Mathematics Course Descriptions

This is an introductory, 3-credit course designed for students with no prior knowledge. It provides a foundational understanding of key computer science principles, algorithms, and basic programming concepts. Three hours.

MAT 1230 Calculus I This course is a traditional introductory calculus course. We will study functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals. Applications of the derivative and the fundamental theorem of calculus will be particular highlights of this class as well as integrals and derivatives of logarithms and exponential functions. Students must enroll concurrently in MAT 1240. Four hours.

This course is a continuation of the topics covered in Calculus 1. We will study integration techniques, as well as integrals and derivatives of a variety of functions: logarithms, exponential functions, inverse trigonometric functions, and hyperbolic trigonometric functions. We will also study applications of integration, improper Riemann integrals, and L’Hopital’s rule for taking limits. Investigating infinite sequences and infinite series will be a highlight of this course. Prerequisites: MAT 1230 or permission of the mathematics program director. Three hours.

This course is an investigation of limits, derivatives, and integrals of functions of more than one variable. We will study various applications of calculus, further topics of multivariable calculus, and ways in which calculus interplays with the other mathematical disciplines such as linear algebra, probability theory, and complex analysis. Prerequisites: MAT 1250 or permission of the mathematics program director. Three hours.

This course is an introductory course on proofs and emphasizes logic, set theory and proof techniques. Theorems will be taken from topics including set theory, number theory and real analysis. Three hours.

This course is an introduction to discrete mathematics, including combinatorics and graph theory. Topics covered include graph coloring, trees and searching, network flows, network algorithms and complexity analysis, recurrence relations, functions and relations, generating functions, set theory, and probability. An emphasis will be on proof by induction. Prerequisite: MAT 2100. Three hours.

A study of differential equations using analytical, numerical and graphical techniques. Emphasis is placed on solving first and second order, and systems of differential equations. Various types of differential equations, their solutions and their applications in physical sciences will be studied. Prerequisite: MAT 2250. Three credit hours.

This course builds on the geometric interpretation of vectors and linear equations from Calculus 3 to consider a more abstract view of linear algebra using vector spaces and linear transformations. The history of linear algebra is interspersed throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on real life applications, and technology is used when necessary. Prerequisite: MAT 2250. Three hours.

This is a capstone course for mathematics and mathematics education majors. This course will cover several topics that draw together the various mathematical disciplines, and will portray the global perspective of mainstream mathematics. This course may meet in conjunction with other capstone courses within the science division for a portion of the semester. Prerequisites: declared mathematics or mathematics education major; and MAT 2250. Three hours.

This is the first half of a two-semester course in calculus-based physics suggested for students in the physical sciences and mathematics. Definitions, concepts, and problem solving will be emphasized. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, energy, conservation laws, rotation, harmonic motion, mechanical waves and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: MAT 1230/1240. Students must enroll concurrently in PHY 2250. Four hours.

Designed to support PHY 2240 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

The internship includes activity in a work environment, allowing the student to experience a hands-on opportunity to apply the skills and principles learned in class to a real-world, professional setting. Three hours of credit is given and is equivalent to approximately 120 hours in the work-place (or 40 work hours per credit hour). Students are responsible for providing their own transportation during the duration of the internship opportunity. Prerequisites: MAT 1230/1240, MAT 1250, and MAT 2250 or consent of the instructor. Three hours.

Research in mathematics is designed for students who have excelled in several post-calculus classes and have a desire to investigate the fine details of a topic in an attempt to advance the theory with new theorems, new proofs, or new applications. A student wishing to undertake such a research project must do so under the strict supervision of a faculty member and with the permission of the mathematics program director. The supervising faculty member must be willing to invest significant time into helping the student find appropriate resources, ask appropriate research questions, and seek out coherent answers to the questions asked. This course is intended to give students precursory experience into what a graduate thesis experience would be like. Research in mathematics is a non-repeatable class. Prerequisites: MAT 2200, and permission of mathematics program director. Three hours.

Standard algebra is a study of the arithmetic structure of numbers, and of functions of numbers. There are other objects that we study in mathematics besides numbers, and consequently other arithmetic structures; for example, matrices, functions, and permutations. Abstract algebra is the study of general arithmetic structures, and of functions of these general structures. In this course we study the axioms of group theory and develop the body of theorems associated with these axioms. If time permits, we will also investigate the axioms and theorems of ring theory and field theory. Prerequisite: MAT 2100 or permission of the mathematics program director. Three hours.

Introduction to the fundamental concepts of real analysis. A study of the real number system, limits, sequences, series, convergence, functions, continuity, differentiability, and Riemann integration can all be touched on. Prerequisite: MAT 2100 or permission of the mathematics program director. Three hours.

This course is a thorough investigation of the axioms and theorems of Euclidean geometry. Throughout this course we will also cover several topics in non-Euclidean geometry, symbolic logic, and axiomatic systems in general. This course is designed to thoroughly equip a future high school teacher with the content knowledge needed to successfully teach geometry. Prerequisite: MAT 2100 or permission of the mathematics program director. Three hours

An independent study in mathematics is designed for students who have excelled in several post-calculus classes and desire to study a topic that is not currently available in the curriculum. A student wishing to take an independent study will establish a topic to study and seek out a faculty member to whom he or she will be responsible. Once a topic and a faculty member are determined, permission for the independent study must be obtained from the mathematics program director. Independent study in mathematics is a non-repeatable class. Prerequisites: MAT 2250, availability of professor, and permission of the mathematics program director. Three hours

Standard algebra is a study of the arithmetic structure of numbers, and of functions of numbers. There are other objects that we study in mathematics besides numbers, and consequently other arithmetic structures; for example, matrices, functions, and permutations. Abstract algebra is the study of general arithmetic structures, and of functions of these general structures. In this course we study the axioms of group theory and develop the body of theorems associated with these axioms. If time permits, we will also investigate the axioms and theorems of ring theory and field theory. Prerequisite: MAT 2100 or permission of the mathematics program director. Three hours.

In this course we study the axioms and theorems of probability theory. We study probability distributions of discrete and continuous random variables, and many of their applications. Throughout this course we will use a significant amount of calculus to develop the theory of probability. Material covered in this course is included on Exam P/1 of the SOA/CAS. Prerequisites: MAT 2250 and MAT 2100, or permission of the mathematics program director. Three hours.

Introduction to the fundamental concepts of real analysis. A study of the real number system, limits, sequences, series, convergence, functions, continuity, differentiability, and Riemann integration can all be touched on. Prerequisite: MAT 2100 or permission of the mathematics program director. Three hours.

This course is the study of multivariable statistics on real data sets. Correlation, hypothesis testing and ANOVA are highlights of this class, which require a significant use of calculus. Prerequisites: MAT 2250 and MAT 3200.

This is the second half of a two-semester course in calculus-based physics suggested for students in the physical sciences and mathematics. Definitions, concepts, and problem solving will be emphasized. Topics include electricity and magnetism, (electric and magnetic fields, forces, energy, potential, charged particle motion, induction, and circuits), sound waves and optics. Prerequisite: PHY 2240/2250. Students must enroll concurrently in PHY 2270. Four hours.

Students use an object-oriented programming language to build functional programs that solve specific problems. Three hours.

This is a 3-credit course designed to advance students’ skills in using workbooks, databases, and output capabilities within Microsoft Excel.