbered years.

256. Applied Nonparametric Statistics (4 semester hours).
This course focuses on data-oriented approaches to statistical estimation and inference using techniques that do not depend on the distribution of the variable(s) being assessed. Topics include classical rank-based methods, as well as modern tools such as permutation tests and bootstrap methods. Advanced statistical software such as SAS or SPlus may be used, and written reports will link statistical theory and practice with communication of results.

Prerequisites Math 212 or permission of the Statistics Program Coordinator.

Offered spring of odd-numbered years.

306. Applied Matrix Theory (4 semester hours).
Students are introduced to solutions to systems of linear equations, linear transformations, determinants, vector spaces, orthogonality, matrix algebra, eigenvalues, matrix norms, least squares, singular values, linear programming and approximation techniques. A specific graphing calculator is required. Prerequisite: MTH 206 or MTH 231. Offered spring.

310. Mathematics for Secondary Teachers (4 semester hours).
The course presents students with mathematics problems, open-ended mathematical investigations, challenges to organize and communicate information from these investigations and the use of technology and manipulative tools to accomplish such tasks. Problems consist of applications of mathematics content from the secondary curriculum. The content includes topics such as: relations, functions, and their graphs; geometric concepts and proofs; measurement; conics; trigonometry; graph theory; number theory; data analysis and probability. The course also provides a historical context for mathematics problems including the contributions from various cultures. Offered fall of even years.

311. Linear Algebra (4 semester hours).
This introductory course in linear algebra includes systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, eigenvalues, orthogonality and linear transformations. Proofs of the major theorems and a variety of applications are also covered. A TI-89 graphing calculator is required for this class.

This course satisfies the non-laboratory science requirement in liberal studies.

Prerequisites Math 221 and Math 231.

Offered fall and spring.

312. Abstract Algebra (4 semester hours).
Students who have had an introduction to the rules of logic and proof construction are introduced to abstract algebra, including topics such as fucntions, groups (cyclic, permutation, normal and quotient), propoerties of groups, rings, fields, homomorphisms, isomorphisms, real and complex numbers and polynomials.

This course satisfies the non-laboratory science requirement in liberal studies.

Prerequisites Math 231 and Math 311.

Offered spring.

321. Calculus and Analytic Geometry III (4 semester hours).
This course provides a study of advanced techniques of differential and integral calculus, including plane curves and polar coordinates, three-dimensional analytic geometry including vectors, differentiation and integration of multivariate functions and applications. A TI-89 graphing calculator is required for this class.

This course satisfies the non-laboratory science requirement in liberal studies.

Prerequisites Math 221

Offered fall and spring.

325. Design and Analysis of Experiments (4 semester hours).
This course explores methods of designing and analyzing scientific experiments to address research questions. Emphasis is placed on statistical thinking and applications using real data, as well as on the underlying mathematical structures and theory. Topics include completely randomized designs, randomized block designs, factorial treatment designs, hierarchical designs, split-plot designs and analysis of covariance. Advanced statistical software such as SAS or SPlus may be used, and written reports will link statistical theory and practice with communication of results.

Prerequisites Math 212 or permission of the Statistics Program Coordinator.

Offered fall of even-numbered years.

331. Modern Geometry (4 semester hours).
This rigorous treatment of axiomatic foundations of Euclidean geometry through Hilbert's axioms includes the role and independence of the parallel postulate (revealed through models and neutral geometry), straight-edge and compas constructions, historical and philosophical implications of the dicovery of non-Eulclidean geometry with an introduction to both hyperbolic and elliptic geometry.

Prerequisites Math 231.

Offered fall of odd-numbered years.

340. Introduction to Probability (4 semester hours).
This course offers an introduction to theoretical concepts in probability with an emphasis on the use of probability models in application. Topics include counting rules, addition, multiplication and conditional probability laws, standard discrete and continuous random variables, their distributions and properties, properties of expectations, law of large numbers, central limit theorem, and simulation. Advanced statistical software such as SAS or SPlus may be used, and written reports will link statistical theory and practice with communication of results.

Prerequisites Math 221, and Math 112 or Math 212, or permission of the instructor.

Offered: Spring of even-numbered years.

341. Probability Theory and Statistics (4 semester hours).
This course offers an introduction to theoretical concepts in mathematical statistics. Topics include introduction to the limit theorems and the theory of point estimation, interval estimation, tests of hypotheses, and likelihood ratio tests. Although this is primarily a proofs-based course, advanced statistical software such as SAS or SPlus may be used.

Prerequisites Math 221 and 231. This course will draw heavily upon integration techniques.

Offered fall of even-numbered years.

351. Theory of Computation (4 semester hours).
Prerequisites Math 121 and CSC 130. Corequisite*CSC 230.

361. Seminar I (2 semester hours).
This course prepares mathematics majors for Seminar II, the capstone seminar, by instruction and experience in library research and formal oral presentations on advanced mathematical topics selected by the instructor and students.

Prerequisites: junior/senior standing or permission of the mathematics department.

Offered spring.

415. Numerical Analysis (4 semester hours).
This introduction to numerical analysis includes floating point arithmetic, interpolation, approximation, numerical integration and differentiation, nonlinear equations and linear systems of equations.

Prerequisites: CSC 130, Math 311, Math 321, or permission of the instructor.

Offered spring of even-numbered years.

421. Differential Equations (4 semester hours).
Topics in this in-depth study of methods of solutions and applications of ordinary differential equations include first-order differential equations (linear and nonlinear), linear differential equations of higher order, mathematical models using second-order equations, systems of differential equations and numerical techniques including Euler, Improved Euler and Runge-Kutta methods. Computers or programmable calculators may be used.

PrerequisitesMath 321.

Offered spring.

425. Analysis (4 semester hours).
This course provides an in-depth study of topics introduced in the three semester calculus sequence, including sequences and series, continuity and differentiation of functions of a single variable, the Riemann integral and the fundemental theorem of integral calculus.

PrerequisitesMath 312 and Math 321.

Offered fall.

461. Seminar II (2 semester hours).
In this capstone experience for senior mathematics majors, students conduct extensive research on a mathematical topic and formally present their work in writing and orally. Course requirements include a satisfactory score on the ETS major field achievement test.

PrerequisitesMath 361 and junior/senior standing, or permission of the department.

Offered fall.

471. Special Topics (2-4 semester hours).
Topics selected to meet the needs and interests of the student.

Prerequisites: Open to senior mathematics majors and others by permission of the department.

481. Internship in Mathematics (1-4 semester hours).
The internship provides advanced work experiences in some aspect of the mathematical sciences and is offered on an individual basis when suitable opportunities can be arranged.

Prerequisites: Permission of the Mathematics Department.

491. Independent Study (1-4 semester hours).
Prerequisites: Permission of the Mathematics Department. May be repeated with different topics for up to a total of eight semester hours.

Go back to main Seminar Page