DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS

Major in Mathematics | Major in Mathematics - Teacher Certification | Minor in Mathematics | Math Minors | Course Descriptions

CHAIR: Jaimie L. Hebert

PROGRAM COORDINATORS: To be named (Mathematics), Max Coleman (Mathematics Education), Cecil Hallum (Statistics)

FACULTY: Butar, Coleman, Davis, Hallum, Hebert, Huber, Jasper, Jensen, Jones, J. Kirk, Klespis, Konen, Luning, Mattingly, O’Brien, Sanders, Scott, Short, M. Siegel, Wang

Mathematics is a powerful tool for solving practical problems, combining logic and precision with intuition and imagination. The basic goal of mathematics is to reveal and explain patterns – whether the pattern appears as electrical impulses in an animal’s nervous system, as fluctuations in stock market prices, or as fine detail of an abstract geometric figure.

 With so many applications for mathematics in every day life, having trained mathematicians is crucial to our global society. An undergraduate degree in mathematics with an introduction to an appropriate minor field prepares a student for a wide variety of career opportunities which call for analytical and problem solving abilities. The mathematics curriculum is flexible enough to accommodate degree plans that emphasize abstract mathematics, statistics, and mathematics teacher preparation. Moreover, plans may be designed with the goal of beginning a career immediately upon graduation or for continued study in graduate school. Contemporary technology is employed both in the study of mathematics and in instruction.

SCHOLARSHIPS: The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers several scholarships each year and Sam Houston State University offers additional, university-wide scholarships. For information on departmental scholarships, contact the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Information on University scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic Scholarships website or telephone (936) 294-1672.

Curriculum outlines below are typical, but modifications may be made to meet individual student needs. Although study plans usually begin with MTH 142, other courses such as MTH 163 or 170 may sometimes be more appropriate. Students who have completed extensive high school mathematics may be eligible for advanced placement.

Curriculum: Major In Mathematics

BACHELOR OF ARTS

Notes: 1)The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking elementary/middle school teacher certification: MTH 381, 382, 383, 384, 386, and 387. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking secondary teacher certification: 484 and 485.

2) Students should use the minor and advanced general electives to complete the 42-advanced hour requirement for graduation.

Curriculum: Major In Mathematics

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Notes: 1)The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking elementary/middle school teacher certification: MTH 381, 382, 383, 384, 386, and 387. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking secondary teacher certification: 484and 485.

2) Students should use the minor and electives to complete the 42-advanced hour requirement for graduation.

Major in Mathematics with Teacher Certification

For students selecting a Minor as a Second Teaching Field

The requirements include CS 164 or approved substitute, MTH 142, 143, 244, 363, 364, 377, 379, 477, 484, and 485.

For students who do not select a Minor

The requirements include those above, and one of the following options:

OPTION 1: (Analysis Emphasis) MTH 394, 461, and 467.

OPTION 2: (Statistics Emphasis) STA 380, STA 470, and MTH/STA 471.

Minor in Mathematics with Teacher Certification

Middle School Level Certification

Plans must include MTH 184, 185, 284, 285, 383, 384, 386 and 387 or approved substitutes.

Secondary Level Certification

Plans must include MTH 142, 143, 363, 364, 377, 379, 484, 485 and CS 164 or approved substitutes.

Teacher Certification

In addition to the listed degree requirements, the following courses must be completed for teacher certification. Several of these courses may be taken as electives or to partially complete existing degree requirements.

SED 374, 383, 394, 464, 480, 496, and 497

RDG 392, SCM 384

Minor in Mathematics without Teacher Certification

Minors in mathematics must include MTH 142, 143 and one of the following: MTH 244 and 6 semester hours of advanced mathematics (no more than 3 hours of courses cross listed with STA), or 10 semester hours of advanced mathematics (no more than 3 hours of courses cross listed with STA). Prerequisites should be carefully noted. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking elementary/middle school teacher certification: MTH 381, 382, 383, 384, 386, and 387. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking secondary teacher certification: 484 and 485.

A student’s major program of study may also impose requirements on a minor in mathematics. Thus, the selection of courses for a mathematics minor should be made with the counsel of both the major advisor and a mathematics advisor.

MATHEMATICS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

NOTE: THEA requirements for mathematics courses are published in the current Schedule of Classes. These requirements are in addition to any prerequisites listed below.

MTH 031D DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS I. This course deals with fundamental operations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents, ratio and proportion, interpretation of graphs, geometry, and introductory algebra including axioms and properties of the real number system, fundamental operations involving algebraic expressions, first and second degree equations and inequalities in one unknown. Credit in this course may not be applied toward graduation or classification of students by hours completed.

MTH 032D DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS II. This course covers products and factoring of polynomials, algebraic fractions, exponents and radicals, quadratic equations, functions and graphs, applications and systems of equations. Credit in this course may not be applied toward graduation or classification of students by hours completed.

MTH 142, 143, 244 This sequence of courses is a unified introduction to the fundamental concepts, skills, and applications of calculus and analytic geometry.

MTH 142 CALCULUS I. [MATH 2413] Topics include limits and continuity, the derivative, techniques for differentiation of algebraic, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions, applications of the derivative and anti-differentiation. Prerequisite: MTH 163 or high school equivalent. Credit 4.

MTH 143 CALCULUS II. [MATH 2414] Topics include the definite integral and its applications, techniques of integration, improper integrals, Taylor’s formula and infinite series. Prerequisite: MTH 142 with a grade of C or better. Credit 4.

MTH 163 PLANE TRIGONOMETRY. [MATH 1316] Topics include coordinate systems, circular functions, solutions of triangles, identities, trigonometric equations, and inverse functions. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 164 COLLEGE MATHEMATICS. [MATH 1332] This course is designed to meet the objectives of Component area 2 of the core curriculum for non-business and nonscience related majors. Topics may include sets, counting principles, probability, logic, linear algebra, linear programming, mathematics of finance, geometry, and calculus. Applications are emphasized. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 169 ELEMENTARY STATISTICS. [MATH 1342] This is a survey course in elementary statistics designed to acquaint students with the role of statistics in society. Coverage includes graphical descriptive methods, measures of central tendency and variation, the basic concepts of statistical inference, the notion of estimators, confidence intervals, and tests of hypotheses. Also offered as STA 169. Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra. Credit 3.

MTH 170 PRE CALCULUS ALGEBRA. [MATH 2312] Topics include a brief review of introductory algebra, variation, elementary theory of equations, functions (including exponential and logarithmic), inequalities, systems of equations, and other related topics. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 184 INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS I. [MATH 1350] Topics include a study of sets, systems of numeration, natural numbers, integers, number theory and rational numbers. Credit in this course is applicable only toward elementary/middle school certification. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 185 INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS II. [MATH 1351] Topics include basic notions of Euclidean Geometry in 2 and 3 dimensions, concepts of congruence and similarity, transformational geometry and measurement. Credit in this course is applicable only toward elementary/middle school certification. Prerequisites: MTH 184 with a grade of C or better. Credit 3.

MTH 199 MATHEMATICS FOR MANAGERIAL DECISION MAKING I. [MATH 1324] Topics include a review of introductory algebra, equations, relations, functions, graphs, linear programming, systems of equations and matrices, and mathematics of finance. Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry. Credit 3.

MTH 244 CALCULUS III. [MATH 2415] This course includes the study of the calculus of functions of several variables and topics in vector calculus including line and surface integrals, Green’s Theorem, Divergence Theorem, and Stoke’s Theorem. Prerequisite: MTH 143 with a grade of C or better. Credit 4.

MTH 284 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS. The emphasis of this course is on functions and their multiple representations including linear, polynomial, logarithmic, exponential and logistic functions. Prerequisite: MTH 185 with grade of C or better. This course may be applied only toward elementary school teacher certification. Normally offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer I. Credit 3.

MTH 285 FUNDAMENTALS OF CALCULUS. This course provides an introduction to the concepts and applications of calculus. This course may be applied only toward elementary school teacher certification. Prerequisite: MTH 284. Normally offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer II. Credit 3.

MTH 299 MATHEMATICS FOR MANAGERIAL DECISION MAKING II. [MATH 1325] Topics include differential and integral calculus with applications in areas such as business and economics. Prerequisite: MTH 199 or 170. Credit 3.

MTH 363 EUCLIDEAN GEOMETRY. This course consists of a modern development of Euclidean geometry and a limited introduction to non-Euclidean geometry. Prerequisite: MTH 364 or consent of instructor. Normally offered in Fall and Summer II. Credit 3.

MTH 364 INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL THOUGHT. This course includes an introduction to sets, logic, the axiomatic method and proof. Prerequisite: MTH 143 or consent of instructor. Normally offered in the Spring and Summer I. Credit 3.

MTH 376 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS. This course, in conjunction with MTH 476, is intended to develop a basic competence in areas of mathematics that are used in solving problems from the physical sciences. This first course emphasizes the general solution of ordinary differential equations, including the Laplace transform and infinite series methods. Prerequisite: MTH 244 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Fall. Credit 3.

MTH 377 INTRODUCTION TO LINEAR ALGEBRA AND MATRICES. Topics include systems of linear equations, vector spaces, matrix operations, and linear transformations and their matrices. Prerequisite: MTH 143. Normally offered in the Spring and Summer II. Credit 3.

MTH 379 STATISTICAL METHODS IN PRACTICE. Topics include organization and presentation of data, measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, probability distributions for discrete and continuous random variables, sampling techniques, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. Emphasis will be given to the use of the MINITAB statistics package. Also offered as STA 379. Prerequisites: 3 semester hours of mathematics and consent of instructor. Normally offered in the Fall, Spring, Summer I. Credit 3.

MTH 381 INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS III. Topics include probability, data analysis, discrete mathematics, and problem solving. Credit in this course is applicable only toward elementary/middle school certification. Prerequisite: C or better in MTH 184. Normally offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer I. Credit 3.

MTH 382 FOUNDATIONS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS. Topics include relations, functions, coordinate geometry, logic, and history of mathematics. Credit in this course is applicable only toward middle school certification. Prerequisite: C or better in MTH 184. Normally offered in the Fall and Spring. Credit 3.

MTH 383 GEOMETRIC MEASURE AND TRANSFORMATIONS. Topics included in this course are measurement in one, two, and three dimensions, the metric system, transformational geometry, congruencies, similarities, geometric constructions, and coordinate systems. This course may be applied only toward middle school certification. Prerequisite: MTH 285 or equivalent. Normally offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer I of odd numbered years. Credit 3.

MTH 384 FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS. This course includes an introduction to logic, concepts of proof, proof techniques, induction, and sets. It may be applied only toward middle school certification. Prerequisite: MTH 285 or equivalent. Normally offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer I of even numbered years. Credit 3.

MTH 386 FUNDAMENTALS OF PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS. This course provides an introduction to probability and descriptive statistics, including regression and the construction and interpretation of tables, graphs, and charts. Calculator techniques related to the above topics will be incorporated into the course. This course may be applied only toward middle school certification. Prerequisite: MTH 285. Normally offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer II of even numbered years. Credit 3.

MTH 387 PROBLEM SOLVING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS. Topics and projects in mathematical problem-solving appropriate for the middle or junior high school mathematics specialist designed to meet individual student needs and interests. The course may be applied only toward middle school certification. Prerequisite: MTH 284 or equivalent. Normally offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer II of odd numbered years. Credit 3.

MTH 394 NUMERICAL METHODS. Topics include interpolation, approximations, solutions of equations, and the solution of both linear and nonlinear systems of equations. Also offered as CS 394. Prerequisites: CS 164 and MTH 143 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Spring. Credit 3.

MTH 396 OPERATIONS RESEARCH I. Techniques for the application of the scientific method to decision making in business and government are presented through the formulation and interpretation of mathematical models for various specific real life problems. Normally offered in the Fall. Prerequisite: MTH 299 or 143. Credit 3.

MTH 461 INTRODUCTORY ANALYSIS. This course consists of a more thorough treatment of the material traditionally considered in elementary calculus. Topics include sets, functions, properties of the real number system and sequences. Prerequisite: MTH 364 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Fall. Credit 3.

MTH 466 ELEMENTARY ANALYSIS. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, Riemann integration, infinite series and sequences and series of functions. Prerequisite: MTH 461 or consent of instructor. Normally offered in the Spring. Credit 3.

MTH 467 THE EVOLUTION OF MATHEMATICS. An introduction to the historical development of fundamental mathematical ideas from antiquity to the present. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Normally offered in Spring. Credit 3.

MTH 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS. Normally, this course consists of readings and individual research appropriate for the undergraduate level with subject matter for study selected by mutual agreement of student and supervisor. However, special classes may be organized when there is sufficient student interest in a particular project. Prerequisites: 6 semester hours of advanced Mathematics and consent of instructor. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog. Credit 3.

MTH 471 THEORY AND APPLICATIONS OF PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS I. Topics include basic concepts and properties of probability, random variables, statistical distributions, measures of central tendency, variance, covariance, correlation, functions of random variables, sampling distributions, and the Central Limit Theorem. Also offered as STA 471. Prerequisite: MTH 143. Normally offered in the Fall. Credit 3.

MTH 472 THEORY AND APPLICATIONS OF PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS II. Topics include multivariate, conditional and marginal distributions, point and interval estimation, theory of estimation, maximum likelihood estimates, hypothesis testing, likelihood ratio tests, contingency analysis, and nonparametric statistics. Also offered as STA 472. Prerequisites: MTH 244 and STA 471. Normally offered in the Spring. Credit 3.

MTH 476 TOPICS IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS I. This course, in conjunction with MTH 376, is intended to develop a basic competence in areas of mathematics that are used in solving problems from the physical sciences. Topics will be selected from partial differential equations, multivariable and vector calculus, and complex analysis. Prerequisite: MTH 376 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Spring. Credit 3.

MTH 477 ALGEBRAIC STRUCTURES. Topics include groups, rings, fields, finite groups and Abelian groups. Prerequisite: MTH 364 or consent of the instructor. Normally offered in the Fall. Credit 3.

MTH 484 A SURVEY OF MATHEMATICAL IDEAS. This course is designed to bring together and supplement the technical material of other mathematics courses in the mathematics teacher-education program and relate it to the mathematics curriculum of the secondary school. This course may be applied only toward teacher certification. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Normally offered in the Spring and Summer I. Credit 3.

MTH 485 MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING. This course focuses on solving mathematical problems including the use of proof as well as graphical and numerical methods. It extends and connects concepts from algebra, geometry, and calculus, including functions, graphs, complex numbers and number systems. This course may be applied only toward teacher certification. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in mathematics. Normally offered in the Fall. Credit 3.